Department of Livestock

Caribou/Reindeer (Rangifer terandus)
Elk (Cervis elaphus)
Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Muntjacs (Muntiacus reevesi)
Pronghorn/Antelope (Antelocapra americana)
White-tail Deer (Odocoileus viginianus)

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and Permit
• Can be imported only to a Montana licensed alternative livestock ranch.
• All animals MUST be individually identified by an official metal USDA tag.
  • "Ranch tags are not official tags."
  • Obtain and put all tag numbers for shipment on permit.
• Must meet all general alternative livestock import requirements, click here.

• Tuberculosis (TB):
  • Individual animals must have a negative single strength cervical TB test within 90 days of entry AND must originate directly from a herd that has been tested negative in its entirety within the last 12 months or previous (365 days) using the single strength cervical test OR 2 negative TB tests 90 days apart.
  • Modified Accredited States (Michigan) - Cervids originating from Modified Accredited States must have two negative TB tests 90 to 120 days apart. The second TB test must be within 60 days of shipment to Montana.
• Brucellosis:
  • All sexes, 6 months and over, must have a negative 30 day Brucella test, even class free origin.
  • Two of the following tests must be run: Rivanol, Card, FPA, or CF
  • Quarantine retest at destination in 30-120 days in Montana.
  • Reindeer/Caribou must originate from a Brucellosis free herd and test negative within 30 days of transport.
  • Elk cannot be Brucellosis vaccinated.
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):
  • Wild or captive cervids may not be imported or transported from an area where CWD is endemic or has been diagnosed. The exporting herd must have completed a minimum of 60 months CWD surveillance approved by the Montana State Veterinarian. For more information call 406-444-9525.
• Purity Test - Elk Only:
  • Each animal must be tested and certified as genetically free of Red Deer Genes. This certification must appear on the face of the veterinary inspection certificate.
• Origination of White-Tailed Deer Restrictions:
  • Animals must originate directly from states lying wholly west of the 100th meridian (CO, MT, NM, WY and further west may be permitted).
  • All animals in the shipment must be certified free of meningeal worm parasites and dorsal spined larvae.
• Origination of Reindeer/Caribou Restrictions:
• No imports directly from Canada or Alaska will be accepted unless they have tested negative for Brucellosis and TB in order to enter another state. They must have resided in the state for at least one year and all female animals must have had one calf. All TB and Brucellosis requirements for alternative livestock must be met.
• Originating herd must be certified Brucellosis Free (B. Suis and B. Abortus). See approved test under Brucellosis.

• Axis Deer
• Red Deer
• Roe Deer
• Rusa Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Sika Deer