Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

Food Safety & Labeling

Animals and the Food Chain

Livestock, Poultry and Captive Game

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works to control serious animal diseases. Some of these diseases may infect humans, while others may threaten livestock production. Here are just a few diseases of concern:

• Tuberculosis
• Foot and mouth disease
• Brucellosis
• Johne’s disease
• “Mad cow” disease (BSE)
• Chronic wasting disease (deer and elk)

DATCP licenses livestock markets, livestock dealers, livestock truckers, fish farms, and farm-raised deer herds (including captive white-tail). Operators must comply with animal health, identification and tracking requirements. DATCP has adopted animal health rules under Wisconsin Administrative Code chapters ATCP 10-12.

Livestock import requirements vary by species, disease and import source. A veterinarian must normally inspect and issue a health certificate before the animals are imported. Some animals must be tested for specific diseases. Less rigorous requirements may apply to animals imported from disease-free states, animals imported from certified disease-free herds, or animals imported directly to slaughter.

DATCP may quarantine and condemn animals, as necessary, to prevent the spread of disease. DATCP may pay compensation to eligible owners of condemned animals. DATCP may deny, suspend or revoke licenses, and may initiate civil or criminal enforcement action in court. See Wisconsin Statutes chapters 93 and 95.

Animal Feed

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates Wisconsin’s animal feed industry to protect livestock and pets, and to prevent diseases and adulterants from entering the human food chain. DATCP coordinates feed programs with the United States Food and Drug Administration.

DATCP licenses about 1,200 commercial feed and pet food companies. Each year, these companies distribute about 2.3 million tons of feed in Wisconsin. This includes nearly 2 million tons of feed for Wisconsin’s multi-billion dollar livestock and poultry industry, as well as 340,000 tons of pet food.

Commercial feed may not be adulterated or misbranded. Feed must be properly labeled so animal owners can make informed feeding decisions. Feed labels must contain nutrition and ingredient information. There are special requirements for feeds containing antibiotics and other drugs. See Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter ATCP 42.

DATCP inspects feed manufacturing operations, and tests feed for compliance with label claims. DATCP may suspend feed licenses, and may issue holding orders to stop sales of adulterated or misbranded feed. DATCP may also initiate civil or criminal enforcement actions in court. See Wisconsin Statutes sections 93.06 and 94.64.