MS SB2555

Allows licensees of deer-breeding farms to import farm-raised white-tailed deer, semen, ova, and embryos into Mississippi from herds certified free of chronic wasting disease and located at least 25 miles from any chronic wasting disease history areas.

Requires imported deer to have an entry permit issued no more than 30 days before entry and written proof of negative tests for brucellosis and tuberculosis as required by federal regulations.

Establishes minimum 5-acre requirement for deer-breeding farms, with department authority to approve smaller farms upon application.

Designates farm-raised white-tailed deer as private property of licensees rather than state property, and allows sale or transfer between licensed breeding farms and permitted hunting enclosures for commercial purposes.

Exempts farm-raised white-tailed deer housed in permitted breeding facilities from Chapter 7 of Title 49 (wildlife regulations) and amends the definition of "deer" to exclude farm-raised deer in breeding farms; effective July 1, 2012.