(1) All imported cervids, including wild cervids, game farm and publicly or privately owned captive animals, must meet the import requirements of ARM Title 32, chapter 3, subchapter 2, Title 81, chapter 2, part 7, MCA, ARM 32.4.601, and any other rules or orders issued by the department under the authority of 81-2-103, MCA.

(2) The department may allow importation of cervids from other states or provinces if the following criteria are met:

(a) The animal has sufficient identification to enhance trace back capabilities.

(b) The animal has resided in the exporting herd for a minimum of 12 months immediately prior to importation or a satisfactory, complete animal movement history from herd of origin is provided to the department prior to importation into Montana.

(c) The exporting herd has participated in a CWD surveillance program that meets the department's requirements for a minimum of 12 months prior to importation into Montana.

(3) The state veterinarian may deny importation from states that do not meet the following requirements:

(a) The state of origin must have the legal means of control and/or disposition of CWD affected, exposed or trace herds;

(b) The state of origin must have the power and authority to quarantine CWD affected, exposed or trace herds; and

(c) If CWD has been confirmed in any herds within the state of origin, the state veterinarian of that state must have completed an epidemiological investigation and identified all CWD affected, exposed or trace herds.

(4) Documentation fulfilling the requirements of (1) , (2) and (3) must be provided to the department at the time of application for an import permit.