A GUIDE TO THE PERMITS AND PROCEDURES
FOR IMPORTING LIVE BIRDS INTO THE
UNITED STATES FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
AND DISPLAY
A PUBLICATION OF
THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL
PROVIDING SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT BIRDS
COMPILED BY ELLEN PAUL
PERMITS AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTING LIVE
BIRDS INTO THE UNITED STATES FOR SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH
Introduction
Importing live birds for scientific research is a complex, time-consuming process. This fact sheet is
intended to be a step-by-step guide for the ornithologist. We have attempted to provide clear
explanations of the regulations and procedures, and to provide answers to anticipated questions or
likely problems. By interviewing the agency staff who write and implement these regulations and
procedures, and by having them assess this fact sheet for accuracy, we hoped to “fill in the blanks”
between the written regulations and the realities of importing live birds. In addition, we have provided
helpful hints that are intended to help ornithologists avoid problems in navigating this labyrinth
process.
This information is current as of September 2005. We will make every effort to keep the fact sheet
current by updating as regulations or procedures are changed. Updates will be incorporated into the
text and also published as dated appendices, to aid the user of this guide in tracking those changes.
We encourage the readers of this fact sheet to contact us with questions or problems encountered in
importing live birds. Your experiences will help us to update this fact sheet, but more importantly,
will help us to identify regulations or procedures that are in need of revision. We can then work with
the relevant regulatory agency to try to bring about those changes.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I: General matters
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Acknowledgments…………………………………………………….
About the Ornithological Council…………………………………….
How to keep current with permit regulations………………………....
Terminology and acronyms…………………………………………...
Animal welfare and import: ethics and practical concerns…………....
Animal import brokers………………………………………………...
5
5
6
7
8
10
Part II: Import permits and procedures
A. Summary Chart: permits needed to import live birds…………………. 11
B. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(1) Convention on Trade in Endangered Species…………………
(2) Wild Bird Conservation Act…………………………………..
(3) Endangered Species Act………………………………………
(4) Migratory Bird Treaty Act…………………………………….
(5) Lacy Act………….……………………………………………
(6) Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles…………………………………...
(7) Additional forms and procedures……………………………...
(8) Permit amendments, appeals…………………………………..
C. U.S. Department of Agriculture
(1) How to obtain a permit……………………………………… ..
(2) Exporting Country Veterinary Health Certificate
Requirements………………………………………………….
(3) Paperwork that must accompany your bird from
the country of origin…………………………………………..
(4) Which port…………………………………………………….
(5) Flight requirements……………………………………………
(6) Quarantine……………………………………………………..
(7) After quarantine………………………………………………..
(8) Recent restrictions on imports…………………………………
(9) Special rules and procedures for ratites………………………..
(10) Special rules and procedures for “poultry”………………….....
(11) For more information…………………………………………..
C. Food and Drug Administration…………………………………………
12
18
20
21
22
23
24
26
28
29
30
30
31
32
33
34
35
37
39
40
Part III: Humane transport
A. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service………………………………………… 41
B. International Air Transport Association……………………………….. 42
C. U.S. Department of Agriculture……………………………………….. 43
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Part IV: Release from quarantine
A. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service………………………………………… 44
B. U.S. Department of Agriculture……………………………………….. 44
Part V: Interstate transport
A. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service…………………………………………. 45
B. U.S. Department of Agriculture………………………………………… 45
Part VI: Suggested steps and checklist…………………………………………….. 46
Appendices:
1: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Transport regulations………………...... 48
2: Procedures for importing birds through
U.S. Department of Agriculture quarantine facilities
(a) Los Angeles ……………………………………………………….. 53
(b) New York ………………………………………………………….. 58
(c) Miami ……………………………………………………………… 61
3: U.S. Department of Agriculture Specifications for the
Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation
of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Dogs, Cats, Rabbits,
Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Nonhuman Primates, and Marine Mammals … 67
4: Useful contacts …………………………………………………………. 76
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Acknowledgments
The Ornithological Council thanks the following individuals for sharing their expertise and time to
answer questions and assure the accuracy of this document. Without their assistance, we would not
have been able to provide the extremely detailed and practical information that we hope will help
ornithologists to navigate this process successfully and with a minimum of difficulty.
