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Cervids (Deer Elk)

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Cervids include: deer, elk, moose and reindeer.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) registers and inspects all Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) susceptible farmed (captive) cervid facilities, regardless of the type of operation -hobby, breeding or hunting. CWD-susceptible species include: white-tailed deer, elk, red deer, sika, Japanese deer, spotted deer, mule deer, reindeer, wapiti, moose and hybrids of these species.

Owners of CWD-susceptible species must comply with the standards for either the registered herd program or the certification herd program.

Registered Herd Program

The Registered Herd Program establishes minimum requirements for all known CWD-susceptible species. This program does not apply to herds in commercial trade because it does not meet interstate shipping requirements and herds do not gain CWD status.

CWD Registered Herd Fact Sheet (PDF)
Requirements
  • Herd locations must be registered with BOAH (Premises ID)
    • Indiana Premises Registration Form Online
    • Indiana Premises Registration Form PDF
  • Each animal must have two forms of ID, an official ID tag and a unique secondary ID
    • Identification must be applied when the animal is restrained for any reason such as: testing, vaccinating or treatment
  • Maintain current inventory records
  • Appropriate fencing used for species
  • Annual inspection and inventory reconciliation by BOAH

Not required to collect CWD samples on farmed cervids that die, are harvested or slaughtered.


Certification Herd Program

The Certification Herd Program is voluntary and provides a higher herd health rating than the "Registered Program" status.

CWD Herd Certification Program Fact Sheet (PDF)
Certification Herd Program Application

The Certification Herd Program is required for herds with animals moving interstate and/or in commercial trade.

Requirements:
  • Herd Location(s) registered with BOAH (premises ID)
    • Indiana Premises Registration Form Online
    • Indiana Premises Registration Form PDF
  • Each animal must have two forms of ID, an official ID tag and a unique secondary ID
  • All animals must be identified before 12 months of age
  • Maintain current inventory records
  • Test results for all deceased cervids must be maintained with herd records
  • Minimum 8-foot tall fence which prevents egress and ingress of cervids
  • Annual inspection and inventory reconciliation by BOAH
  • Physical inventory every third year

Must collect and submit CWD samples from all farmed cervids older than 1 year of age that die, are harvested or slaughtered.

Moving Into Indiana (Import Requirements)


Click here for requirements to import cervids into Indiana.

All CWD-susceptible cervid species must obtain a pre-entry permit from the Indiana State Veterinarian that authorizes the movement.

Pre-Entry Permit Application:  Download/Fillable PDF

The pre-entry permit application must be submitted to the State Veterinarian at least 5 business days before the projected movement date.

Import Requirements for Carcasses, Meat and Other Parts
Click here for entry requirements for cervid carcasses, meat and other parts hunted in another state.

  • Click here for information on other states' carcass import regulations.

Moving Within Indiana (In-State Movement Requirements)


Cervids 12 months of age or older must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Test negative for tuberculosis within 90 days prior to movement.
  2. Originate from an accredited tuberculosis-free herd.
  3. Test negative as part of a whole herd test within the last year.

Cervids must have two forms of ID, an official ID tag and a unique secondary ID.

Movements Out of Indiana


Before moving animals to another state, always call the state-of-destination for that state's requirements. Click here for a list of other state animal health offices.