Animal Movement

Cattle & Bison: Wisconsin

This information is current as of May 1, 2013 

General import rules for all cattle:

• The rules for American Bison imports are identical to the rules for bovine beef breeds.
• When official ID is required, there is no age exemption - all animals regardless of age must have official identification. "Pending" official ID is not acceptable.
• If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in this state for less than 120 days, please call the import coordinator at (608) 224-4874.
• Test results must be current and complete - not out-of-date or "pending."
• No M-branded bovines/cattle from Mexico may be imported to Wisconsin except directly to a slaughter facility.
• For bovines that are part of a rodeo, circus, or menagerie, please visit the Circuses, Rodeos, and Menageries page.
• For animals that are an exotic ruminant species, please visit the Exotic Species page.
• Out-of-state organizers and Wisconsin participants of consignment sales that may include animals from Michigan should call the import coordinator at (608) 224-4874 to discuss tuberculosis testing and import requirements.

For movement of Wisconsin animals within the state:
Breeding cattle OR Animals attending fairs/exhibitions:

• Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) not required.
• No official ID required.
• No TB tests required.
• No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required.
• No permit required.
• Animals attending fairs or exhibitions may need to meet additional requirements. Contact the show organizers for more information.

Feeder cattle:

• Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) not required.
• No official ID required.
• No TB tests required.
• No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required.
• No permit required.

Veal calves:

• Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) not required.
• No official ID required.
• No TB tests required.
• No permit required.

For movement of Wisconsin animals to other states (other than Michigan's TB Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones):
Animals must meet the import requirements of the state of destination. Contact the animal health offices of the state of destination for more information. A contact list is available here.

For movement of Wisconsin animals to Michigan's TB Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones:
Call the Wisconsin Division of Animal Health import coordinator at (608) 224-4874 for more information.

For movement of Wisconsin animals to shows or sales in other states:
You must meet the import requirements of the sale or show and the state of destination. There are no additional requirements for the animals to return to Wisconsin.