Importation of Cattle into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Except when eligible for an exemption described in 330 CMR 4.04(7), anyone bringing cattle into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must meet the requirements in 330 CMR 4.04(1) through (6): (1) Notice. Notify the Department in advance of the approximate number of cattle, each animal's origin, and the date that the cattle will arrive in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (2) Health Certificate. Ensure that the cattle are accompanied throughout transport by the shipping copy of a Valid Health Certificate, and ensure that an official copy of the Valid Health Certificate is forwarded to the Department promptly following approval by the Chief Livestock Health Official in the state of origin. 4.04: continued (3) Transport. In order to meet the import requirements of 330 CMR 4.04, cattle may not be transported in any vehicle containing cattle that do not meet these requirements. (4) Quarantine. All cattle coming into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without meeting the requirements in 330 CMR 4.04(1) through (3) are hereby declared to be quarantined and must be held at the risk and expense of the owner until released in writing by the Department. (5) Testing of Cattle Imported in Violation of Health Certificate Requirements. Any animal brought into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which is neither consigned for Immediate Slaughter nor accompanied by the shipping copy of a Valid Health Certificate must be held and tested by a federally-accredited veterinarian at the expense of the animal's owner or possessor. The Department shall determine which tests are required. (6) Retesting. The Department may require any animal to be retested after entry into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for tuberculosis, brucellosis, and/or any other contagious disease as deemed necessary by the Department. (7) Exemptions. Cattle going to Immediate Slaughter are exempt from the notice, Health Certificate and testing requirements of 330 CMR 4.04 if they are accompanied by a USDA waybill and have Official ID or backtags. Cattle intended for exhibition purposes only are exempt from the notice requirements of 330 CMR 4.04.