Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 32 - LIVESTOCK
Chapter 32.3 - DISEASE CONTROL
Subchapter 32.3.1 - General Disease Control Provisions
Rule 32.3.108 - QUARANTINE AND RELEASE OF QUARANTINE

(1) Animals subject to quarantine shall, as soon as it is practicable, be quarantined separate and apart from other susceptible animals. If possible, they shall be quarantined in an inside enclosure.

(2) The person who issues the quarantine shall designate the number of animals quarantined, their approximate age, breed class, species, sex, a description of the mark or brand identifying the animals, and a clear and distinct identification of the area in which they are to be quarantined. Quarantines may be issued verbally or delivered in writing in person, by email, or through registered mail with return receipt. Quarantines issued for herds associated with a positive disease detection must be delivered in writing in person or through registered mail with return receipt.

(3) The person issuing the quarantine shall immediately provide notice to the state veterinarian.

(4) Quarantined livestock shall be identified with a serially numbered U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tag or other form of approved official identification. Additional identification, including brand, tattoo, dye mark, eartag, or other identification acceptable to the Department of Livestock may be required by the state veterinarian to ensure that the identity of the animals will be preserved.

(5) Livestock herds designated as affected with a federal program disease shall be officially identified with USDA 840 series radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or microchips. The 840 official identification number shall be correlated to all existing forms of identification in order to reconcile the completion of all required testing.

(6) The unauthorized removal of any identification provided for under this rule is prohibited.

(7) The owner or their agent-in-charge shall report in writing to the state veterinarian the death of any quarantined animal. All man-made identification shall be salvaged and turned over to the state veterinarian.

(8) A signed affected herd management plan will be required as a condition for quarantine release for all herds and flocks confirmed to be infected with a federal program disease.

(9) Cleaning and disinfection of facilities and or vehicles will be required as a condition for quarantine release when specified in 9 CFR or disease specific uniform methods and rules.

(10) Where quarantined animals are shipped for immediate slaughter under permit from the Department of Livestock, the veterinarian issuing the permit will use a form approved by the state veterinarian.

(11) Quarantine may be removed by or with the approval of the deputy state veterinarian issuing the quarantine or by any authorized quarantine agent of the Department of Livestock when they are satisfied that, according to generally accepted veterinary practice, the animals are not affected with or have not been directly exposed to a quarantinable disease.