Brief⁽¹⁾

H.B. 2321 would expand the authority of the Livestock Commissioner of the Animal Health Department to contain and control contagious or infectious diseases among certain domestic animals. This authority is expanded to include, but not be limited to, goats, llamas, poultry, birds, nonhuman primates, and ferrets.

Background

This bill was introduced at the request of the Livestock Commissioner. At the hearing on the bill, the Commissioner testified that the species being added can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and that the Animal Health Department has been aware of diseased birds and nonhuman primates in the state, but had no authority to quarantine and require treatment. There were no opponents or other conferees on the bill.

The fiscal note on the bill indicates no fiscal impact on the Animal Health Department.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.