040906 SC Cracks Down on Livestock and Poultry Vendors

Charleston, SC - Outbreaks of Mad Cow disease and bird flu in other states have prompted South Carolina officials to crack down on livestock and poultry vendors at fairs and other sites.

The state plans to resume enforcement of laws that require private vendors to have permits. Enforcement had been curbed during state budget cuts, officials said.

"The current threat of livestock and poultry diseases, such as exotic Newcastle disease in California, (bird flu) in Texas and (Mad Cow Disease) in Washington require us to increase disease surveillance," said Tony Caver, state veterinarian and director of Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health Division.

"This permitting is going to increase our ability to trace disease."

Boyd Parr, field veterinarian with Clemson's Animal Health Program said there's been no occurrence of any of these diseases in South Carolina.

Enforcement officials will perform spot checks at flea markets and other sites, making sure vendors are permitted, Parr said. The permit fee is $5 annually, and must be renewed on March 1.

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