Wyoming Representative Chip Neiman is urging South Dakota ranchers to advocate for stronger disease traceability measures following the recent passage of his House Bill 229 in Wyoming, KOTA Territory reports.
This legislation gives livestock owners the option to determine how they track their animals for disease-related purposes.
The call for action comes in light of a recent anthrax outbreak confirmed in a group of cattle at a South Dakota auction house. State Veterinarian Beth Thompson successfully identified the exposed animals and implemented necessary measures to address the situation.
Speaking at Monday’s Livestock Producers Freedom Rally, Neiman emphasized the need for South Dakota to adopt similar legislation to safeguard livestock health in the region.
“It surprises me that South Dakota, a state deeply rooted in agriculture, is facing challenges in passing such important legislation… It highlights the need to protect the choices and freedoms of the people in Wyoming. We required the flexibility to identify our livestock in the manner we deemed appropriate,” Neiman stated.
Neiman encouraged attendees to engage with local officials to advocate for comparable legislation in South Dakota, citing the positive impacts of his bill in Wyoming.
