Fairs, Shows & Travel for Cattle

field veterinarian walking with young man and woman on a bovine farm

Travel Requirements

  • Minimum requirement for all cattle traveling interstate is a legible USDA ear tag (RFID is strongly preferred) and a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) signed by an accredited veterinarian.
  • You may use this resource to determine specific requirements for movement between states.
  • Be aware some testing may be time sensitive and require multiple visits before issuance of the CVI, so please plan accordingly.

Health Certificates for Show & Sale

  • If you are planning to visit a fair or show, be sure to download a complete list of requirements from the show or fair’s specific website prior to scheduling your appointment with Tufts Veterinary Field Service. 
  • Please provide the TVFS office with a list of all shows or fairs to be attended during the show season at least 2 working days before your scheduled appointment. The dates of the show or fair and the address should accompany the name of the show or fair. Completely fill out the Bovine Show Form here.
  • Individual fairs may have specific requirements that differ from inter-state travel regulations and in those cases, additional vaccination or testing may be required.
  • After sample collection, it may take 7-10 days to receive results for required diagnostic testing. 
  • Rabies vaccine must be given 30 days prior to arrival at the show/sale if required, however please note that rabies vaccination may not be given to animals less than 12 weeks of age.