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House passes bill to define anthrax outbreak surveillance and response
Summary
The Wyoming House passed House Bill 90 on third reading after discussion about the scope of surveillance zones and the role of the state veterinarian. An amendment to shrink the surveillance radius was offered and withdrawn; the bill passed 43–17 with 2 excused.
House members approved House Bill 90, a measure titled “Anthrax outbreak control,” on third reading Thursday after a floor discussion about how the bill would define a surveillance area and who would decide when restrictions are lifted.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Davis, directs state authorities to establish a surveillance area around confirmed anthrax cases among livestock. Representative Brady offered an amendment to clarify how long animals could be held and to reduce the surveillance radius from a larger distance to 1.5 miles; Brady later withdrew the amendment. Representative Davis said the state veterinarian would determine when any restriction is lifted and that future incidents in the area would inform the decision.
Supporters and critics debated the practical effects. Representative Provenza said he would vote no, arguing that the state veterinarian and existing agencies already have processes in place and that the bill was unnecessary. Representative Eklund and others described the disease as fast‑acting and noted that infected animals typically die rapidly after contracting anthrax, meaning immediate movement to market is often not feasible.
On the floor, members emphasized that the bill establishes an area for observation adjacent to confirmed occurrences rather than prolonged seizure of animals. Representative Davis said the likelihood of restrictions lasting longer than 48 hours was “slim,” and that most cases show rapid onset and death within 24 hours.
The House approved House Bill 90, with the clerk announcing the vote as 43 ayes, 17 noes and 2 excused.
