Animal Industry Division

December 22, 2023

*UPDATE* – A permit to import Water Buffalo and Bison will be required from the Plant Quarantine Branch AND the Animal Industry. The permit from the Animal Industry starts December 22, 2023

Importers must obtain a permit from the Chief Plant Inspector, Plant Quarantine Branch before requesting a permit from the Animal Industry Division.  Contact the Plant Quarantine Branch by calling (808) 832-0566.

General Pre-Entry Requirements for Water Buffalo and Bison Imports (For additional details, see guidance document at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2023/12/Water-buffalo-and-Bison-Import-Guidance-Document-12.2.2.2023.pdf

• Originate from a herd that is not under quarantine.
• Be free from external parasites and symptoms of transmissible diseases and have not had recent exposure to these diseases.
• Tested negative within 30 days of shipment by a state, federal, or accredited veterinarian for brucellosis (by an official brucellosis test performed in a USDA approved laboratory), anaplasmosis (with c-ELISA test at an approved laboratory) and tuberculosis.
• All non-virgin bulls and all bulls 12 months of age and older shall be negative for trichomoniasis by PCR testing done 30 days prior to entry.

1. Tested bulls shall not breed cows from 10 days prior to testing nor shall breed cows post-testing until they have arrived in the state.

• Every animal in shipment must be uniquely identified by one of the following:

1. National Uniform ear tag (Bangs, Brite/Silver tag)
2. Official 840 radio frequency identification tag (RFID)

• Sprayed or dipped under the supervision of a veterinarian with a pesticide at a concentration to kill ticks within 7 days of shipment.
• Acquire a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed, accredited veterinarian

1. Include required statements on CVI- see guidance document at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2023/12/Water-buffalo-and-Bison-Import-Guidance-Document-12.2.2.2023.pdf

• Request an Animal Industry import permit when pre-entry requirements have been met.  Contact the Animal Industry Division during business hours:

1. Email: [email protected]
2. Fax: 808-483-7110
3. Phone: 808-483-7100
4. Phone: 808-837-8092 (Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays)

• The import permit and CVI must accompany the shipment

Post-arrival requirements for Water Buffalo and Bison arriving in Hawaii

• At home isolation from other water buffalo or bison is required until post-arrival testing is complete.
• Newly imported water buffalo or bison must be tested 60 – 90 days post-arrival for anaplasmosis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. An accredited, licensed veterinarian in Hawaii needs to perform the testing and collect samples. Samples should be submitted to the Hawaii State Veterinary Laboratory.