Santa’s reindeer cleared to fly into Washington State on Christmas Eve

Dr. Amber Itle
Washington State Veterinarian

Mother and daughter reindeer duo take a nap at the
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm in Leavenworth,
Washington. 

Not all elves make toys, some take care of Santa’s team of reindeer. Santa’s head herds-elf, Ming Ming, oversees reindeer husbandry and care at the North Pole.  The elves have all been preparing for the big day by taking special care to properly condition the team to ensure they can endure the long flight. The elves work hard to minimize stress by providing reindeer with optimal nutrition, fresh air, clean bedding and lots of space. Hermie, the elf dental specialist inspects and “floats” all their teeth for optimal oral health. 

Ming Ming is also in charge of making sure all the reindeer health requirements are met before flying around the world.  While planning for Santa’s stops in the United States, he checked InterstateLivestock.com to see what each State requires.  All the reindeer that cross state lines must meet Washington State import requirements, including a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian and a permit number to move between States for toy delivery. A CVI is a special animal health document that certifies that the animals listed “are not showing signs of infectious, contagious and/or communicable diseases” and have met all the required vaccinations and testing requirements.  Santa’s reindeer tested negative for tuberculosis, brucellosis, and meningeal worms and have maintained “free” status in the CWD Herd Certification Program.

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph all received clearance to fly into Washington state. 

Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Ben Smith met with Ming Ming to examine the reindeer, check his paperwork, and review his on farm and travel biosecurity plans. Ranger Rick stopped the movement as the package hauler crossed the Canadian border and determined that all  pertinent documents were correct.

Santa’s Top 10 Biosecurity Tips

1. No visitors to the North Pole. 
2. Keep a closed reindeer herd.
3. Perform annual laboratory testing for diseases of concern.
4. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian and perform annual exams and vaccinations.
5. Bring your own reindeer grain, hay, and water for the journey.
6. When traveling, never land on the ground; rooftops are cleaner.
7. Avoid direct contact with wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Steer clear of migrating waterfowl that might be carrying avian influenza.
8. Clean and disinfect your sleigh and boots between rooftops, states, and countries and when returning to the North Pole.
9. Isolate all reindeer returning from toy delivery for 30 days.
10. Designate elves to care for reindeer who have traveled. 

The herd eats a snack at Leavenworth Reindeer
Farm in Leavenworth, Washington. 

Make sure to track Santa and the reindeer’s flight path on December 24 using NORAD’s Santa Tracker.

Remember, if you are moving animals across state lines this holiday season to check interstatelivestock.com to meet the interstate animal movement requirements.

Have a safe and happy holiday season from our end of the barn to yours.