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RAC backs targeted changes to pen‑reared game bird rules and surveillance testing approach
Summary
The Central Region RAC unanimously supported rule amendments that replace mandatory, facility‑wide Mycoplasma testing with a division‑led, random sampling plan; the changes clarify interactions with Utah Department of Agriculture commercial licensing and restrict sale of certain game birds at feed stores.
The Central Region Advisory Council unanimously recommended May 13 that the Division of Wildlife Resources adopt revisions to rules governing possession and release of pen‑reared game birds, shifting from a mandatory facility testing model to targeted, division‑conducted random sampling and clarifying regulatory responsibilities.
Heather Talley presented the changes, saying the division will perform random disease testing at some facilities at its own cost to gauge prevalence rather than requiring every grower to test annually for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and related pathogens. Talley also reiterated the need to distinguish between Division and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) licensing: farms holding 1,000 or more game birds or eggs for more than 60 days must hold a UDAF commercial license.
Why it matters: regulators have previously required facility testing to reduce risks of disease transmission to wild populations. The division said random testing and strengthened reporting requirements for large mortality events and clinical signs will still allow disease surveillance while addressing grower concerns about the burden of mandatory testing.
Details and public input: the rule clarifies that feed and game stores should not sell wild game birds when that would circumvent proper regulation; it emphasizes reporting obligations: clinical signs in a substantial portion of a flock or large mortality events must be reported. Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) commented in support of the proposal.
Next steps: The RAC approved the proposed rule changes and the division will implement random sampling and clarify reporting requirements. The division will continue coordination with UDAF and commercial growers to ensure clarity regarding licensing and responsibilities.
