Pest detection in Mexico raises vigilance in United States, plus a farewell to paper

Minnesota Board of Animal Health sent this bulletin at 12/17/2024 12:01 PM CST

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board of animal health

Animal Bytes

December 2024

Say goodbye to paper CVI next year

eCVI paper deadline

On January 1, 2025 the Board of Animal Health will no longer provide paper Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) to veterinarians. Instead, veterinarians are encouraged to make the switch to electronic CVIs. Veterinarians who use eCVIs may print out paper copies of the completed eCVI for clients / animal owners upon request or as needed. Many government institutions are moving toward paperless goals in favor of faster and efficient electronic documentation, which is less prone to transcription errors. The improved speed and efficiency of eCVIs will also help animal health workers respond more quickly to infectious disease outbreaks in order to better-protect animal health. Plus, the time and resources saved by using eCVIs ensures animals can reach their travel destinations without delays.

Paper CVIs will continue to be accepted by the Board until January 1, 2026. After this date, only electronic CVIs will be accepted. There are multiple options available for eCVI platforms that meet the minimum standards and requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials (NASAHO).

For a quick and user-friendly way to look up interstate animal movement requirements in other states (including dogs and cats), visit the Interstate Livestock website.

Keep reading...

New World Screwworm detection in Mexico

We're entering winter in Minnesota and it's pretty hard to spot any flies buzzing around. However, diseases or infestations from pests like New World Screwworm (NWS) can threaten anytime of year because they may hitch a ride on any warm blooded animal (humans included!). Mexico recently reported a case of NWS in a cow. While there is no direct evidence of any infestations in Minnesota at this time, a detection in Mexico should cause concern and serves as a reminder to keep a close eye on pets and livestock.

The screwworm flies get their name from their larvae (maggots), which burrow into open wounds like a screw by using sharp mouth hooks. Infestations cause damage to livestock and pets as the larvae burrow deeper and deeper into the wound. These infestations can be very painful for affected animals, which may become depressed, stop eating, and separate themselves from the herd or people. Additionally, a secondary infection may occur in the wound and animals can die.

How can this pest threaten animals in Minnesota? Importation and animal movements. Pet and livestock owners who recently traveled with their animal to areas where NWS is found (Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and countries in South America) or imported them and notice any open wounds with maggots should immediately notify their veterinarian. Veterinarians who suspect cases of screwworm must contact the Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942 or animalheath@state.mn.us.

U of M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory holiday hours

Please plan ahead for the following holiday hours at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory:

  • December 24 - MPTL closed (no courier service), St. Paul - open until noon.
  • December 25 - both labs closed.
  • December 26 - MPTL - reduced testing, St.Paul - open.
  • January 1, 2025 - both labs closed.

The Board extends exhibition testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle

To combat the emergence of H5N1 in livestock in Minnesota, the Board originally placed testing requirements on lactating dairy attending exhibitions back in June, which are set to expire at the end of this month. The requirement covers lactating dairy to be brought to an exhibition in Minnesota.

​The Board has extended these restrictions through March 31, 2025, unless they are extended or rescinded before then.

View a full copy of the lactating dairy testing requirements on the Board website.

Board meeting recording posted

The December quarterly Board meeting was the final one of 2024 and the full recording is available online.