Part II. Live-Bird Markets
2VAC5-195-40. LBM licensing and training requirements.
The provisions of this section shall become effective November 19, 2006.
Every LBM in Virginia shall apply to the State Veterinarian for a license to operate. The LBM shall comply with the requirements of this regulation. A premises identification number shall be assigned. The premises identification number shall be recorded on the license to operate.
Requirements for issuance of a license to a LBM 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 LBM and consent for the State Veterinarian to review all records relating to the LBM.
Failure of the LBM to satisfactorily comply with any of the licensing requirements shall result in the denial of a license to operate. The State Veterinarian may seize and (i) destroy, or (ii) dispose of by any means necessary or appropriate, in the State Veterinarian's judgment, any poultry found in an unlicensed LBM operating in Virginia.
When the State Veterinarian determines that a licensed LBM 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.
The LBM shall allow the State Veterinarian access to the LBM and the birds in the LBM for inspection and testing and for examination of the LBM records.
LBM managers shall attend training that is provided or approved by the State Veterinarian. Such training shall include disease recognition and biosecurity requirements. A certificate of training shall be provided by the trainer and maintained by the LBM in the LBM personnel files.
All personnel that work in the LBM shall be trained in biosecurity procedures as arranged by the owner/manager. A certificate of training shall be maintained by the LBM in the LBM personnel files.
No LBM shall transport birds directly from a production unit, a wholesaler, or an auction market in Virginia unless the LBM is also licensed as a distribution unit in Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. November 19, 2006; Errata, 23:3 VA.R. 510 October 16, 2006.
2VAC5-195-50. LBM bird testing and recordkeeping.
The LBM shall verify bird identification and AI test-negative status of birds at the time of their receipt. If such documentation is not available, the birds shall not enter the LBM. Records for birds shall include the date of entry, the premises-of-origin identification number with a lot identifier, the number and species of birds in the lot, the distributor license number, the date of sale, and a copy of the negative test results for the birds. The record requirements shall include all premises that birds have visited from the flock of origin to the LBM, including production and distribution units where commingling may have occurred.
The LBM shall maintain records for 12 months from the birds' date of entry into the LBM. A copy of the form to be used may be obtained from the State Veterinarian.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. August 21, 2006.
2VAC5-195-60. LBM sanitation and biosecurity requirements.
A written biosecurity protocol approved by the State Veterinarian shall be developed and practiced by the LBM.
The LBM shall keep the LBM environment and crates in a clean and sanitary condition as defined by the biosecurity protocol. LBM managers shall ensure that employees follow the approved biosecurity protocol.
The LBM shall slaughter and process the birds before the birds leave the LBM, unless otherwise provided in the biosecurity protocol.
LBMs shall undergo quarterly closures with bird removal and C&D with a minimum of 24 hours of downtime. The LBM shall be inspected and approved by the State Veterinarian prior to reopening.
Poultry waste shall be placed in leak-proof bags or other approved containers, sealed, and disposed of daily through procedures acceptable to the local jurisdiction where the LBM is located.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. August 21, 2006.
2VAC5-195-70. LBM surveillance.
Birds in the LBM may be tested for AI at any time, but they shall be tested at least quarterly. Appropriate samples will be collected for AI testing at an approved laboratory.
Specimens tested may include those collected from live birds; the environment within the LBM; swabs collected on arrival from birds, conveyances, and crates; and swabs or tissues from sick and dead birds detected in the LBM. The number and source of the specimens shall be determined by the State Veterinarian.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. August 21, 2006.
2VAC5-195-80. Handling of LBM positive laboratory results.
When birds in a LBM test positive for AI, the LBM shall close. Such LBMs shall depopulate and perform C&D. The State Veterinarian shall approve depopulation and disposal methods. The State Veterinarian may at his discretion approve a plan to allow the LBM up to five calendar days from the time of notification of positive test results from an approved laboratory to sell down its poultry inventory. Additional birds shall not enter the LBM after notification of positive status for AI or during the sell-down period.
Prior to reopening, the LBM shall be inspected by the State Veterinarian. Environmental samples shall be taken for testing at this time, but the LBM may be allowed to reopen while it awaits environmental test results. If results are positive for AI, the LBM shall again close (with up to five days to permit sell down, if appropriate) and shall again perform C&D procedures within 24 hours of the depopulation, followed by inspection and retesting.
Samples that initially test positive for AI at an approved laboratory shall be submitted to the NVSL for confirmation.
Any LBM that has a positive AI test shall undergo monthly testing.
After three consecutive negative tests, the LBM may be allowed to return to a schedule of quarterly testing and quarterly closures.
When AI-positive birds are in the LBM or delivered to the LBM, an investigation shall be initiated by the State Veterinarian. LBM records shall be presented to the State Veterinarian for epidemiologic investigation.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. November 19, 2006.