Michael Carpenter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority
Julie Garner, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, USDA APHIS National Center for Import/Export
Nora Klinger, Bird Specialist, Los Angeles office of USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
Carlos Pages, Bird Specialist, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, Miami Animal Import Center
About the Ornithological Council
The Ornithological Council (OC) was founded in 1992 as a non-profit organization by the American
Ornithologists' Union, Association of Field Ornithologists, Cooper Ornithological Society, Pacific
Seabird Group, Raptor Research Foundation, Waterbird Society, and Wilson Ornithological Society.
The Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds, Seccíon Mexicana del Consejo
Internacional para la Preservacíon de las Aves (CIPAMEX), the Society of Canadian
Ornithologists/Société des Ornithologistes du Canada, and the Neotropical Ornithological Society
have joined the OC in recent years. Major funding for the Ornithological Council is provided by these
eleven societies.
The Ornithological Council represent scientific ornithology on a wide variety of public issues
concerning the science of ornithology, birds, and bird habitat. We place particular emphasis on the
government rules and regulations and issue permits that affect the practice of ornithology The OC also
gives ornithologists a means to provide timely and relevant ornithological science about birds and bird
habitat to legislators, managers, conservation organizations, and private industry. The Council also
keeps ornithologists informed about policy issues affecting birds.
For more information about the Ornithological Council, please visit BIRDNET at
http://nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET.
For questions and comments about this guide, or for assistance with questions or
problems pertaining to the import of bird products, please contact the Ornithological
Council
Ellen Paul
Executive Director
Phone (301) 986 8568
E-mail: [email protected]
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September 2005
Keeping up-to-date with changes in import procedures
The Ornithological Council monitors the Federal Register, the official government document in which
regulatory agencies are required to publish notices of proposed and final rule changes and other
official changes in policy. We have also asked the USFWS and VS, NCIE to notify us of any changes
in policy or procedure that are not published in the Federal Register. This is one of the services
provided to you by the Ornithological Council.
We make this information available to ornithologists in several ways:
-
Posting on BIRDNET on either the All About Permits page or the Ornithology and Policy
page, or both
Notices published on PERMITS-L
Notices published on Ornith-L and OCNET
ORNITH-L is an electronic bulletin board for general discussion about ornithology, and for questionand-answer exchanges regarding the study of birds. The list owner is Dr. Jeanette Bider
([email protected]).
ORNITH-L is controlled by a listserv, at:
[email protected]
To subscribe to ORNITH-L, send the following message to the listserv address above:
subscribe ORNITH-L "your name"
inserting your name, without the quotes.
Leave the Subject line of your message blank.
Once you have sent your subscription message, you should receive an e-mail reply acknowledging
your addition to the subscription list, and giving you further instructions about the operation of the list.
PERMIT-L is an electronic bulletin board for scientists whose research necessitates that they obtain
state and/or federal and/or international permits. It is run by Dr. Sally Shelton at the National Museum
of Natural History.
To subscribe to PERMIT-L, send the following message to [email protected] :
subscribe PERMIT-L "your name"
inserting your name, without the quotes. Leave the Subject line of your message blank.
Once you have sent your subscription message, you should receive an e-mail reply acknowledging
your addition to the subscription list, and giving you further instructions about the operation of the list.
The PERMIT-L archive is found at http://si-listserv.si.edu/archives/permit-l.html.
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Terminology and acronyms
Regulatory usage can and usually does differ from common and scientific usage. These terms are
defined in the manner in which they are used by the regulatory agencies.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
APHIS
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
AWA
Animal Welfare Act
NCIE
National Center for Import and Export
Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines
poultry to include chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse,
guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons,
quail, swans, and turkeys.
VS
Veterinary Services
USFWS
United State Fish and Wildlife Service
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
DMA
Division of Management Authority (issues permits)
ESA
Endangered Species Act
MBTA
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
WBCA
Wild Bird Conservation Act
OTHER
AZA
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
IAE
International Animal Exchange (professional animal
import company)
IATA
International Air Transport Association
LAR
Live Animal Regulations of the International Air
Transport Association
TAG
Taxon Advisory Group (an AZA conservation program)
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Animal welfare issues: ethical and practical concerns
Scientific research involving live animals is governed by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Until
recently, it was unclear if the AWA applied to birds. As explained more fully in Section III.C , the law
now expressly excludes birds that are bred for use in research. Wild birds, however, are covered, but
the USDA has yet to write bird-specific regulations. Meanwhile, researchers whose universities
receive federal funding are subject to the AWA, because these funding agencies operate under a
different law, which applies to all live vertebrates. In practice, ornithologists importing live birds
almost certainly receive funding from a federal funding agency or work for a university or institution
that receives federal funding, so the AWA will apply to their work.
