Frequently Asked Questions about Import Rules for the World Dairy Expo
This information is current as of April 22, 2013
Are there special “import” requirements for bringing animals from within Wisconsin to the World Dairy Expo?
No. There are no special test or paperwork requirements for Wisconsin-origin cattle traveling within Wisconsin. You will only need to meet the entry requirements for the World Dairy Expo.
The exception is Wisconsin-origin cattle that have traveled to Michigan's federal Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones within 90 days of the start of the Expo. Call (608) 224-4874 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to learn more.
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May I bring in cattle from outside the United States?
Yes. As long as you meet the import requirements established by the USDA, your animals may attend the World Dairy Expo. The information can be obtained from the National Center for Import and Export. The NCIE’s import center phone number is (301) 734-8364.
Have the official identification requirements changed?
Yes. Because new federal traceability rules for interstate cattle movement went into effect on March 13, 2013, some forms of ID that worked in the past at the World Dairy Expo are no longer valid. The World Dairy Expo website has information on what forms of identification will be accepted. The main identification page is here and a handy graphics flyer is here.
May I take my cattle to the Minnesota State Fair and then to the World Dairy Expo?
Yes. The restrictions that were in place during the first part of 2010 have been lifted. Find Import Requirements for the World Dairy Expo 2013here.
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Are there special import rules for cattle from Michigan?
Yes. There are now two sets of regulations for importing cattle from Michigan. One set is for the federal Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones consisting of the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle. Those regulations can be found here. The other set of rules applies to the rest of the state, which is the federal TB Free Zone. Those rules can be found here.
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May I sell cattle from Michigan at the World Dairy Expo?
For cattle from the counties in the federal Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones, the previous restrictions are still in place. Cattle from the MA and MAA zones may be sold at the World Dairy Expo ONLY if the animals return to their herd of origin after the Expo and then travel to the new owner on a new CVI (health certificate). Make sure the animals meet the import requirements of the state of destination.
Cattle from the counties in the federal TB Free Zone may be sold at the World Dairy Expo with no special procedures.
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May I sell cattle from Minnesota at the World Dairy Expo?
Yes. The restrictions that were in place for the 2010 Expo are no longer in place. Find Import Requirements for the World Dairy Expo 2013 here.
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Do I need to get an import permit for my cattle?
Yes, you will need a permit in certain circumstances as outlined below:
- If you are bringing cattle from Michigan's Modified Accredited and Modified Accredited Advanced zones.
- If you are from California, Michigan's federal TB Free Zone, or Texas and your animals are NOT part of a TB-positive or exposed herd investigation, you need to meet the import requirements for your state, but you do not need an import permit.
- If you are from areas/states other than those listed in points 1 and 2 above, or you are from Canada, you do not need an import permit.
- If you are bringing cattle from a region with an active quarantine for vesicular stomatitis. (Region is defined as the county with an active quarantine and all adjacent counties – contact your state’s department of agriculture to find out if VS has been diagnosed in your region.)
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How do I get an import permit?
This is usually done by the veterinarian for the exhibitor. Print the import permit application form and follow the directions provided. Fill it out completely - all boxes with an asterisk are required. You need to include the livestock premises code for the Alliant Energy Center, which is 004A6S7. (Thanks again to the Alliant Energy Center staff for letting us post the number here.) Import permits without the livestock premises code will not be processed. Note: the "applicant" who signs the form can be the owner, or it can be the veterinarian or someone from the veterinary clinic staff - it doesn't have to be the owner of the animal(s). When the form is completed, fax it, along with the signed and dated CVI (health certificate), to (608) 224-4871. When everything is in order, a Wisconsin state veterinarian will issue a permit number, and the permit number will be faxed back to you (or phoned to you, if you request that).
If you have trouble with the process, call the Wisconsin Division of Animal Health import coordinator at (608) 224-4874 Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Import permits are processed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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How long are import permits good for?
As long as the test results are current, an import permit is good for 30 days from the date it is issued.
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How long does it take to get an import permit?
Once all the required information has been received, an import permit is usually issued the same day. As the deadline gets closer, however, the turnaround time gets longer.
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When is the best time to apply for an import permit?
While import permits for the World Dairy Expo can be processed at any time starting 30 days before your arrival date in Wisconsin, an excellent time to get in your application is the two-week period between 21 and 7 days before the start of the World Dairy Expo. Waiting until the last few days is not recommended. We strongly discourage applicants from sending in a permit request the same day the exhibitor wants to leave. The application process takes time, and there may be a lot of people in line ahead of you.
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How much does an import permit cost?
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection does not charge a fee for cattle import permits.
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Can you answer questions about World Dairy Expo fees, facilities, or entry information?
No. Please call the World Dairy Expo at (608) 224-6455 for answers about the Expo itself.
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