Chapter 95

95.22 95.22 Reporting animal diseases.

95.22(1) (1) A veterinarian and the department of natural resources shall report to the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection any disease specified in the rules promulgated under sub. (2) (a) each time a veterinarian or the department of natural resources discovers that such a disease is present in any animal in this state.

95.22(2) (2) The department shall promulgate rules that specify all of the following:

95.22(2)(a) (a) The diseases that a veterinarian or the department of natural resources must report under this section.

95.22(2)(b) (b) For each disease specified in par. (a), the deadline for reporting the disease after the date of its discovery.

95.22(2)(c) (c) The information that a veterinarian or the department of natural resources must include in his or her report.

95.22(2)(d) (d) Procedures to be used in preparing and submitting the report.

95.22(3) (3) The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection shall notify the department of natural resources of the contents of any report submitted under sub. (1) by a veterinarian if the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection determines that the disease that is the subject of the report may present a threat to any wild animals present in this state.

95.22(4) (4) The department shall provide the reports of any communicable diseases under sub. (1) to the department of health services and to the local health officer, as defined in s. 250.01 (5), for the area in which the animal is located.

95.22 History History: 1981 c. 291; 1981 c. 391 s. 210; 1993 a. 492; 1999 a. 83; 2001 a. 56, 109; 2003 a. 321; 2005 a. 198; 2007 a. 20 s. 9121 (6) (a).

95.22 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.23 95.23 Disease investigation and enforcement.

95.23(1) (1) Authorized inspectors and agents of the department may enter at reasonable times any premises, building or place to investigate the existence of animal diseases or to investigate violations of or otherwise enforce the laws relating to animal health. Any animals or materials suspected of being infected may be examined or tested. No person shall obstruct or interfere with such investigation or enforcement work, or attempt to do so, in any manner, by threat or otherwise.

95.23(1m) (1m) 

95.23(1m)(a) (a) The department may conduct surveillance testing to determine whether animals have chronic wasting disease, if the department has reason to believe that the animals have been exposed to chronic wasting disease.

95.23(1m)(b) (b) The department shall indemnify the owner of an animal that must be killed in order to conduct testing under par. (a) in an amount equal to two-thirds of the difference between the net salvage value and the appraised value of the animal but not more than $1,500 for one animal, except as provided in s. 95.31 (3m). The department may pay an indemnity under this paragraph from the appropriation account under s. 20.115 (2) (b) only if funds received by the department under s. 20.115 (2) (m) and (8) (ks) for the payment of indemnities are insufficient to pay the indemnity.

95.23(2) (2) Upon request of an authorized inspector or agent of the department, sheriffs and police officers shall assist in the enforcement of the laws relating to animal health.

95.23(3) (3) Upon reasonable notice from the department, owners or persons in charge of animals shall cause them to be restrained or confined so that they may be identified, examined and tested or otherwise treated or disposed of as authorized by law.

95.23(4) (4) When any animals or materials infected or suspected of being infected have been quarantined, no person shall remove them from the premises, or otherwise fail to comply with the terms of the quarantine, except upon written permit from the department.

95.23 History History: 2001 a. 108; 2005 a. 25.

95.23 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.232 95.232 Confidentiality of paratuberculosis records. Any information kept by the department that identifies the owners of livestock herds infected, or suspected of being infected, with paratuberculosis is not subject to inspection or copying under s. 19.35 except as the department determines is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.

95.232 History History: 1989 a. 31.

95.235 95.235 Sale of certain painted utensils. Any person who sells, for the purpose of feeding livestock, any utensil painted with a substance having a toxic effect upon livestock when taken orally shall be punished under s. 95.99 (1).

95.235 History History: 1975 c. 41; 1979 c. 129 s. 15; 1981 c. 66 s. 8.

95.24 95.24 Living vaccine, hog cholera, anthrax, swine erysipelas.

95.24(1) (1) No person shall have in his or her possession or furnish to another any live virus hog cholera vaccine, including vaccines produced from a modified or attenuated strain of hog cholera virus, except that such vaccines may be in the possession of a biological laboratory inspected and licensed by the federal government, persons having written approval from the department for its experimental use, or veterinarians having a permit from the department for its use in vaccinating or treating swine as necessary for export or for such other uses as are authorized by the department for the control of serious outbreaks of the disease.

