The State Board of Animal Health is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s sixth floor conference room at the State Capitol in Bismarck.
For those interested in joining remotely, call-in information can be obtained by contacting Michelle Mielke at 701-328-2233 before 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
The draft agenda includes introductions and roll call, review of minutes from the December 1, 2025 meeting, and updates from organizations such as the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (with input from Heather Mitchell, DVM), North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, Independent Beef Association of North Dakota (I-BAND), USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services.
Other topics set for discussion are animal disease traceability—including a memorandum of understanding with South Dakota and Montana—disease updates on vesicular stomatitis and Brucella ovis, farmed elk updates, non-traditional livestock updates, importation requirements, border movements, online sale requirements and extended equine certificate of veterinary inspection. The agenda also lists field investigator reports, fiscal updates, administrative rules and violations. Some discussions may take place in executive session.
Upcoming events noted include a Certified Swine Sample Collector Course on March 19 at NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Fargo; Modified Live Vaccine Training sessions on March 24 and April 2 at the State Capitol Building in Bismarck; USAHerds Workshop April 28–29 in Ohio; North Central United States Animal Health Association meeting May 11–14 in South Dakota; and Western United States Animal Health Association event June 6–10 in Newport, Oregon.
The department notes that some items may be moved up or down on the agenda. Breaks will occur at the discretion of the board president.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture oversees divisions such as animal health while supporting farmers through advocacy programs and local food initiatives. It offers resources to address industry needs including research support and wildlife management services. The department works to promote agriculture for public benefit by connecting producers with consumers through programs like Pride of Dakota (official website). Doug Goehring serves as agriculture commissioner for the department (official website).
