(1)
Breeding bulls may be imported into the state of Washington if they meet the following requirements:
(a) The bulls originate from a herd wherein all bulls have tested negative for bovine trichomoniasis since they were removed from female cattle; and
(b) The bulls have tested negative to a bovine trichomoniasis culture test within thirty days before import and have had no contact with female cattle from the time of the test to the time of import; or
(c) If the bulls originate from a herd where one or more bulls or cows have been found infected with bovine trichomoniasis
within the past twelve months, the bulls must have three consecutive negative bovine trichomoniasis culture tests one week apart or one negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The samples for each test must be collected within thirty days before cattle are imported into Washington state, and an import permit must be obtained from the director and include a certifying statement that the bulls originated from an infected herd.
(2) Before arrival at their destination in Washington state, all imported bulls must be identified with official identification or an official trichomoniasis bangle tag.
(3) Bulls that enter Washington state without meeting the bovine trichomoniasis requirements of this section will be quarantined at the owner's expense until they have had three consecutive negative bovine trichomoniasis culture tests one week apart or one negative PCR test.
(4)(a) Any bull or cow that is positive to a trichomoniasis culture test, and any herd in which one or more bulls or cows are found infected with trichomoniasis is considered infected.
(b) In the case of bulls testing positive to trichomoniasis, the herd shall be quarantined pending an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection, and as long as infection persists in the herd.
(c) Infected bulls will be quarantined and will not be used for breeding. They must be slaughtered, sold for slaughter, or sent to a restricted feedlot to remain in slaughter channels.
(5)
Certification and proficiency testing and types of tests. The state veterinarian will determine trichomoniasis training for veterinarians and laboratories, and the types of tests used to determine trichomoniasis infection.
(a) Only veterinarians registered with WSDA shall collect samples for official tests for trichomoniasis. Prior to being granted registered status, all veterinarians who will collect samples for trichomoniasis testing shall attend an educational seminar conducted by the animal services division on trichomoniasis and proper sample collection techniques.
(b) Registered veterinarians shall only utilize official laboratories recognized by the state veterinarian for culture of trichomoniasis samples.
(c) Registered veterinarians shall submit results of all trichomoniasis tests and all official identification on official trichomoniasis test and report forms to the animal services division within five business days of receiving test results from an official laboratory or identifying virgin bulls with official trichomoniasis bangle tags.
(d)(i) Polymerase chain reaction is accepted as an official test when completed by a qualified laboratory approved by the director and when the sample is received by the laboratory within forty-eight hours of collection.
(ii) Other tests for trichomoniasis may be approved as official tests by the state veterinarian after the tests have been proven effective by research, have been evaluated sufficiently to determine efficacy, and a protocol for use of the test has been established.
(iii) An official test is one in which the sample is received in the official laboratory in good condition within forty-eight hours of collection. Samples in transit for more than forty-eight hours will not be accepted for official testing and must be discarded. Samples that have been frozen or exposed to high temperatures must also be discarded.
Exemptions to bovine trichomoniasis test requirements. (6)
Virgin bulls are exempt from bovine trichomoniasis test requirements. If sold, virgin bulls must be accompanied by a certificate signed by the owner or the owner's designee that they have had no breeding contact with female cattle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 16.36.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 08-14-057, § 16-54-086, filed 6/25/08, effective 7/26/08.]