95.24(3) (3) 

95.24(3)(a) (a) No type of living vaccine for immunizing against anthrax or swine erysipelas may be administered to any domestic animal or sold or dispensed in this state without first having obtained the written approval of the chief veterinarian of the department. Approval to administer such vaccine shall be granted to licensed veterinarians only, and then only to qualify the domestic animal for export or in the event that any of the following has been established:

95.24(3)(a)1. 1. The domestic animals to be so treated are infected.

95.24(3)(a)2. 2. The domestic animals to be so treated are on premises known to be contaminated.

95.24(3)(a)3. 3. The domestic animals to be so treated have been exposed within 40 days to infection with the disease for which the living vaccine is prescribed as a proper immunizing agent.

95.24(3)(b) (b) Every veterinarian who so administers such living vaccine shall render to the department a report of the use and the results thereof at such time and in such manner as it may require.

95.24 History History: 1993 a. 213, 492; 2001 a. 56.

95.25 95.25 Tuberculosis control program.

95.25(1) (1) In order to detect and control bovine tuberculosis the department may test for tuberculosis those cattle where indication of possible infection is disclosed by means of the slaughter cattle identification program and any other cattle, farm-raised deer or other species the department has reason to believe may be infected or exposed or considers necessary to test for any other reason. Tuberculosis tests authorized by the department shall be made at such times and in such manner as the department determines, in the light of the latest and best scientific and practical knowledge and experience.

95.25(2) (2) Upon reasonable notice, the department, its authorized agents and all inspectors and persons appointed or authorized to assist in the work of applying the tuberculin test, may enter any buildings or enclosures where cattle, farm-raised deer or other species are, for the purpose of making inspection and applying the tuberculin test, and any person who interferes therewith or obstructs them in their work or attempts to obstruct or prevent by force the inspection and the testing shall, in addition to the penalty prescribed therefor, be liable for all damages caused thereby to the state or to any person lawfully engaged in the work of inspection and testing.

95.25(2m) (2m) The owner or other person in possession of animals subject to inspection or testing under this section shall provide animal handling facilities to ensure the safety of the animals and the persons conducting the inspection or testing under this section.

95.25(3) (3) The department shall provide all the necessary equipment and supplies and inspectors and make all arrangements necessary for the carrying on and completion of the work authorized by this section. If any such equipment or supplies are no longer needed, they may be disposed of by the department of administration, and the proceeds derived from the sale shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the appropriation for such testing.

95.25(4) (4) Retests of infected herds shall be made by the department at such intervals as the department deems necessary to protect the work already done and to preserve the modified accredited or tuberculosis free status of the state under the specifications and regulations of the U.S. department of agriculture and the agreements among the various states.

95.25(4m) (4m) The department is not liable for injury to or death of animals during inspection or testing under this section unless negligence by the department causes the injury or death.

95.25(5) (5) For each animal of a species raised primarily to produce food for human consumption, including farm-raised deer, condemned and slaughtered, except as provided in s. 95.36, the owner shall receive and, upon certificate of the department, the state shall pay two-thirds of the difference between the net salvage value and the appraised value of the animal, but the payment may not exceed $1,500 for an animal.

95.25(6) (6) The department may, with the owner’s consent, condemn animals which have been exposed to tuberculosis or which are suspected of being infected, although such animals have not reacted to the tuberculosis tests.

95.25 History History: 1971 c. 125; 1975 c. 306; 1983 a. 361; 1991 a. 269; 1995 a. 79, 225, 450; 1997 a. 35.

95.25 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.26 95.26 Brucellosis control program.

95.26(3) (3) If the existence of brucellosis within the state results in the termination of its status as a certified brucellosis-free area by the U.S. department of agriculture, the department shall request the release of funds by the joint committee on finance from the appropriation under s. 20.865 (4) (a) to pay for official vaccination, as provided in s. 95.46 (2), of all female calves located within any county where the incidence of brucellosis disqualifies it for such designation.

95.26(4) (4) Cattle and American bison that are classified as “reactors” to the brucellosis test, whether or not conducted pursuant to this section, shall be slaughtered. A report of any test disclosing reactors shall be mailed to the owner thereof. The reactors shall be identified by a reactor tag and permanent mark as prescribed by the department. The owner shall effect slaughter of the reactors within 15 days of the date they are so identified, except that the department, for cause shown, may extend the time an additional 15 days. If the owner of reactors fails to comply with this subsection within the time limited, the department shall cause the removal and slaughter of the reactors. No indemnity shall be paid on any reactors disposed of by the department. No milk shall be sold from any reactors or from any herd of cattle in which reactors are kept contrary to the provisions of this section.

