Animal Industry Division

April 8, 2025

Overview

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) regulates the importation of water buffalo and bison to protect local livestock from infectious diseases and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Water buffalo and bison are classified as restricted species and require an additional permit from the Plant Quarantine Branch to enter the state. A Plant Quarantine Branch permit must be obtained prior to receiving an import permit from the Animal Disease Control Branch. For more information on importing restricted species from the Plant Quarantine Branch, visit https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/import-program/plant-quarantine-application-for-permits/ or call (808) 832-0566.

All water buffalo and bison imports must meet health testing, identification, and permit requirements before entry into the state. For requirements from the Animal Disease Control Branch, please download the Water Buffalo and Bison Import Guidance.

General Import Process

1. Obtain an Import Permit from the Plant Quarantine Branch
2. Meet Pre-Entry Health Requirements
3. Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
4. Obtain an Import Permit from the Animal Disease Control Branch
5. Complete Post-Arrival Requirements

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (808) 483-7100
Fax: (808) 483-7110
After-Hours (Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays): (808) 837-8092

Resources

• For more information about HPAI in livestock, visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock
• For official identification requirements by species, including pictures, visit: https://iowaagriculture.gov/sites/default/files/animal-industry/pdf/Handbook/ADT.pdf

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Animal Disease Control Branch
99-941 Hālawa Valley Street
ʻAiea, Hawai‘i 96701-5699 
Phone: (808) 483-7100
Phone: (808) 837-8092 (after hours)
Fax:  (808) 483-7110