American Cervid Alliance

Cervid Industry Unites To Set Direction of CWD Reform

April 10, 2013

Cervid Industry Unites To Set Direction for CWD Reform
Unanimous Vote Defines Negotiating Process

This week American Cervid Alliance Council members convened to review the latest progress of the CWD Standards Working Group and determine the next steps in the process.  The three cervid industry representatives – Eric Molhman, Shawn Shafer and Charly Seale, all agreed to allow the negotiating process continue until the Standards Working Group has concluded.

 The CWD Standards Working Group was created last fall by an approved resolution at the United States Animal Health  Association’s (USAHA) Annual Conference.  The charge of the Standards Working Group is to review the current draft of the Federal Program Standards document and suggest changes.  These changes apply to the standards, not the rule. The Working Group is represented by the three industry representatives, several state veterinarians, wildlife officials, and the United States Department of Agriculture.  The three national cervid associations each have seat- Shawn Shafer of the North American Deer Farmers Association, Eric Molhman of the North American Elk Breeders Association, and Charly Seale of the Exotic Wildlife Association.

As of last night, over two dozen state and national cervid associations registered to become voting members of the American Cervid Alliance to bring their membership’s voice to the leadership council.  After the vote, several more associations registered to sign on. 

Shawn Shafer, Eric Molhman, and Charly Seale each agreed during the meeting that the industry must be on the same page about the process.  The agreed process is to allow the Standards Working Group to play out and stand united as they voice concerns next week in Washington DC.   They would not recommend advancing the standards document forward to public comment if there are still detrimental requirements in the final draft.  Eric Molhman stated, “We are willing to negotiate as long as we are making progress and I believe Shawn and Charly agree on this.”

Travis Lowe of the Kansas Cervid Breeders Association stated there was a lot of confusion among people in the industry of what exactly is the process and where associations stand.  Lowe said, “Tonight we need to unite as an industry and send a clear message to everyone that this is the process and we will make a determination later this month when we have the final document.” Lowe offered a motion to ask every councilman to agree to the process. The motion carried 24-0. 

By the end of April there should be a clear picture if the Working Group is making progress.

Please visit www.americancervidalliance.org to learn more about the American Cervid Alliance.


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