95.26(5) (5) When reactors to any brucellosis test are disclosed in a herd of cattle or American bison the department shall quarantine the entire herd by serving written notice thereof, either personally or by mail, on the owner or person in charge, but such quarantine shall not be imposed if the department, upon the basis of the clinical history of the herd with respect to brucellosis and the recommendation of the attending veterinarian, determines it is improbable that the cattle or American bison will contract brucellosis. No cattle or American bison subject to the quarantine shall be removed from the premises where the cattle or American bison are quarantined, except upon written permit of the department. The quarantine shall remain in full force until removed by the department. Such retests shall be conducted as the department finds necessary to eliminate all reactors or other evidence of infection in the herd.

95.26(5m) (5m) 

95.26(5m)(a) (a) The department may obtain blood or tissue samples from swine and farm-raised deer to test for brucellosis.

95.26(5m)(b) (b) The department may condemn swine and farm-raised deer that are reactors to the brucellosis test and may quarantine the herd from which the reactors come.

95.26(6) (6) The department may acquire, equip and maintain laboratories, including mobile units and promulgate rules and regulations not inconsistent with law so as to effectively execute its functions under the brucellosis control program.

95.26(7) (7) For each animal of a species raised primarily to produce food for human consumption, including farm-raised deer, condemned and slaughtered, except as provided in ss. 95.36 and 95.48, the owner shall receive and, upon certificate of the department, the state shall pay two-thirds of the difference between the net salvage value and the appraised value of the animal, but the payment may not exceed $1,500 for an animal. With the consent of the owner the department may condemn, in infected herds, animals which have been exposed and which are suspected of being infected, although the animals have not reacted to the brucellosis tests.

95.26 History History: 1971 c. 125, 211; 1973 c. 333; 1975 c. 39, 308; 1977 c. 29; 1979 c. 34 s. 2102 (29) (a); 1981 c. 20; 1995 a. 450; 1999 a. 83; 2011 a. 281.

95.26 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.27 95.27 Pseudorabies control program; indemnities.

95.27(1) (1) In order to detect, control and eradicate pseudorabies the department shall obtain blood or tissue samples from Wisconsin swine on a systematic basis. The department shall test the samples for pseudorabies.

95.27(2) (2) In the eradication and control of pseudorabies, the department may, whenever such action is necessary to prevent or reduce the spread of disease, quarantine or condemn and order the destruction of any swine which in the opinion of the department are infected with or have been exposed to pseudorabies.

95.27(3) (3) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government or any department or other agency for the control and eradication of pseudorabies in this state, including the payment of indemnities authorized under this section.

95.27(4) (4) Subject to sub. (5) and s. 95.36, the department shall indemnify the owner of swine that have been condemned and destroyed under this section. The department shall pay to the owner for each animal destroyed the difference between the net salvage value and the appraised value of the animal, but the payment may not exceed $1,500 for an animal. State payments shall be made from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (2) (b).

95.27(5) (5) Indemnities may not be paid under this section unless the owner of affected swine enters into, and acts in accordance with, an agreement with the department for the eradication of pseudorabies. An agreement entered into under this section shall contain a plan for the eradication of pseudorabies and shall be based upon scientifically accepted methods. The department shall monitor the implementation of an agreement to determine compliance and to determine whether the agreement needs to be modified.

95.27(6) (6) The owner of any swine affected by this section may appeal an order made under this section by filing with the department a request for a hearing under s. 93.18 within 5 days after receipt of notice of the order.

95.27(7) (7) A person in control of any premises on which swine have died of pseudorabies shall promptly dispose of the carcasses as provided under s. 95.50 or have the carcasses removed by a renderer licensed under s. 95.72.

95.27(8) (8) The department may adopt rules that are necessary to administer this section.

95.27 History History: 1983 a. 132; 1987 a. 399; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 39, 109; 1995 a. 450.

95.27 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.30 95.30 Disposal of animals infected with tuberculosis. The owner of cattle or farm-raised deer tested and found to be afflicted with bovine tuberculosis shall ship them under the direction of the department to some place designated by it for immediate slaughter under U.S. government inspection, or under the inspection approved by the department.

