The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has accepted the Wisconsin Pork Association’s (WPA) request for a waiver of the state’s swine movement rule related to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) testing and import requirements.
Effective March 6, the waiver suspends testing and movement restrictions previously required under Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 10 and 12. The draft rule was approved by the DATCP Board on January 29, and by the governor on February 6. It was submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau on February 19. Before the rule can become final, it must complete a legislative review and be published in the register. That process can take several weeks, sometimes months.
“With spring movements and show pig exhibitions coming up quickly, WPA’s ask to WDATCP was to waive the current PRRS and PEDv testing requirements while we wait for final publication of the rule in order to reduce the economic burden associated with the testing,” said Keri Retallick, WPA executive vice president. “WPA will continue to work closely with producers, veterinarians, and industry partners to safeguard herd health while supporting Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.”
The waiver, effective immediately, will remain in effect until the final rule is published. Wisconsin’s pork producers are encouraged to maintain strong biosecurity measures and promptly report any suspected cases of PRRS or PEDv to their herd veterinarian.
