Minnesota Board of Animal Health initiates chronic wasting disease resistance breeding pilot program

On March 24, 2025, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 747, aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervid populations, particularly among farmed white-tailed deer. This bill seeks to enhance the state's regulatory framework for the importation and management of cervids, ensuring that animals brought into Minnesota are free from CWD and that existing herds are monitored effectively.

Key provisions of Senate Bill 747 include stringent requirements for the importation of live cervids and semen. Specifically, the bill mandates that these animals must originate from herds that have been part of a state- or provincial-approved CWD monitoring program for a minimum of three years. Additionally, the bill allows for the seizure and destruction of cervids imported in violation of these regulations, reinforcing the state's commitment to controlling the spread of CWD.

A significant aspect of the bill is the transfer of responsibilities for administering and enforcing CWD-related statutes from the commissioner of natural resources to the Board of Animal Health. This shift aims to streamline oversight and improve the effectiveness of disease management strategies. However, the bill specifies that personnel transfers will not occur, maintaining continuity within the existing framework.

Senate Bill 747 also includes provisions for a pilot program funded by appropriations from the general fund. This program will collaborate with deer farm owners to breed resistance to CWD through selective insemination, utilizing semen from herds believed to be resistant to the disease. The results of this initiative will be assessed by a third party, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of these breeding strategies.

The introduction of this bill has sparked discussions among stakeholders, including wildlife advocates, farmers, and public health officials. While proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting Minnesota's deer population and the state's hunting economy, critics express concerns about the potential economic impact on deer farming operations and the feasibility of implementing the proposed measures.

As the legislative process unfolds, the implications of Senate Bill 747 could be significant. If passed, it may set a precedent for how states manage wildlife diseases and could influence similar legislation in other regions. The ongoing debates surrounding the bill will likely shape its final form and the future of cervid management in Minnesota.