HF2814 Summary

• Owners of escaped farmed Cervidae must notify the commissioner of natural resources within 24 hours if animals are not recaptured, and escaped animals may be destroyed by the commissioner or killed by licensed hunters without owner liability.

• Escaped farmed Cervidae killed by hunters or destroyed by the commissioner must be tested for chronic wasting disease at the owner's expense.

• Commercially farmed white-tailed deer must be confined by two or more perimeter fences, each at least 120 inches in height, effective September 1, 2023.

• All owners of farmed white-tailed deer registered with the Board of Animal Health must have each animal tested for chronic wasting disease using RT-QuIC testing by October 1, 2022; positive animals require a second test and depopulation of the premises if confirmed.

• Responsibilities for administering and enforcing farmed Cervidae statutes and rules transfer from the Board of Animal Health to the commissioner of natural resources effective July 1, 2024, with the commissioner contracting with the Board for veterinary services; $250,000 appropriated for RT-QuIC testing in fiscal year 2023.