Animal Health

The Animal Health Division is responsible for the prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases. This involves safeguarding the health and food production capacity of the State's livestock and poultry and preventing the transmission of animal diseases to man. The prevention and control of domestic animal diseases are achieved through four major areas of activity: Import/Export, Disease Control, Alternative Livestock, and Field Operations.

Cooperation with USDA/APHIS on eradication programs is conducted through the local Federal Area Veterinarian in Charge in Helena. The programs receive laboratory support from the Diagnostic Laboratory Division. The Import/Export Section supervises the livestock and animal import permit system as provided for in Montana Statutes. The Disease Control Program functions to protect the Montana livestock industry from disease loss by providing for the diagnosis, prevention, control, and eradication of animal diseases. The Alternative Livestock Program regulates alternative livestock ranches with elk, deer, and other cervidae for disease control and inspection for ownership, in cooperation with the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Field operations include investigation of disease occurrence, import compliance and enforcement of Montana Codes and Administrative Rules. Recognition of veterinary practitioners to perform official work gives each program a necessary pool of professional service in field operations.