Guidance for Issuing Movement Permits

Upon diagnosis of FMD, cattle movements will be halted in an orderly way. Once the initial extent of the outbreak is defined and movement permitting systems are established, cattle movements can restart for premises with no evidence of infection. This is described in more detail in the Managed Movement document. Periods of no animal movement at the beginning of an outbreak will impact producers’ business continuity. Guidance is available in the Contingency Planning Considerations for Producers during an FMD Outbreak.

Guidance on issuing movement permits for cattle or semen with no evidence of infection is provided below and in the SBS Plan.

Conditions to Meet to Request a Permit to Move Cattle or Semen or Embryos

  1. Traceability information is available (PIN, GPS Coordinates, and information on type and number of animals/quantity of semen to be moved).
  2. Biosecurity measures listed in the Biosecurity Checklist for Beef Feedlots or Cattle on Pasture are in place and acceptable to Responsible Regulatory Officials.
  3. Trace back/forward information* is acceptable (premises is not Infected, Suspect, or Contact).
  4. Destination premises and State are willing to accept the animals or semen.
  5. No evidence of infection based on disease monitoring (surveillance).

Regulatory Officials
may issue a
movement permit
if conditions are met

*Producers can provide trace back and trace forward information by maintaining accurate records of movement of animals, feed, supplies, equipment, personnel, and visitors. Producers can use the SBS Practice Questionnaire for FMD Exposure to get a feel for the information they may need to provide in an outbreak.