MN HF4447

Distinguishes farmed elk (Cervus canadensis) from other farmed Cervidae species, establishing separate regulatory definitions and classifications for elk versus deer and other Cervidae.

Requires all farmed Cervidae to be confined in 96-inch minimum height fences, registered with the Board of Animal Health, and identified with visible markings; owners must report escapes within 24 hours and are liable for capture and return expenses.

Mandates mandatory surveillance and testing of farmed Cervidae and elk over 16 months of age for chronic wasting disease, with restrictions on importing Cervidae from endemic areas unless from herds with three years of approved monitoring.

Establishes a voluntary herd buyout program funded in fiscal year 2019 offering payments to owners of registered deer herds, with participating owners required to sign contracts preventing any wild or farmed Cervidae on premises and record deed restrictions with county recorders.

Prohibits raising farmed red deer in the native elk area (north of U.S. Highway 2 and west of U.S. Highway 71 and Trunk Highway 72) without written commissioner approval and establishes annual inspection fees of $10 per animal up to $100 maximum per herd.