Cattle

Below is a summary of the requirements for cattle coming into the state of Idaho.
Following only the information on this page will not guarantee that you are in compliance with Idaho's import requirements.
Cattle are defined as "all bovidae including domestic bison" in IDAPA 02.04.21, Rules Governing the Importation Of Animals. Please peruse this rule for additional information on importation, and don't hesitate to call with any questions.

California, Michigan and New Mexico have additional requirements to those listed below, due to their Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Vesicular Stomatitis and/or other disease status. If you are sending cattle from any of these states, always call the department before the cattle leave your state.

All cattle require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for movement into Idaho.

Identification is required to be listed on the CVI for the following groups of cattle:

• Intact male and female dairy cattle 4 months of age and older.
• Intact male and female beef cattle entering an Idaho Approved Feedlot 18 months of age and older.
• Intact male cattle (except rodeo bulls) going to any other destination 12 months and older.
• Intact female beef cattle going to any other destination 4 months and older.

In addition to meeting all the requirements for beef cattle, all domestic bison require an entry permit prior to movement into Idaho.

Canadian cattle being imported into Idaho must have a permit and meet all regular import requirements for the class of cattle being imported, as well as a CAN brand high on the right hip and individual identification listed on the health certificate.

Idaho only accepts unvaccinated cattle if they are going to an approved feedlot and have a permit issued by our office.

All intact dairy cattle require an entry permit. All intact dairy cattle 6 months of age and older require a negative TB test within 60 days. Females over 4 months of age must be Brucellosis vaccinated.

All bulls require an entry permit and negative Trichomoniasis tests within the last 30 days or a virgin bull statement (only bulls under 12 months of age can be considered virgins). Please see the rules at IDAPA 02.04.29, Rules Governing Trichomoniasis for further information on this. A statement that there is no known Trich in the herd of origin is also required for bulls.

All cattle used for rodeo or timed events need negative Tuberculosis testing performed within the 12 months prior to importation into Idaho

Beef breed females who are vaccinated for Brucellosis do not require a permit unless:

They are from a state that is not Brucellosis or Tuberculosis free, or
They are less than 4 months of age and not accompanying their dam.