Credit: PA Internet News Service
A meeting between Santa Claus and Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Brightbill and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on Wednesday went well, according to all accounts.
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Following the lighthearted meeting at Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, the state officials declared Santa Claus and his nine reindeer have been given the all-clear to make their way through Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.
Dr. Robert F. Gerlach, the state veterinarian of Alaska, gave the reindeer — who go by the names Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph — permission to fly from that state to Pennsylvania. The reindeer in Pennsylvania are permitted to fly from rooftop to rooftop to deliver toys thanks to the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Permit to Ship presented by state officials Wednesday.
“I’m grateful to Dr. Gerlach for his thorough inspection of these reindeer,” said Pennsylvania’s state veterinarian. “According to their certificates, despite one’s glaringly red nose and their magical ability to fly, word is that they’re in extraordinary health!”
Credit: PA Internet News Service
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“Not everyone knows what takes place behind the scenes to allow Santa and his nine reindeer to take flight on Christmas Eve,” said Redding. “Thanks to Dr. Brightbill, his counterpart in the North Pole, the care of ZooAmerica veterinarians, and Santa’s due diligence, families can expect gifts under the tree Christmas morning.”
To ensure that contagious diseases are not transported across state lines, the issued certificates are necessary. Before animals are transported over state boundaries, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture veterinarians issue these certifications for animals residing in Pennsylvania, according to state officials.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
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