Breaking News from the California Department of Food & Ag

Release #08-088 

 

Media Contact: Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR SANTA’S REINDEER WAIVED BY STATE VETERINARIAN

 Reindeer cleared to land in California

 SACRAMENTO – California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has granted a 24-hour permit waiving all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.

 The permit application was filed by a rotund, jolly man with a red face and a white beard. He signed the paperwork, “K. Kringle.” 

Brand inspection and health requirements—which help veterinarians prevent the spread of animal disease—mandate that all animals entering California be individually identified. The nine reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph. 

The permit was granted under two conditions: the nine reindeer may not co-mingle with other reindeer in the state of California, and the visiting reindeer may not be used for breeding purposes while in the state.