Maryland Department of Agriculture

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's (MDA), Animal Health Program strives to safeguard Maryland's animal industries at our Fairs and Shows. With an increased potential of disease transmission occurring when large numbers of animals gather for exhibition, MDA has set forth requirements for exhibitors to follow at Maryland Fairs and Shows. As an exhibitor you can help reduce the potential risk of introduction and spread of infectious and/or contagious diseases by following the species specific health requirements as below.

The major change for this year is that there is no requirement for review, approval and stamping of the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection prior to the animals going to the fair, show or exhibition. For more information, see "Policy Changes for 2012 Fair and Show Intrastate CVIs"

 

1. Notification: Notification shall be made to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Animal Health Section Headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, of intent to sponsor an event that includes the exhibition of animals at least 60 days before the proposed event. Click here to download the Notification Form for Livestock/Poultry Exhibition
2. Reporting: Sponsors must report to the Department any animal from the exhibition suspected of having or showing obvious, apparent, or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease and/or deaths; or exclude from the exhibition premises any animal having obvious, apparent, or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease.
3. Exemptions: Exemptions of this regulation may be granted. (Refer to COMAR 15.11.14.05)

 

1. Exhibitor Requirements: Exhibitors at state, county, and district fairs, along with other livestock exhibitions, expositions, and shows are required to comply with regulatory provisions of the State of Maryland relating to animal health as noted in COMAR 15.11.14.04-06. These requirements are summarized below.
2. Requirements Apply to All Livestock: Livestock - means those species of animals used for human food or fiber or those species of animals used for service to humans. This includes but not limited to cattle, sheep, new world camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos), goats, bison, privately owned cervids, ratites (cassowaries, kiwis, ostriches, and emus), swine, equine, poultry, aquaculture, and rabbits. Livestock does not include dogs and cats.
3. Documentation: Documentation is required for entry of all livestock and is described below. Examples of forms can be obtained by clicking on links. For out of state animals, see species specific out of state requirements.

   Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection - a legible record, made on an official form of the state of origin, issued by an accredited veterinarian, issued for animals being imported to or exported from this state within 30 days before the importation or exportation of the animals it describes which shows that the animals listed thereon meet the health requirements of the state of destination.
   Intrastate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection - a legible record, made on an official form of the state of origin, issued by an accredited veterinarian, issued for animals being shown within the state and not crossing a state line, which shows that the animals listed thereon meet the health requirements of that state. In Maryland, good for entire show season (Jan 1-Dec 31).
   Self Certification - a document signed by the owner/caretaker/transporter stating that the animals presented for exhibition are not showing any signs of, or having recent exposure to (within 21 days) infectious or contagious diseases. See species specific requirement for copies of species specific Self Certification Forms.
   Test Report Forms - Testing is required for some species. Examples are shown below:
   Avian Influenza Testing Report
   Pullorum-Typhoid Testing Report
   Coggins Test Report (Equine Infectious Anemia)
   Maryland Poultry Premises Identification - All premises with poultry are required to be registered in Maryland.

4. Livestock with clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases or external parasites, such as but not limited to; active lesions of ringworm with resulting loss of hair, sore mouth, caseous lymphadenitis, mange or multiple warts easily visible without close examination, are not permitted entry or allowed to remain at the exhibition.
5. Upon request, a person who exhibits livestock shall present for inspection all reports, test charts, and appropriate health certificates required to accompany the livestock.
6. All Maryland entries must be accompanied by an Intrastate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for show, except Equine, Poultry and Rabbits. The Intrastate CVI is valid for the entire show season (Jan 1 - Dec. 31), providing that the status of the herd or animal(s) does not change.
7. The Intrastate CVI must be filled out, completed and signed by an accredited veterinarian using the proper CVI form. The veterinarian is required to send the original top (white) copy to MDA Headquarters, the middle (yellow) transport copy is to be retained by the owner of the livestock and the last (pink) copy is for the veterinarian's records.
8. All out-of-state entries must be accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. An APPROVED copy of this certificate must be forwarded by the State of Origin to the Animal Health Section. The Interstate CVI is valid for 30 days from the date of inspection.
9. Each animal must be properly identified on the Intrastate or Interstate CVI.
10. Self-Certification forms must be filled out within 24 hours prior to loading and presented upon request to the designated representative.

In addition to the general requirements above, specific requirements by species are shown below:

All Cattle: General Requirements:
Identification:
Individual identification of each animal shall be a legible tattoo, official metal ear tag or registration number.

Maryland Cattle
Brucellosis: Maryland is a Bovine Brucellosis Class-Free State. Brucellosis testing is not required for Maryland cattle.

Tuberculosis: Maryland is an Accredited Tuberculosis-Free State. Tuberculin test is not required for Maryland cattle.

Immunization:
Bovine Respiratory Complex is required on all Maryland cattle to include Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Parainfluenza. Leptospirosis is recommended.

Out-of-State Cattle

Brucellosis:

1. Bovine Brucellosis Class Free State, Region or Zone
   1. No brucellosis test required
2. Non-Bovine Brucellosis Class Free State, Region or Zone
   1. Be official vaccinates under 24 months old with vaccination dates recorded on the Interstate CVI, or
   2. Be tested negative within 30 days before entry

Tuberculosis:

1. Accredited Tuberculosis Free States, Region or Zone
   1. No tuberculin test required.
2. Modified Accredited Advanced or lower Tuberculosis Free Areas or States (Not TB Free)
   1. All cattle over 6 months of age shall comply with the following:
      1. Cattle must originate from a herd where a complete herd test was conducted within the past 12 months; progeny from such herds born since that test may be imported without a tuberculin test, or
      2. Any individual animal, over 6 months, entering Maryland must have a negative tuberculin test within 60 days before import.
   2. Status of herd and area must be shown on certificate.

 

Maryland Swine

Identification:

1. Swine shall be identified by an official ear tag, tattoo or recognized breed ear notch.
2. Ear notch identification is acceptable for barrows, crossbred gilts and breeding swine.

Brucellosis:
Maryland is a Brucellosis Class-Free State. Brucellosis testing is not required for Maryland swine.

Tuberculosis:
Maryland is an Accredited Tuberculosis-Free State. Tuberculin test is not required for Maryland swine.

Immunization:
Leptospirosis is recommended.

Out-of-State Swine

Identification:

1. Individually identified by an official ear tag, tattoo or recognized breed ear notch.
2. Ear notch identification is not acceptable for crossbred animals

Brucellosis:

1. All swine, expect barrows, 6 months of age and older shall be negative to an official test for brucellosis within 30 days prior to exhibition entry, or originate directly from a validated brucellosis-free herd.

Pseudorabies:

1. Swine over 6 months of age shall be negative to an official test for Pseudorabies conducted within 30 days prior to exhibition entry, or originate immediately and directly from a qualified Pseudorabies negative herd.

Immunization:

1. Leptospirosis is recommended

All Sheep: General Requirements

Identification
Individual identification of each animal shall be by an official USDA scrapie ear tattoo or official metal or plastic tag. A microchip ID is acceptable if the owner provides the reader. Ear tattoos may be used when a registration certificate, listing the tattoo number, accompanies the animal. When using an ear tag, the tag must indicate the premises ID and state of origin. The tag number must be assigned by a state or APHIS representative and recorded in the Scrapie Record Database. Contact the USDA at 410-349-9708 for ear tags.

Maryland and Out of State Sheep
No additional requirements.

Market Lambs
It is recommended that all lambs be slick shorn prior to entry for inspection for club lamb fungus.

All Goats: General Requirements
Identification
Individual identification of each animal shall be by an official USDA scrapie ear tattoo or official metal or plastic tag. A microchip ID is acceptable if the owner provides the reader. Tattoos may be used when a registration certificate, listing the tattoo number, accompanies the animal. When using an ear tag, the tag must indicate the premises ID and state of origin. The tag number must be assigned by a state or APHIS representative and recorded in the Scrapie Record Database. Ears should be used for tattooing when possible. If there is no space in the ear, the flank or tail fold may be used. Contact the USDA at 410-349-9708 for ear tags.

Maryland Goats

Brucellosis:
Maryland is a Brucellosis Class-Free State. Brucellosis testing is not required for Maryland goats.

Tuberculosis:
Maryland is an Accredited Tuberculosis-Free State. Tuberculin test is not required for Maryland goats.

Out-of-State Goats

Tuberculosis:

1. Accredited Tuberculosis Free States, Region or Zone
   1. No tuberculin test required.
2. Modified Accredited Advanced or lower Tuberculosis Free Areas or States (Not TB Free)
   1. All goats over 6 months of age shall comply with the following:
      1. Goats must originate from herds in which all animals are tested negative within past 12 months; progeny from such herds born since that test, may be imported without a tuberculin test, or
      2. Any individual animal entering Maryland must have a negative tuberculin test within 60 days before import.
   2. Status of herd and area must be shown on certificate

 

All Equine: General Requirements
Identification: Individual identification shall include the following as applicable; name, registration number, tattoo or brand, breed, age, sex, color and markings if present.

Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins):
All equine for exhibition shall be accompanied by a valid Coggins Test done within 12 months prior to exhibition entry.

Self Certification Requirement and Exemption:

An Exhibitor's Self Certification of Animal Health is required for each equine entering a fair/show-type event where multiple livestock species are present. The form must be available for inspection if requested. Those participating in equine-only shows and events are exempt from this requirement; however, it is good practice to thoroughly double check the health and skin condition of the animal before departing for the event. The form provides an easy checklist to do this. Exhibitors may not bring an animal having apparent or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease to a show.

