§ 4-39-303 — Importation of domesticated elk -- Enforcement.

(1) A person may not import domesticated elk into the state for use in domesticated elk facilities without first obtaining:
(1)(a) an entry permit from the state veterinarian's office; and
(1)(b) a domesticated elk facility license from the department.
(2) The entry permit shall include the following information and certificates:
(2)(a) a health certificate with an indication of the current health status;
(2)(b) the name and address of the consignor and consignee;
(2)(c) proof that the elk are:
(2)(c)(i) tuberculosis free; or
(2)(c)(ii) enrolled in a tuberculosis herd monitoring accreditation program administered by the United State Department of Agriculture or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;
(2)(d) the origin of shipment;
(2)(e) the final destination;
(2)(f) the total number of animals in the shipment;
(2)(g) for an elk imported from east of the 100 degree meridian, proof that the elk has been dewormed in accordance with Subsection (3)(a); and
(2)(h) any other information required by the state veterinarian's office or the department.
(3) In addition to the requirements described in Subsections (1) and (2), a person importing a domesticated elk from east of the 100 degree meridian shall:
(3)(a) deworm the elk within 60 days before arrival in the state;
(3)(b) deworm or harvest the elk no later than 150 days after arrival in the state;
(3)(c) for a bull sent to an elk ranch:
(3)(c)(i) hold the bull for harvest until the bull has completed a slaughter withdrawal period; or
(3)(c)(ii) be able to demonstrate that the elk is free from dewormer residue; and
(3)(d) make the elk available to the department for monitoring and inspection upon request by the department.
(4) The department may stop the importation of a domesticated elk or quarantine a domesticated elk if the department identifies the spread of meningeal worm in the elk or the elk's domesticated herd.
(5) A person who imports domesticated elk into the state from an international herd:
(5)(a) may only import domesticated elk:
(5)(a)(i) that are male; and
(5)(a)(ii) to an elk ranch for use in the elk ranch; and
(5)(b) shall ensure that the domesticated elk are harvested in the same season in which the domesticated elk enter the state.
(6) For the purpose of enforcing Subsection (5), the department may make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the use of radio frequency identification tags to track male elk imported into the state from an international herd.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 91, 2025 General Session