Rules and Regulations
Specific Livestock Rules and Regulations for California
California Livestock Laws
If you have questions regarding laws regarding cattle and livestock production in California the CDFA has a helpful list of laws and their corresponding definitions.
Environmental Regulations
For specific laws regarding manure management procedures, regulations are available to read on the California Water Boards website.
Transportation of Sheep
California has specific entry requirements for moving sheep into the state. To learn more about the necessary health records a permits needed to move cattle into the state download the CDFA beef cattle requirements fact sheet.
For information on moving animals from California to other states, check the USDA State Regulations webpage and call the state of destination. The websites InterstateLivestock.com and AnimalRegs.com are other resources for veterinarians and contain information on entry requirements for states.
California Antibiotic Regulations
In addition to the Veterinary Feed Directive, California has implemented additional regulations on livestock medications. To ensure that you are compliant with the most recent regulations make sure you talk with your veterinarian. In addition you can visit the CDFA Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship website.
Harvesting Regulations
One of the first questions to ask is, "How can I sell my lamb or mutton?". Principally, the ability to legally sell domestic meat and meat products depends on where the animal will be harvested. In California there are three types of slaughter facilities including federally inspected, state inspected, and custom exempt facilities. Of these plants, only federally inspected plants allow for the retail sale of meat. For more information on where and how to harvest, process, and selling your lamb and mutton. See the documents below.