Importation requirements for dairy cattle include:

1. Prior import permit; issued by telephone; call (602) 542-4293 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST Monday through Friday. After hours, permits are available until 10 p.m. by leaving a message and marking the message urgent.

2. An original health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry. Photocopies of health certificates must have an original veterinarian signature.

3. All dairy females (cows and heifers) must be vaccinated for brucellosis. The brucellosis vaccination tattoo must be listed on the health certificate. Requests for exemption from the vaccination requirement may be directed to the State Veterinarian.

4. A complete description of the cattle, including identification by USDA metal eartag, must be listed on the health certificate. Effective July 1, 2009, dairy cattle must be officially identified with an eartag that identifies the herd of birth.

5. All dairy cattle, and beef bulls consigned to a dairy, must be tested negative for brucellosis (regardless of the status of the state of origin) within 30 days before entering Arizona if the official calfhood vaccinate is: a) 18 months or older; b) cutting the first set of permanent incisors; or c) parturient or post-parturient. The certified-free herd number must be documented on the health certificate.

6. All dairy cattle, and beef bulls consigned to a dairy, must be tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days prior to entry regardless of status of state of origin. Tuberculosis accredited-free herds are exempt from testing. The accredited-free herd number must be documented on the health certificate.