State Veterinarian Mike Martin has approved entry for Santa Claus and his reindeer into North Carolina. The announcement means that Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph will be allowed in the state on Christmas Eve.
Reindeer belong to the cervid family, which also includes deer, elk, moose and caribou. Oversight of the movement of captive cervids into North Carolina is managed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Santa’s reindeer are magical and pose no health threat to our native deer,” said Martin. “We look forward to welcoming them to North Carolina during Santa’s trek around the world.”
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides a range of services such as crop inspection, food safety testing and management of farmers markets across the state according to its official website. The department also focuses on agricultural regulation and promotion while aiming to enhance agriculture, support businesses, protect consumers and safeguard natural resources for state residents as described in its mission statement.
The agency operates under an elected commissioner with more than 2,000 employees across 20 divisions (source). It serves all regions of North Carolina including activities at state fairs and farmers markets (source). The department also manages research stations and influences agricultural legislation at both state and federal levels (source).
