Board of Animal Health abolished, and duties transferred to Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Advisory Council established, report required, and rulemaking authorized.

HF 2541 abolishes Minnesota's Board of Animal Health and transfers its duties to the Commissioner of Agriculture. It establishes a new Animal Health Advisory Council with eight members: three livestock producers, one tribal representative with animal husbandry expertise, one epidemiologist, and three veterinarians (including one specializing in companion animals). The bill requires the Commissioner to publish an annual report on animal health and authorizes rulemaking for protecting domestic animal health. This restructuring takes effect January 1, 2026, and repeals previous statutes governing the abolished Board.