Transporting livestock
Safely and legally move animals into and out of Louisiana
Bringing livestock into Louisiana
Livestock brought into Louisiana needs to be accompanied by an official health certificate stating the animals:
Are free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases
Are free from signs of internal and/or external parasites
Meet specific requirements stated in this regulation
Health certificates are valid for 30 days.
No livestock affected with, or carrying the contagion of, screwworms shall be moved into Louisiana for any purpose.
Livestock consigned to an approved slaughter establishment or livestock auction market are exempt from the health certificate requirement.
Authority note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2093.
Historical note: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock Sanitary Board, LR
Moving livestock out of state
A federal requirement, effective March 11, 2013, governs the interstate movement of livestock covered under the Animal Disease Traceability rule:
Cattle
Bison
Equine
Poultry
Sheep
Goats
Swine
Captive cervids
These livestock must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) when traveling interstate unless subject to specific exemptions.
To comply with the Animal Disease Traceability regulations:
Get necessary animal health certificates from an accredited veterinarian
Send completed health certificates to our office within 7 days of issue (mail, fax, email)
We will forward a copy of the health certificates to the state of destination
Any further individual entry requirements are determined by the state of destination. Please check with that state in a timely manner to adhere to all requirements. Find contact information for state animal health officials on the U.S. Animal Health Association website .
Contact us for more information on electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (eCVI)s, to register for the Louisiana eCVI, or to place an order for health certificates (paper-based or electronic fillable PDFs).
Moving livestock out of the country
For information on international travel, call the USDA APHIS Area Office in Flowood, MS, at 601-936-8580.
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