Wyoming Livestock Board receives updates, votes on rule renewal

With Chapter 22 rules governing livestock dealers and order buyers scheduled to sunset, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) voted unanimously to renew the legislation and received several updates during a Jan. 11 teleconference meeting.

“The Legislative Services Office made me aware that the statute sunsets on June 30, 2016,” says WLSB Director Steve True. “The rules were brought in the General Session in 2005, and they were rejected on third reading. The bill unanimously passed in the 2006 Budget Session.”

Specifically, Wyoming Statute 11-22-118 is set to be repealed by Laws 2006 Chapter 27 Section One as of June 30. The statute requires livestock dealers to register with the WLSB and maintain records.

Board members inquired as to why a sunset date was included in the legislation, and the answer was unclear. However, Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan noted that the provisions enable disease traceability.

“The primary reason for the statute was to enable disease traces,” Logan explained. “This law increases our ability to trace those livestock that have been accumulated by dealers through numerous sources, commingled and then dispersed to other numerous sources.”

The provision was renewed by a unanimous vote.

During the meeting, the WLSB also received a brief update on joint efforts with the tribes. During the May meeting of the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Wildlife Resources, the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes inquired as to systems to institute brand inspection and livestock theft enforcement.

“During the Tribal Relations Committee meeting, we were asked to present our take on earlier meetings,” True explained. “Fremont County Sheriff Skip Hornecker, Dr. Logan and I recommended that we don’t document anything or write any letters until the Tribal Councils come to a resolution.”

There has been no progress in the effort recently.

Logan also updated the Board on several pending brucellosis cases in the state. Two cattle herds, one in Park County and one in Sublette County, were identified as positive for brucellosis in late 2015.

“All four contact herds in Park County and Sublette County have been tested, are negative and have been released from quarantine,” Logan explained.

The first whole-herd test on the Sublette County herd has been conducted, and results are pending. In addition, the Park County herd will be tested for a second time next week.

The WLSB is also planning to release Chapters 13 and 15 of their rules for public comment a second time soon. Following the close of public comments, the Board will meet to make a final decision on the rules.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.