Topic 14. Animal and Plant Control in the u.S.

1. What is under the inspection of the Veterinary Control?

1. Transportation of animals, birds, live fish, insects and products of animal origin.

2. Can I bring ham or sausage into the country? What meat products can I bring?

2. None.The regulations on importing meat and meat products are very strict. They change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world.

3. Why is importing animals closely regulated in the U.S.?

3. For public health reasons and also for the well-being of the animals.

4. Which animals are prohibited to enter by law?

4. There are restrictions and prohibitions on bringing many species into the United States. Endangered species of wildlife, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported.

The federal government does not allow you to import into the United States wild animals that were taken, killed, sold, possessed, or exported from another country if any of these acts violated foreign laws.

5. Can one bring a hunting trophy?

Yes, if you have a permit from the country where the animal was harvested to clear your entry. Trophies may also be subject to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for sanitary purposes.

6. Can I import birds as pets?

5. Yes, as long as you comply with the requirements. They may include quarantining the birds at an Animal Import Center at your expense.

7. Which pets are exempt from duty?

6. Dogs, cats and turtles can be brought into the country duty-free (free of duty).

8. Why is it necessary to examine imported animals on entry to the country?

7. Pets brought in the U.S. must be examined for possible evidence of diseases communicable to man.

9. What are the requirements concerning the conditions under which pets are imported into the U.S.?

8. All birds and animals must be imported under humane and healthful conditions. Customs Regulations require that careful arrangements be made with the carrier for suitable cages, space, ventilation and protection from the elements. Cleaning, feeding, watering and other necessary services must also be provided.

10. What are the veterinary requirements in respect of cats?

9. Cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when they are examined at the port of entry. If the cat does not seem to be in good health, the owner may have to pay for an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian.

11. What are the veterinary requirements in respect of dogs?

10. Dogs, too, must be free of evidence of diseases that could be communicable to humans. They must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

12. What information must be given in a vaccination certificate?

11. This certificate should identify the dog, show the date of vaccination and specify the date it expires, and should bear the signature of a licensed veterinarian.

13. Can a puppy be admitted if the vaccination has not been accomplished?

12. Puppies must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until they are three months old; then they must be vaccinated against rabies. The puppy will then have to stay in confinement for another 30 days.

14. What are the requirements in respect of older dogs?

13. Dogs older than three months must get a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before they come to the United States.

15. What are the requirements in respect of dogs receiving vaccination less than one month before arrival?

14. The dog may be admitted but shall be placed in confinement for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.

16. Can a pet be admitted if the certificate does not have an expiration date or is not signed by a veterinarian?

15. If the certificate is not valid, the dog may be admitted. But it must be confined and vaccinated within 10 days of arrival at the port of entry or within four days after arrival at destination. It must be kept in confinement for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.

17. What are the duties of the inspector at the Veterinary Control?

16. He must inspect certificates of vaccination, permits from a country of export, arrange an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian in case of necessity. He must see to it that all restrictions and prohibitions are kept and no foreign laws are violated.