Section 90. Distribution unit licensing and training requirements

Part III. Distribution Units

The provisions of this section shall become effective November 19, 2006.

All distribution units shall apply to the State Veterinarian for a license to receive, purchase, or transport poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia. A premises identification number shall be assigned. The premises identification number shall be recorded on the license to operate.

To receive a license to distribute birds within the live-bird marketing system in Virginia, distribution units shall allow the State Veterinarian access to records upon request and permit inspections and AI testing of birds, premises, and equipment.

A distribution unit license shall not be issued in Virginia until the State Veterinarian has performed an inspection of the unit, its record system, conveyances, crates, and the C&D equipment that will be used. If a distribution unit is located outside of Virginia, the State Veterinarian, at his discretion, may approve an inspection of the unit, its record system, conveyances, crates, and the C&D equipment that will be used, performed by a state or federal veterinary official from the state where the distribution unit is physically located. Distribution units located outside of Virginia and licensed by Virginia shall immediately notify the State Veterinarian of all inspections of the unit, its record system, conveyances, crates, and C&D equipment performed by a state or federal veterinary official in the state where the distribution is physically located.

Requirements for issuance of a license to a distribution unit are the applicant's agreement to comply with the requirements of this regulation and Virginia's Avian Influenza Proclamation, development and implementation of a written biosecurity plan approved by the State Veterinarian, consent to an initial, random and at least quarterly inspection of the distribution unit and consent for the State Veterinarian to review all records relating to the distribution unit.

Failure of the distribution unit to satisfactorily comply with any of the licensing requirements shall result in the denial of a license to operate.

When the State Veterinarian determines that a licensed distribution unit no longer meets the requirements of this regulation, such license shall be suspended until such time that deficiencies have been corrected to the satisfaction of the State Veterinarian.

All personnel that work for a distribution unit in Virginia shall be trained in biosecurity procedures provided or approved by the State Veterinarian. A certification of employee training shall be maintained in the distribution unit's personnel files.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. November 19, 2006; Errata, 23:3 VA.R. 510 October 16, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.