I fully support the changes outlined in 2VAC5-141 which bring the testing requirements for animals coming into the state, more in line with what other states are doing, based on the latest research.  The testing requirements in the 'current' regulation are extremely expensive and do not seem to be supported by the research in transmission of disease (such as blue tongue).  The regulation has kept many animals out of Virginia for exhibition/shows.  Many of the TB and brucellosis free states on the east coast have dropped that requirement for testing for animals from other TB and Bucellosis free states.  This makes great sense and allows for small farms to bring their animals to Virginia without adding hundreds of dollars of added expense. 

Livestock shows are a great source of revenue for the state (show venues, hotels, restaurants, rental companies, etc).  Keeping the old style regulations which are overly stringent would keep out exhibiters and animals from nearby states at our shows, reduce revenue from those shows and conceivably create a negative image of Virginia as a state that supports it's proud livestock heritage.  As the coordinator for our fall show for the past few years, we have seen our number of participants fall quite a bit.  Granted, the economy has caused a lot of this, but the expense for testing is part of the picture for any exhibiters from outside Virginia.  I know of several exhibiters who would have come, but for the testing requirements.  I personally tend to stay away from shows in states where I would have to do significant testing even when Virginia is TB and brucellosis free. 

So, please complete this legislative process so we can move forward and welcome animals from other states for exhibition, without the extremely expensive additional testing.