12.7.542    SHIPMENT INSPECTIONS

(1) The department may inspect shipments of imported bait leeches at mutually convenient times and locations prior to removal of leeches from shipping containers.

(2) The department may seize and destroy any shipment of bait leeches when:

(a) unwanted aquatic pests, including zebra mussels, fish pathogens, or parasites are found in the shipment;

(b) bait leeches in the shipment have visible symptoms of infectious disease or parasitic infection;

(c) the shipment is not from a source authorized by the department or is not the species of leeches authorized for importation;

(d) zebra mussels have been found in drainages from which the bait leeches were taken; or

(e) false information was provided in the permit application.

(3) The owner of a shipment of bait leeches that is seized forfeits all rights to the shipment of leeches and shall not be compensated for any loss.

History: 87-5-704, MCA; IMP, 87-5-711, MCA; NEW, 2000 MAR p. 827, Eff. 3/31/00.