MN HF3273

Prohibits the Board of Animal Health from approving new registrations for farmed white-tailed deer, though existing registrations may be sold or transferred once to a family member within the third degree of kindred for a $500 fee, provided the herd is free from chronic wasting disease.

Requires farmed Cervidae owners to notify the commissioner of natural resources within 24 hours if escaped animals are not returned or captured, and allows the commissioner to destroy escaped animals after 24 hours if the owner is unwilling or unable to recapture them.

Makes owners liable for all expenses related to capturing, caring for, and returning escaped farmed Cervidae, and responsible for proper disposal of animals that test positive for chronic wasting disease.

Requires owners to maintain herd inventories verified by accredited veterinarians annually, report all Cervidae movements within 14 days, and test all animals over 12 months of age that die or are slaughtered for chronic wasting disease.

Requires depopulation of premises where chronic wasting disease is detected after federal indemnification is completed, maintenance of fencing for five years post-detection, and posting of biohazard signs; makes owners liable for all costs associated with escapes of infected animals.