Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

This information is current as of March 4, 2025.

These are the requirements for domestic cattle (Bos taurus or Bos indicus (such as Zebus and Brahman)) and bison from the Michigan Modified Accredited (MA) zone.

• For import requirements for exotic ruminant species (e.g., yaks, water buffalo), please visit the exotic species page.
• Quarantined animals are ineligible for import into Wisconsin.
• Lactating dairy cattle from herds with a positive influenza test result within the last 30 days are ineligible for import
• Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs consistent with influenza are ineligible for import.​
• No M-branded bovine/cattle from other states may be imported to Wisconsin except directly to a slaughter facility.
• If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in the origin state for fewer than 120 days, please contact the import coordinator.​​​​

Wisconsin recognizes two tuberculosis zones in the state of Michigan. The first is the federal tuberculosis (TB) Modified Accredited (MA) zone, and the other is composed of the rest of the state, which is federally classified as TB Free.

The counties classified as MA are the following counties in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula: Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda. All other Michigan counties are classified as TB Free.

Because the import rules are quite different for the two zones, they are listed on separate pages. If you are importing cattle from the federal TB Free zone, see Import rules for cattle from Michigan's federal TB Free zone. Otherwise, continue on this page.​

​Importing Cattle or Bison from the Michigan Counties of Alcona, Alpena,​​ Montmorency, and Oscoda for any Reason Except Slaughter:

• Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) is required:
  
• Include complete physical origin and destination address.
  
• Include on CVI if adult dairy breed females are lactating or dry.
  
• Include a statement that lactating dairy cattle are both free from and have not been exposed to a known contagious and infectious disease. 
  
• When official ID and testing is required, include that information on the CVI.​
  
• Individual Official ID requirements:
  
• Required for all cattle and bison of any age, sex, or purpose, including calves at side, beef heifers and bulls under 18 months, and steers.
  
• The following are official ID: 
  
• USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) RFID tag (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 840)
  
• AIN RFID tags from other countries (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 124 for Canadian origin cattle and bison)
  
• AIN RFID replacement tags for cattle and bison from other countries (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 964 that is Lime Green and Blue and has IMP printed on it, indicate “import tag” on the CVI)
  
• If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA ear tag number that is part of the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) (for example, 9-digit alphanumeric number that starts with state 2-digit code, both the metal silver “brite” tag and the metal orange brucellosis tag (e.g. 35ABC1234)
  
• If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA 840 AIN Visual tag (for example, 15-digit visual only tag starting with 840)
  
• If applied before March 11, 2015: American ID tag (for example, 8-12-digit number prefaced with "USA") 
  
• If applied prior to March 11, 2015: Manufacturer-coded RFID tag (for example, 15-digit number with the first three digits in a 900 series, such as 980, 982 or 985) 
  
• Please note: Wisconsin has no reciprocal agreements with other states regarding the use of tattoos and registration numbers as identification. As a result, breed association tattoos and breed registration numbers are not accepted as official identification. In addition, brands are not accepted as official ID.
  
• "Pending" official ID or partial ID numbers on paperwork are not acceptable.
  
• If an animal has more than one form of official identification, all the IDs must be listed on the CVI.​
  
• For Lactating Dairy Cattle only: A negative influenza test with a collection date within seven (7) days of import is required for lactating dairy cattle:
  
• Include test collection date, result, lab, and accession number on CVI.
  
• Contact us if lactating dairy cattle will be originating from a herd with current participation in the USDA HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program or if more than 30 lactating dairy cattle will be moving in a group.
  
• Test results must be current and complete and must be included on the CVI. Catte may not be imported while influenza tests are pending.
  
• Breed cattle, bison, and non-lactating dairy cattle, including dry cows, heifers, and bull calves, are not required to be tested. 
  
• Lactating dairy cattle from herds with a positive influenza test result within the last 30 days are ineligible for import
  
• Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs consistent with influenza are ineligible for import
  
• See the DATCP webpage on HPAI in Cattle for additional information and biosecurity recommendations for this emerging and evolving disease
  
• Dairy, Beef, and Bison: TB tests required as noted below:
  
• Negative individual TB test within 60 days before the date of import regardless of age, AND
  
• The animals must originate from a herd that has had a negative whole-herd 
  
• Veal calves under 30 days of age are exempt from the whole herd test requirement. They must be identified as veal calves on the CVI and will be quarantined where they are offloaded until shipped to slaughter on a permit.
  
• Test results must be current and complete and must be included on the CVI. Cattle may not be imported while TB tests are pending.
  
• Animals from herds involved in any TB positive, traceback or exposed herd investigations may not enter Wisconsin except for movement directly to slaughter until the investigation of the herd is completed and negative
  
• All animals other than those attending fairs or exhibitions and, under certain conditions feeder cattle and veal calves, will be quarantined where they are offloaded and will need additional TB tests post-arrival. Call (608) 224-4874 for specific information.
  
• No other tests or vaccinations required.​
  
• Import permit required.
  
• Animals attending fairs or exhibitions must have the following statement on the CVI in order to avoid the quarantine requirement: "These animals are attending the show only and will return to herd of origin after the show."
  
• Fairs or exhibitions may have additional requirements – contact the show organizers for more information.
  
• Bovines from the MA zone in Michigan are not eligible to enter Wisconsin to be sold at a consignment sale or auction.​