Part III. Distribution Units
2VAC5-195-90. Distribution unit licensing and training requirements.
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.
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.
2VAC5-195-100. Distribution unit bird testing and recordkeeping.
Distribution units shall verify bird identification and AI test-negative status of birds. Distribution units shall provide documentation and certification of a negative test for AI with each delivery of birds to a LBM.
Distribution units shall maintain records of bird pickups and deliveries for 12 months after distribution to the LBM. These records shall include copies of negative AI test results, dates of pickup and delivery, location of origin, species, numbers of birds, and farm premises location that includes lot identification. In addition, distribution units shall keep records of C&D of premises and conveyances for 12 months after distribution of the birds to the LBM. A copy of the records form 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.
2VAC5-195-110. Distribution unit sanitation and biosecurity requirements.
Distribution unit vehicles, bird-holding devices, and any premises where birds may be held shall be kept clean and sanitary.
A written biosecurity protocol approved by the State Veterinarian shall be developed and practiced by the distribution unit.
Distribution units shall use state-approved all-season crates and conveyance washing equipment and present C&D documentation when obtaining birds from production units and other distribution units. The distribution unit shall perform C&D on all crates, conveyance vehicles, and other equipment after visiting a LBM and before returning to a farm. The distribution unit shall maintain documentation of the most recent C&D in the unit's conveyance vehicle. The distribution unit shall maintain C&D documentation of all facilities, conveyance vehicles, and other equipment for the most recent 12 months as part of its record system.
Distribution units shall not transport live birds from LBMs.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. August 21, 2006.
2VAC5-195-120. Distribution unit surveillance.
Distribution units receiving, purchasing, or transporting poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia shall be subjected to random inspections by the State Veterinarian. Inspections shall be accomplished at least quarterly to ensure that conveyances, crates, and facilities are clean and sanitary and that records are kept in accordance with the requirements of this regulation. Distribution units physically located outside of Virginia shall present conveyances, crates, and C&D equipment used as part of the live-bird marketing system in Virginia for random inspections to be accomplished at least quarterly by the State Veterinarian.
Distribution units receiving, purchasing, or transporting poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia may be tested for AI at any time, but they shall be tested at least quarterly. Specimens of choice and the types of tests to be run for each are at the discretion of the State Veterinarian. Distribution units shall notify the State Veterinarian of any AI test results obtained from a private entity. If a distribution unit is located outside of Virginia, the State Veterinarian, at his discretion, may approve testing for AI 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 AI test results of the unit, conveyances, crates, and C&D equipment performed by a state or federal veterinary official in the state where the distribution is physically located or by a private entity.
Statutory Authority
§ 3.2-6023 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. August 21, 2006.
2VAC5-195-130. Handling of distribution unit positive laboratory results.
Distribution units that receive, purchase, or transport poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia with birds that test positive for AI at an approved laboratory shall close and undergo depopulation of any birds on any premises and C&D of the distribution unit in Virginia. The State Veterinarian shall approve depopulation and disposal methods.
Environmental samples may be taken for AI testing if indicated. Any environmental sample testing positive for AI at an approved laboratory will be submitted to the NVSL for confirmation.
A distribution unit receiving, purchasing, or transporting poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia that fails a biosecurity inspection or is positive on quarterly AI testing shall undergo monthly inspections and AI testing until there have been three consecutive months of negative AI testing and satisfactory results from a biosecurity inspection, at which time quarterly testing may resume.
When AI-positive birds are found within the distribution unit receiving, purchasing, or transporting poultry from a production unit or another distribution unit in Virginia, the State Veterinarian shall initiate an investigation. All distribution unit 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. August 21, 2006.