Committee lays over bill to allow interstate transfer of reindeer amid CWD concerns

Chair Anderson presented House File 434, a measure to allow certain interstate transfers of reindeer between zoological institutions. Joan Hemker, founder and co‑owner of Hemker Park and Zoo, testified remotely in support, saying the facility has cared for reindeer for 35 years and asking for an exception to statutes that otherwise restrict imports.

Hemker urged the committee to permit transfers between an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)‑accredited institution and a USDA‑licensed exhibitor that also houses AZA‑owned animals, saying the change would support genetic diversity and species conservation programs. Hemker told the committee that Hemker Park “has met and exceeded over 26 AZA institution inspections” and participates in species management work.

Pat Rivers, deputy director for the Division of Fish and Wildlife at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, raised disease‑control concerns. Rivers told the committee that Washington state recently detected chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a deer and that following testing of more than 1,200 hunter‑submitted samples the state found additional positives. Rivers said Minnesota’s testing methods are currently lagging indicators and the DNR would “support importing animals once we do have a live test that can confirm conclusively that those animals, by a validated test, do not have the disease.” The deputy director specifically referenced the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MINPRO), which is working on live testing.

Representative Hansen and Hemker discussed the balance between animal transfers for genetic management and the CWD risk. Hansen requested that the committee seek an update from the University of Minnesota prion research center on progress toward a validated live test before advancing import allowances.

The committee laid House File 434 over for further consideration.