Section 16-610-060. Veterinarian certification.

(1) The director may certify veterinarians, who are licensed and accredited in Washington state and who comply with the requirements of this section, to issue livestock inspection certificates.

(2) Veterinarians licensed and accredited in Washington state who wish to issue inspection certificates for livestock must apply for certification on the department's application form (WSDA form #7028). The application must include the following:

(a) The full name and principal business address of the individual applying for certification;

(b) The applicant's Washington state veterinary license number;

(c) The geographic area in which the applicant will issue inspection certificates for livestock;

(d) A statement describing the applicant's experience with large animals, especially cattle and horses;

(e) A brief statement indicating that the applicant is requesting certification to issue inspection certificates for cattle, horses or both;

(f) The signature of the applicant; and

(g) Any other additional information as requested by the director.

(3) All applications must be accompanied by a check or money order for the amount of the certification fee of thirty-five dollars per applicant.

(4) Certifications expire on the third December 31st following the date of issuance. For example, if a certificate was issued on October 14, 2003, it would expire on December 31, 2005. All applications for renewal of certification must be submitted on AGR Form 930-7089 and accompanied by a check or money order for the amount of the certification fee of thirty-five dollars per applicant.

(5) All veterinarians applying for certification or renewal of certification must complete department-provided training and pass a written test with no less than a score of ninety percent. The department will provide to each person applying for certification or renewal of certification a copy of the most current brand book and any supplements issued to date. Training will include, but will not be limited to, the:

(a) Reading of printed brands;

(b) Reading of brands or other marks on animals;

(c) Completion of official documents; and

(d) Review of satisfactory ownership documents.

(6) The director will maintain a list of veterinarians certified to perform livestock inspections. Interested parties may request a copy of the list by contacting the department at 360-902-1855 or [e-mail].

(7) Inspections by certified veterinarians are conducted upon request and provided at the discretion of the veterinarian.

(8) Certified veterinarians must submit all required inspection fees to the director and copies of each inspection certificate within thirty days of the date of issue.

(9) The director may deny certification or renewal of certification to issue inspection certificates if the veterinarian fails to meet the requirements of this section or knowingly makes false or inaccurate statements regarding his or her qualifications on the certification application.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 16.57.160 and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 16-21-008, § 16-610-060, filed 10/7/16, effective 11/7/16. Statutory Authority: Chapters 16.57, 16.58, 16.65, and 34.05 RCW. WSR 10-21-016, § 16-610-060, filed 10/7/10, effective 11/7/10; WSR 07-14-057, § 16-610-060, filed 6/28/07, effective 7/29/07; WSR 04-01-171, § 16-610-060, filed 12/23/03, effective 1/23/04.]

RCW 16.57.160 and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 16-21-008, § 16-610-060, filed 10/7/16, effective 11/7/16. Statutory Authority: Chapters 16.57, 16.58, 16.65, and 34.05 RCW. WSR 10-21-016, § 16-610-060, filed 10/7/10, effective 11/7/10; WSR 07-14-057, § 16-610-060, filed 6/28/07, effective 7/29/07; WSR 04-01-171, § 16-610-060, filed 12/23/03, effective 1/23/04.