95.30 History History: 1995 a. 79.

95.30 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.31 95.31 Condemnation of diseased animals.

95.31(1) (1) The department may condemn animals that are affected with or exposed to a contagious or infectious disease if the department determines that it is necessary to do so to prevent or control the spread of the disease. Condemned animals shall be slaughtered or destroyed as directed by the department.

95.31(2) (2) If the department determines that it is necessary to condemn an animal under sub. (1), the department shall, in all cases where the payment of indemnities is authorized under this chapter, appraise the animal as provided in s. 95.32 and shall notify the owner in writing of the appraised value. The notice shall include the number and description of the animals and the name of the owner.

95.31(3) (3) In addition to the indemnities for specific animal diseases provided under ss. 95.25, 95.26 and 95.27 or under special emergency programs and subject to s. 95.36, the department shall pay indemnities on livestock condemned and slaughtered or destroyed because of other diseases if the department determines that the condemnation and slaughter or destruction is necessary to protect public health or the livestock industry. The indemnity under this subsection shall be two-thirds of the difference between net salvage value and appraised value, but may not exceed $1,500 for an animal, except as provided in sub. (3m). As used in this subsection, “livestock” means animals of species raised primarily to produce food for human consumption, including farm-raised deer.

95.31(3m) (3m) If the department condemns an animal because the animal is suspected to have a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy and the owner disposes of the carcass as directed by the department, the department shall increase the amount of the indemnity calculated under sub. (3) or s. 95.23 (1m) (b) by the costs of the destruction of the animal and of the disposal, transportation, and any necessary storage of the animal’s carcass. An indemnity paid because of the condemnation of an animal to which this subsection applies may exceed $1,500.

95.31(4) (4) In the event of a major or serious outbreak of a contagious or infectious disease that may affect public health or the health of animals and that requires special control measures, the department may request the joint committee on finance to release funds appropriated under s. 20.115 (2) (b) as needed to conduct emergency control programs independently or in cooperation with federal or local units of government and, subject to s. 95.36, to pay indemnities on animals of species raised primarily to produce food for human consumption, including farm-raised deer, condemned and slaughtered or destroyed under the emergency control programs. For all indemnities paid under this subsection, the state shall pay two-thirds of the difference between the net salvage value and the appraised value of an animal, except that no payment may exceed $1,500 for an animal.

95.31 History History: 1977 c. 146; 1977 c. 449 s. 497; 1981 c. 20; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 269; 1995 a. 79, 450; 2001 a. 56; 2005 a. 25.

95.31 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. ATCP 10 and 12, Wis. adm. code.

95.32 95.32 Appraised value.

95.32(1) (1) The department shall determine the appraised value of an animal that is destroyed under s. 95.21 (4) (b), 95.23 (1m), 95.25, 95.26, 95.27 or 95.31 (3) or (4) if the animal’s owner is eligible for an indemnity.

95.32(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (3), the appraised value for an animal that is of an animal type that is frequently sold at public auction shall equal the average price paid for a commercial grade animal of the same animal type at public auction sales during a period specified by the department.

95.32(3) (3) The appraised value of a registered purebred animal of an animal type that is frequently sold at public auction shall equal 125 percent of the amount determined under sub. (2) for that animal type.

95.32(4) (4) Using a method specified under sub. (5) (c), the department shall determine the appraised value of an animal of an animal type that is not frequently sold at public auction.

95.32(5) (5) 

95.32(5)(a) (a) The department shall promulgate rules specifying animal types for the purposes of this section. The animal types may be based on characteristics of animals that include species, gender and age. The rules shall specify whether each animal type is frequently sold at public auction.

95.32(5)(b) (b) The department shall promulgate rules specifying the period of public auction sales that will be used in the appraisal of each animal type to which sub. (2) applies. The period may not begin more than 6 months before the date on which the department makes the appraisal.

95.32(5)(c) (c) The department shall promulgate rules specifying methods for determining the appraised value of animals of animal types that are not frequently sold at public auction. The methods shall be as consistent as possible with the method under sub. (2).

95.32 History History: 1977 c. 146; 1977 c. 449 s. 497; 1981 c. 20; 1995 a. 450; 2001 a. 108.

95.32 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. ATCP 10, Wis. adm. code.