PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-86 WAC, Cattle and bison diseases in Washington state.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 16.36 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Washington state has seen an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases from cattle importing into the state. The United States Department of Agriculture's TB Uniform Methods and Rules now have standards for TB responder detection rates for private practitioners performing caudal fold testing. Washington must meet these standards to assure proper testing measures are in place to protect the industry. Therefore, the Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) is considering developing a rule proposal to add a section within chapter 16-86 WAC that would require training for private practitioners who perform TB testing.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: WSDA staff will develop the rule proposal with the help of industry input. Interested parties will be given the opportunity to participate during the public hearing and public comment process.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lynn Briscoe, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 902-1987, fax (360) 902-2087, e-mail lbriscoe@agr.wa.gov.
September 19, 2008
Lynn M. Briscoe
Special Assistant to
the State Veterinarian