Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 32 - LIVESTOCK
Chapter 32.1 - ORGANIZATIONAL RULE
Subchapter 32.1.1 - N/A
Rule 32.1.101 - ORGANIZATIONAL RULE

(i) Livestock Crimestoppers Commission.

(ii) Board of Milk Control.

(iii) Livestock Loss Board.

(i) The Animal Health Bureau functions are to provide for the diagnosis, prevention, control, and eradication of animal diseases and disorders; maintain a disease surveillance system; provide education and information on animal diseases and disorders to the livestock industry, the veterinary profession, and the public at large; conduct applied research into the causes, transmissibility, and control of animal disease and disorders; enforce sanitary standards of meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products produced or sold in Montana, and inspect animals at livestock auction markets; monitor and enforce import export requirements applied to livestock; assist the Department of Public Health and Human Services in the control of animal diseases transmissible to persons; to protect livestock and human health from rabies by controlling wildlife, especially skunks, known to be vector species of rabies; and provide information, education, and regulation of alternative livestock facilities. These functions are accomplished by state level programs and by cooperation with counties, private groups, other government agencies, and individuals.

(ii) The Milk and Egg Bureau functions are to ensure that eggs, milk, and milk products sold or manufactured in Montana are fit for human consumption. This function is accomplished through licensing, sampling, laboratory testing, product and site inspection and is done in cooperation with other state and federal agencies. The bureau supervises the enforcement of state and federal law.

(iii) The Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau functions are to ensure that meat and poultry products processed, manufactured, or sold in Montana are handled in a sanitary manner thereby ensuring a clean and wholesome product for human consumption. This function is accomplished through licensing, inspection of premises, slaughter inspection, process inspection, sampling, and laboratory testing. This is done in cooperation with other state and federal agencies. The bureau enforces state and federal laws.

(iv) The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Bureau functions are to provide laboratory support for the Animal Health, Milk and Egg, and the Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureaus; provide laboratory diagnostic support to veterinarians and livestock producers; conduct food safety testing of meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products produced and sold in Montana; provide test services to enhance the marketability of livestock; and assist the Department of Public Health and Human Services in diagnosing zoonotic diseases. Testing on wildlife and small animals is performed upon request.

(i) The Enforcement Bureau functions are to protect and foster the state's livestock industry by enforcing livestock laws, inspecting livestock for brands, and conducting theft investigations.

(ii) The Market Bureau functions are to regulate livestock markets and ensure standard uniform inspections at markets.

(iii) The Brands and Records Bureau functions are to issue and record brands, receive and file notices on livestock security agreements, regulate livestock dealers and markets, and maintain the Brands Enforcement Division's records.