Maryland Equine

1. All horses and other equidae, 9 months of age and older, shall be accompanied by a negative test for equine infectious anemia (EIA) made within the 12 months before the date of the event. A copy of this test shall accompany every animal.
2. A CVI is not required for Maryland equine

Out-of-State Equine

1. All horses and other equidae, 9 months of age and older, shall be accompanied by a negative test for equine infectious anemia (EIA) made within the 12 months before the date of the event. A copy of this test shall accompany every animal.
2. All horses and other equidae shall be accompanied by a CVI issued within 30 days prior to entry.
3. The following contiguous states and New Jersey are exempted from the CVI requirement: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

 

All Poultry - General Requirements

1. Identification: All poultry entering an exhibition shall be identified with a numbered leg or wing band.
2. Testing: All poultry for exhibition shall meet the requirements for Avian Influenza and Pullorum-Typhoid testing.
3. All poultry exhibitors shall complete a Poultry Exhibitor's Self Certification of Animal Health.

Maryland Poultry

1. Premise Registration: All poultry exhibitors must have valid proof of a registered Maryland Poultry Premises ID Number.
2. All poultry except waterfowl, pigeons and doves shown at public exhibitions in this state shall meet one or more of the following requirements:
1. Originate directly from a U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean flock as defined in Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and all amendments to that publication thereafter adopted pursuant to rules that the director may promulgate, OR
2. Have a negative official test for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid within 90 days before entry to exhibition. Poultry must remain segregated from any untested birds after a partial flock test.
3. Documentation of test results on MDA - E20, VS form 9-2, VS form 9-3 or comparable form.
4. All poultry except pigeons and doves must have negative avian influenza test conducted on at least 10 birds from their flock (or complete flock if fewer than 10) on official test within 90 days prior to event.

Out-of-State Poultry

1. All poultry except waterfowl, pigeons and doves shown at public exhibitions in this state shall meet one or more of the following requirements:
1. Originate directly from a U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean flock as defined in Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and all amendments to that publication thereafter adopted pursuant to rules that the director may promulgate, OR
2. Have a negative official test for Salmonella Pullorum-Typhoid within 90 days before fair, exhibitions, exposition, or show facility and remain segregated from all poultry of unknown or positive salmonella Pullorum-Typhoid test status.
2. Documentation of test results on MDA - E20, VS form 9-2, VS form 9-3 or comparable form
3. All poultry except pigeons and doves must have negative Avian Influenza test conducted on at least 30 birds from their flock (or complete flock if fewer than 30) on official test within 10 days prior to event.

 

All Rabbits: General Requirements

1. See: 2012 Rabbit Waiver - Rabbits are not required to have an Interstate or Intrastate CVI.

2. All Rabbits for exhibition shall complete a Rabbit Exhibitor's Self Certification of Animal Health.

 

Maryland and Out-of-State Rabbits
No additional requirements

All Camelids: General Requirements

Identification: Individual identification of each animal shall be a legible tattoo, official metal ear tag or registration number.

Maryland Camelids
Brucellosis
Brucellosis testing is not required for Maryland camelids.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculin test is not required for Maryland camelids.

Out-Of-State Camelids
Brucellosis
Brucellosis testing is not required for out-of-state camelids.

Tuberculosis
All Camelids, including castrates, 6 months or older, shall meet at least one of the following requirements to be eligible for exhibition:

1. Originate directly from a herd not under restriction or quarantine for tuberculosis and from which all animals have tested negative for tuberculosis within the past 12 months; or
2. Have a negative individual Tuberculin test documented within 60 days of exhibition.

PLEASE NOTE:

*Maryland Law provides penalties for violations of Animal Health Law and Regulations.

*Livestock failing to meet Health Requirements will be denied entry or removed from the exhibition - “REJECTED”. See policy below:

Animal Health Rejection Policy

Animal rejections for health reasons can be made by MDA Animal Health veterinarians or field inspectors, private veterinarians contracted by the show, UM Extension employees or individuals designated by fair or show ‘responsible person’.

Suspicion of communicable disease is adequate grounds for rejection. Confirmed diagnosis is not required, since timely removal of suspicious animals is required by law to protect the remaining animals. If it is believed that there is a potentially serious communicable disease present, all animals originating with the suspect animal may be rejected. Vesicular diseases are of particular concern.

All decisions are final. All parties involved will be notified of all rejections and the exhibitor is responsible for removal of the animal(s) from the grounds immediately.

 

 

QUESTIONS???

If you have any questions or are unsure of any of these animal health requirements for Maryland fairs and shows, please contact the MDA Animal Health Headquarters Office or Diagnostic Laboratory during normal business hours.

MDA Animal Health Program Headquarters:
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401 (410)-841-5810

Frederick Animal Health Lab:
1840 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD  21702 (301)-600-1548

Salisbury Animal Health Lab:
27722 Nanticoke Rd., Salisbury, MD  21801 (410)-543-6610