Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) may only be written for animals, which you have personally inspected and identified within the last 10 days. Don’t lose your accreditation taking shortcuts. You may also be held liable if a disease problem results.
A CVI is valid for one trip to a single destination within 30 days from the date of inspection. If an owner will be traveling to multiple destinations, individual CVIs must be issued for each leg of the trip (do not include more than one destination on a single CVI).
When filling out CVIs:
- Write clearly and make sure your handwriting is legible.
- Fill it out completely. If a box/field is not used, ensure that it is supposed to be empty.
- Do not rely on printed material or web pages for the most up-to-date information. Call the state of destination for the latest requirements.
Call the state of destination to ensure that you have fulfilled all pertinent import requirements and to see if an import permit is required. The State and Federal rules may differ. For example, the State of destination may not require individual IDs on test eligible cattle, but Federal rules do require that information.
When getting information from the state of destination, note the name of the person giving you the information on the CVI, as well as the date and time of the call. This may help you in case of legal problems. A permit may not be required depending on the type of animals being sent and the purpose of the shipment, however a CVI is still required.
The veterinarian who inspected the animals must sign the CVI. No rubber stamps, no technicians, no receptionists, no substitutes. A rubber stamp may be used for the clinic name, address, phone number, etc. – just not for the signature. Please be sure to stamp all copies if using a stamp for clinic information.
The CVI is a legal document. Even if a clinic staff member assists in filling out the document, you are legally responsible for all information contained within it or provided to the state of destination.
Train your clients to give enough advanced notice, to avoid rush shipping and testing charges and to give adequate time to handle any problems that might be encountered. When animals are to travel, especially internationally, check on destination import requirements several weeks in advance prior to issuing the CVI. Get specific information on the disease testing requirements and the accepted test methods. Make sure to inform the laboratory on the submittal form of the required testing method that needs to be used in order to meet the requirements.
Tuberculosis test charts or Brucellosis Vaccination records may be used as attached identification for a CVI. A copy of the test chart must be attached to each copy of the CVI if utilized as official identification. A typewritten list may also be used in a similar manner, but must include the CVI number, date, and issuing veterinarian’s name. Be sure to delete any animals from the attachments which are not to be included in the shipment.
Electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
Oregon promotes and encourages the use of an electronic CVIs. While multiple commercial and non-commercial options exist, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has made an online CVI option, Oregon Veterinarian Information System (OVIS), available for free to veterinarians accredited to practice in Oregon.
Veterinarians must create an account and be approved by the State Veterinarian’s office prior to use. Approval typically occurs in 1-2 business days. For more information, or if immediate access is required, please contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (503) 986-4680.
Oregon Veterinarian Information System
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has provided an online interface to create Certificates of Veterinary Inspection through an online interface on any internet-enabled computer or tablet device. Access to the online interface is provided through the ODA website at https://oda.direct/ovis, and account access is requested from within the online interface. Additional information on requesting an account and using OVIS is available on the
OVIS Help page.
Resources
ODA Resources