Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said state animal health officials will be conducting an inspection exercise Oct. 12 on all livestock entering Louisiana via Interstates 10 and 20.
“The exercise is a drill designed to test our animal health response in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak,” Strain said. “It is only a drill. Under existing law all livestock operators must carry proper documentation for their animals, especially when they are crossing state lines.”
Strain said Department of Agriculture and Forestry Animal Health Office veterinarians will be assisting Livestock Brand Commission officers with the inspections.
The Department of Transportation and Development will place electronic board signs on Interstates 10 and 20 advising livestock carriers to stop at the designated checkpoints.
Strain stressed that the check is only a drill.
“It is our responsibility to protect our food supply and animal health,” Strain said. “Our LDAF Veterinary Health Division and Livestock Brand Commission officers are responsible for the inspection of livestock coming into the state and enforcement of state law. We want to make sure all livestock owners are aware of the law.”
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