81-2-703. Documents required for importation -- exemptions. - Montana Statutes

     81-2-703. Documents required for importation -- exemptions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (6), an animal, animal semen, or animal biologic may not be brought into the state without a permit and a health certificate.
     (2) The department shall issue a permit if no significant danger to the public health will ensue upon importation of the animal, animal semen, or animal biologic into the state. A permit may not be issued for livestock infected with or exposed to brucellosis, tuberculosis, or any other infectious, contagious, or communicable animal disease, except that cattle with a positive reaction to a recognized test for brucellosis may be permitted entry when destined directly for slaughter at a slaughterhouse under the supervision of the United States department of agriculture.
     (3) The department may waive the requirement for a health certificate or a permit as provided in subsection (7).
     (4) The requirements of subsection (1) apply regardless of species, breed, sex, class, age, point of origin, place of destination, or purpose of movement.
     (5) All required documents must be attached to the waybill or be in possession of the driver of the transporting vehicle or of the person in charge of the animals. When a single permit or health certificate is issued for animals being moved in more than one vehicle, the driver of each vehicle must have in the driver's possession a copy of the permit and, when applicable, a health certificate.
     (6) Animals, animal semen, or animal biologics being moved through the state with no intent to unload or deliver in the state are exempted from this part. In an emergency situation, transitory cargo may be unloaded in compliance with the quarantine rules promulgated by the department.
     (7) A waiver of the requirement for a health certificate or a permit must be based upon evidence that there will be no significant danger to the public health if the exemption is granted.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 65, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 44, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2637, Ch. 56, L. 2009.