While the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter, livestock exhibitors around the state are looking forward to the summer show season. In early 2026, many exhibitors will attend show animal sales in other states, searching for an animal to bring home the blue ribbon.

The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health and North Dakota State University Extension have issued a reminder to buyers that show animals purchased out of North Dakota require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) to enter the state.

“A CVI documents that the animal is free of signs of infectious, contagious disease and has met the health requirements set by the State Board of Animal Health for import into North Dakota,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian. “A veterinarian that is licensed and accredited in the state the animal is coming from must perform an evaluation and any required testing, and they must ensure the animal meets requirements for individual identification before entering North Dakota.”

Dr. Galbreath explains that this documentation is important because it allows the state veterinary office to trace animals in the event of a disease outbreak, which can be key to limiting the spread of illness. An outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) associated with rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma in late 2025 demonstrated how proper documentation can help quickly identify animals that may have been exposed and allow officials to contact owners with response instructions.

At livestock check-ins at the 2025 North Dakota State Fair, state veterinary officials identified 187 animals from 80 families and three third-party importers that originated outside North Dakota that had no CVI to document when they entered the state.

“Animal agriculture faces many challenges in disease and pests,” says Dr. Ethan Andress, North Dakota state veterinarian. “Many of these challenges can be seen on the daily news, ranging from highly pathogenic avian influenza to New World screwworm. The key to the control of these diseases is constant vigilance and monitoring.”

Dr. Galbreath advises exhibitors considering purchasing show stock from out of state to ask sellers whether a veterinarian will be available to provide CVIs or if they will need to make separate arrangements.

“Exhibitors should also work with their own veterinarians to develop biosecurity protocols for their operations that they can implement to keep their herds and flocks safe,” says Dr. Galbreath.

The Board of Animal Health plans to step up surveillance and enforcement of animal movement regulations at fairs and events in 2026. The North Dakota Century Code states that importing animals without a required CVI can result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation. In recent cases, the Board of Animal Health has imposed a $500 penalty, which would be suspended if the individual commits no further violations in the next three years.

“If you are importing animals and have difficulty finding a veterinarian, or if someone delivers animals to your property without a CVI, please reach out to our office,” says Dr. Andress. “We would rather help exhibitors become compliant than issue them fines.”

For information on requirements to transport animals into North Dakota, visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/animal-health/animal-movement-and-importation-requirements or call the state board at 701-328-2655.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 12, 2026

Source: Jake Galbreath, 701-231-5738, j.galbreath@ndsu.edsu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu