Exotic Livestock

What are Exotic Livestock?

“Exotic Livestock” includes all exotic hooved or cloven-footed animals, to include all non-native cervids, exotic ruminants, non-domestic camelids, non-domestic swine, raised or maintained in captivity for the production of meat and other products, for sport, or for exhibition.

Examples of exotic livestock include deer, elk, antelope, nilgai, wildebeest, addax, water buffalo, tapir, camel, rhinoceros, elephant, warthog, and zebra.

White-tailed deer are not exotic livestock.

Ownership Requirements

An Exotic Livestock Facility Permit is required for any person or entity owning exotic livestock in Mississippi. There is no fee for this permit.

Apply for an Exotic Livestock Facility Permit by clicking:

Additional information:

Facilities with captive white-tailed deer must obtain a permit from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wildlife-species-program/deer-program/deer-enclosures (MDWFP.com)

Wildebeest: The owner of any wildebeest residing within this State may not allow his animal to have nose-to-nose contact with any cattle or bison.

Cape Buffalo: Cape/African Buffalo require an inherently dangerous animal permit from MDWFP at https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/exotic-species-program (MDWFP.com)

Movement and Import Requirements

Movement of all exotic livestock (including semen and embryos) requires a permit from the Board of Animal Health prior to animal movement. This includes import of exotic livestock from out-of-state and movement of exotic livestock within the state of Mississippi.

Exotic livestock originating from outside of the State of Mississippi must be accompanied by a valid health certificate (CVI) and entry permit from MBAH issued prior to animal movement. Many species of exotic livestock over 6 months of age require a negative Tuberculosis test and a negative Brucellosis test; both tests must be administered within 30 days prior to the date of animal movement. Permanent identification of imported exotic livestock is required. Review entry requirements in more detail at https://www.mbah.ms.gov/regulations/chapter-12/.

It is illegal to import or move white-tailed deer in the state of Mississippi.

Apply for an exotic livestock movement or import permit by clicking: