USDA Updates Disease Certification Rules for Deer and Elk Herds
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Notice
Summary
If you own or manage deer, elk, or other related animals, this update to the Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program is for you! The USDA is revising the rules to make it easier and clearer to keep herds healthy and move animals between states. You’ve got until November 25, 2026, to share your thoughts, so jump in now—these changes could save you time and money down the road!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Shorter quarantine for white‑tailed and mule deer
The revised Program Standards reduce the trace and quarantine period for white‑tailed deer and mule deer while maintaining the existing trace and quarantine period for elk and other species. This change is specifically listed as a proposed revision in the notice.
New indemnity prioritization criteria
The proposed revisions update indemnity prioritization to include reducing CWD transmission risk, strategically removing high‑risk animals, and encouraging Herd Certification Program participation and genetic strategies to lower herd susceptibility. These prioritization changes are explicitly listed as part of the revisions.
Guidelines for predictive genetics use
The revised Program Standards will include guidelines for using predictive genetics to reduce herd Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) susceptibility and increase prevention. The notice explicitly lists inclusion of predictive genetics guidance as a proposed revision.
Allow moving positive‑herd cervids to quarantined hunt facilities
The proposed revisions allow moving cervids from a CWD‑positive herd to a terminal positive quarantined hunt facility in a wildlife endemic area in another State, but only with concurrence of the State Animal Health Authorities in both the origin and receiving States. This allowance is explicitly listed in the notice.
New indemnity appeal process
The revisions add a section on the indemnity appeal process and revise prioritization guidelines for indemnity funds to include predictive genetics. The notice explicitly states an indemnity appeal section is being added.
Science‑based updates and clarifications
The revised Program Standards contain science‑based updates and clarifications in areas that were previously open to interpretation. The notice lists science‑based updates and clarifications as part of the proposed revisions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2025-04813, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Delay of Effective Date, and Request for Comment
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
2025-01836, Horse Protection Amendments; Postponement of Regulations
The USDA is delaying new horse protection rules that were set to start on February 1, 2025, pushing them back 60 days to April 2, 2025. These rules affect horse shows, exhibitions, and sales by requiring trained inspectors to catch soring, a harmful practice. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready without changing any fees or costs.
2026-21433, Minimum Maturation Temperature for Beef and Ovine Meat From Regions Affected With Foot-and-Mouth Disease
The USDA wants to lower the minimum maturation temperature for beef and sheep meat from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) regions from 4°C to 2°C. This change helps match global health standards while keeping the U.S. safe from FMD. Meat importers and regulators should weigh in by December 21, 2026, as the update could affect how meat is processed and shipped.
2026-21311, Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Passion Fruit From Viet Nam Into the United States
The USDA is sharing a new study about bringing fresh passion fruit from Viet Nam into the U.S. They found ways to keep plant pests out by using special safety steps. Anyone interested can check out the study and share their thoughts by December 18, 2026, helping protect U.S. farms while enjoying new fruit options.
2026-21223, Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Interstate Movement of Fresh Leaves and Rhizomes of Wasabi From Hawaii Into the Continental United States
The USDA has studied the risks of moving fresh wasabi leaves and rhizomes from Hawaii to the continental U.S. Right now, this move isn’t allowed, but the new analysis shows that certain safety steps can make it safe. People can check out the study and share their thoughts by December 15, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21744, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 14.1 Regarding Information Circular Requirements
Cboe EDGX Exchange is updating its rules to simplify how it shares info about new derivative securities with its members. They’re removing the need to send a full info circular before trading starts and tweaking some paperwork rules to match what the listing exchange approves. These changes take effect immediately and mainly affect Exchange members, making things quicker and smoother without extra costs.
Next: 2026-21746, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Fee Schedule To Update the Definition of Trading Platform
Cboe EDGA Exchange is updating its fee schedule by changing how it defines a “Trading Platform.” This tweak affects traders and firms using the exchange, making sure the rules match current trading setups. The change took effect right away on October 19, 2026, with no new fees added—just clearer language.