UPDATE- New CWD Federal Standards Version 23 to Head to Public Comment

From the American Cervid Alliance News Room


12-4-2013


 


UPDATE- New CWD Federal Standards Version 23 to Head to Public Comment


ACA Plans to Highlight Changes and Organize Comment Effort


AYR,NE- The CWD Standards Working Group convened Wednesday, December 4, at the request of USDA’s Deputy Director, Dr. John Clifford.  Dr. Clifford, who agreed to give a personal review of the CWD Standards document, told the group he has reviewed the document and made several changes.  The new document, to be known in the industry as Version 23, will be published for public comment most likely within a month.

 

The stakeholders of the Working Group, which includes representatives from the cervid industry, APHIS, wildlife agencies, NVSL, and state health officials, asked general questions about procedures and language contained within the document.  Dr Clifford answered specific questions asked by the group but stated he will not provide the working group with a copy of the new document.


 


It appears many of the concerns expressed by industry have been addressed in the new version, but several unresolved issues still remain. Once industry leaders receive a copy of the new document, a formal outline will be prepared and distributed to ACA leaders and industry.


Dr. Clifford stated that 60 month quarantine on an infected or exposed herd is not negotiable because that is rule language and to change that would require opening the rule; however, states may use an epidemiological investigation to determine the time frame for trace backs and trace-forwards.  There are circumstances that may warrant less than a five year trace-back or trace-forward.  This was a major issue that industry worked hard to accomplish and was reflected in version 18 of the Program Standards which was prepared by state health officials and industry.


 


Travis Lowe, representing the North American Elk Breeders Association, told the CWD working group that the American Cervid Alliance plans to work with its thirty-two member associations and organize a robust display of public comments from the industry, highlighting both the positive and negative language in the document.  This will be a major topic of discussion during the next ACA Council meeting next week.


 


The cervid industry representatives on the CWD Working Group are Eric Mohlman, Charly Seale, and Shawn Schafer. 

Rhonda, I agree that our new USAHA committee is huge for our industry. I have heard several state vets say this was a big step for our industry. As our associations work together I think we need to take a hard look at our CWD policy, both at the state and federal level, and ask ourselves what is our goal and desired direction with the standards and the rule.


 


During yesterday's conference call with the USDA, we were glad to see several items from our 'dealbreaker list' be addressed, but there are still several left that are still in the document. And these items, such as top soil requirements and recommendation of double fencing, is still in there and not part of the rule. We need to be prepared for a vibrant and professional display of comments from the industry.


 


Our industry is under fire from over-regulation and negative propaganda.   We need to start asking ourselves what should approach should we be taking to protect our livelihoods and what is our goal.  We are negotiating for our lives here.  For our businesses. I think everyone needs to be reaching out to their local association leaders and asserting their wishes because I personally want to know how yall feel when your ACA councilman speaks on your behalf.


There is too much at stake to fade quietly in the night.