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Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture have given Santa's reindeer the green light to fly across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania this Christmas. During a festive event held at Hersheypark, State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg reviewed a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska's state veterinarian, confirming the reindeer are in good health.
The certificate is essential to ensure that no contagious diseases are brought across state lines. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding expressed confidence in the reindeer's readiness, saying, "Pennsylvania's young and young at heart can nestle snug in their beds knowing the reindeer are healthy and ready to take flight."
The reindeer, including Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph, have been well cared for by Santa's herd manager at the North Pole and Hersheypark staff during their visit.
The announcement was made with the presence of Santa Claus, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley, and PA Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger.