Veterinary Control

Transportation of animals, birds, live fish, insects and products of animal origin is under the inspection of the Veterinary Control. 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 country wild animals that were taken, killed, sold, possessed, or exported from another country if any of these acts violated foreign laws.

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.

Dogs, cats and turtles can be brought into the country/into the US duty free.

Pets brought in country must be examined for possible evidence of diseases communicable to man.

All birds and animals must be imported under humane and healthful conditions. Customs Regulation requires that careful arrangements be made with the carrier for suitable cages, space, ventilation and protection from the elements. Clearing, feeding, watering and other necessary service must be provided.

Dogs must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This document should identify the dog, show the date of vaccination and specify the date it expires, and should bear the signature of a licensed veterinarian. Dogs older than three months must get a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before they come to the United States.

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.

The inspector at the Veterinary Control must check certificates of vaccination, permits from a country of export and arrange an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian in case of necessity.

Exercise 13. Comprehension questions:

1. What does the Veterinary Control inspect?

2. Which animals are prohibited to enter by law?

3. Which pets are exempt from duty?

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

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

6. What must the inspector at the Veterinary Control check?

Exercise 14. Rewrite the sentences below translating the Russian parts into English:

1. There are ограничения и запреты на ввоз many species into the United States.

2. Вымирающие виды животных, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported.

3. All birds and animals must be imported under все необходимые условия.

4. Customs Regulation requires that careful arrangements be made with the перевозчик for подходящие клетки, space, ventilation and защита от неблагоприятных погодных условий.

5. Transportation of animals, birds, live fish, насекомые and products of animal origin is under the контроль Ветеринарной службы.

6. Pets brought into the U.S. must be examined for возможность перенесения в страну инфекционных заболеваний, передающихся человеку.

7. Dogs must be accompanied by a valid справка о прививке против бешенства.

Exercise 15. Read Text 5 to answer the questions:

1. When was the Phoenix Fund established?

2. What is its mission?

3. What did Phoenix develop?

4. What is the aim of the Customs officers’ activities?

5. What organizations support the Fund?