PURPOSE: This rule is necessary to restrict the movement of rabbits and hares into Missouri due to the recent diagnosis of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease in the United States.

1. (1) No rabbits or hares may enter Missouri if the animals have originated from a state or country where Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has been diagnosed in the prior twelve (12) months unless they meet the following requirements:

   1. (A) Must obtain an entry permit; and

   2. (B) Must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from an accredited veterinarian that states—

      1. 1. All rabbits and hares in the shipment have been

examined within seventy-two (72) hours of shipment for and found free of communicable diseases and have originated from a single premises that has no signs of a communicable disease;

1. 2. There has been no movement of rabbits and hares

onto the originating premises within thirty (30) days prior to shipment; and

1. 3. No rabbits or hares in the shipment have had contact

with wild rabbits or hares within thirty (30) days prior to shipment.

AUTHORITY: section 267.645, RSMo 2016.* Emergency rule filed July 1, 2020, effective July 16, 2020, expired Jan. 11, 2021. Original rule filed July 1, 2020, effective Jan. 30, 2021. *Original authority: 267.645, RSMo 1959, amended 1993.