RICHMOND, Va. — Santa’s sleigh will have no problems entering the Commonwealth on Dec. 24. State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus, with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), has given approval for Santa to bring his herd of flying reindeer into Virginia to deliver presents to local children.
The state veterinarian has the responsibility of regulating the movement of animals into the Commonwealth of Virginia, while DWR is charged with the management of the state’s wildlife resources. Ruminants must bear identification and have their identification number noted on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Animal identification, like an ear tag issued by a state or federal entity, helps the state veterinarian to trace animals in the event of a significant animal disease outbreak. The importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited, with a DWR permit required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia.
Every year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure Santa has the correct permits and procedures to allow his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth.
“Santa’s visit to Virginia may be brief each year, but it’s still vitally important to our state agricultural industry that his reindeer are healthy,” VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus said. “It’s a privilege to issue permits for entry for Santa, and I hope he enjoys some fresh local Virginia milk and that the reindeer get plenty of Virginia grown carrots during their visit.”
“In order to protect Virginia’s wild white-tailed deer and elk herds, a DWR permit is required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia and the importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited,” said DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Tracey. “But this time of year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure the correct permits and procedures to allow Santa and his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth. Santa has always been an excellent partner and his attention to the health of his reindeer team cannot be overstated. We look forward to his yearly visit.”
–Michael Wallace, VDACS