Beyond the technicalities of the AWA, ornithologists understand that the animals they study should be
handled in a humane manner simply because it is ethical. For this reason, the Ornithological Council
has published Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research, which is available free of charge at
http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/GuideToUse/index.html. Ornithologists should always strive to
minimize the negative impacts of research methods on the birds they study, whether transitory or longlasting, minor or more serious.
As a practical matter, the import process is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. If your birds
don’t survive the process, your time and money will be lost. Worse than that, your research will be
delayed. The import process requires that birds be maintained in captivity for a minimum of 40 days
(10 days prior to shipment and 30 days in quarantine after arrival in the United States). Given the
considerable effort and expense entailed in the import process, it is strongly suggested that you
ascertain whether the species you intend to import can be kept alive in captivity, particularly if they
require live food or have other specific requirements that may be difficult to reproduce in captivity.
Detailed information on nutrition and husbandry is available for many species from the American Zoo
and Aquarium Association’s Avian Scientific Advisory Group, Nutrition Advisory Group, and the
many Taxon Advisory Groups. See http://www.aza.org and click on Conservation & Science for more
information on these groups. If no published information is available, you may want to arrange to have
several birds brought into captivity in the country of origin, to ascertain the conditions needed to keep
the birds alive and healthy. In all cases, you should condition the birds to captive conditions prior to
transport. The birds must be observed in captivity for a minimum of 10 days in the country of origin.
This may not be enough time to determine the best food items, feeding schedules and methods, and
other aspects of captive care. It is likely not a sufficient time to condition the birds for transport.
Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research suggests that birds be transported as soon as possible
after capture, but that does not mean that birds should not be conditioned to captivity prior to
transport. And, of course, in the case of international transport, it is not possible to transport the birds
unless they have been held and observed for a minimum of 10 days. Therefore “as soon as possible”
should be understood with these issues in mind.
Other recommendations for transport of wild birds:
Ideally, birds should be individually isolated in separate cells within the shipping
container. Individuals of the same species may be transported in the same primary
enclosure, but it must be determined that frequent fighting will not occur. Each
individual should have sufficient space to assume normal postures and engage in
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September 2005
comfort and maintenance activities unimpeded by other birds. Tops of containers
should be padded when excitable birds or species with delicate bone structures are to be
shipped, and padding underfoot is important for species with soft feet. Space sufficient
to permit flight usually is not advisable because chances of injury are increased. In
addition, it may be necessary to restrain the wings of larger species, but this must be
done in a manner to avoid overheating. Adequate ventilation must be provided; the
inside of containers should be as dark as possible but still allow birds to find water or
food and to move about. For longer journeys, water should be provided in the form of
moist sponges, or apple, orange, or cucumber slices. Depending upon the species
involved and the duration of travel, food may be scattered within the container. This
practice should be avoided if it is likely to foul plumage or permit the growth of fungi,
When transporting chicks, a protected heat source (i.e., one that can't burn the chicks)
and room to move away from it should be provided.
Raptors should be shipped in closed, darkened boxes (not commercially available large
pet carriers) with plenty of ventilation. The bottom and, if possible, other inner surfaces
should be lined with carpet or other padding. A perch is not necessary. If the bird is
provided food and water just before departure and immediately on arrival, journeys of
36 hours can be made without provisioning. (Note: the USFWS regulations require that
food and water be provided during transport).
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September 2005
Commercial brokers and transporters
You might want to look into hiring someone who already knows how to do all this. It will cost money,
but save considerably in stress and time.
The zoos use:
International Animal Exchange
http://www.internationalanimalexchange.com/company.html
130 E. Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
Ph: 248-398-6533
Fax: 248-545-4125
Contact: Holly Hunt
The Ornithological Council has ascertained that IAE is willing to handle single or occasional
shipments of birds for scientific research.
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Summary chart: permits needed for wild birds and non-exempt captive-bred
birds1
Instructions: Starting with the left-most column, find the status in each column that pertains to
each species you wish to import. When you find the row in which all four columns match the status
of the species, check the permits and forms needed and read the appropriate sections, below. The
specific forms depend on the combination of permits needed. The text below will explain exactly
which permit application forms to use.
CITES
WBCA
Appendix I Exempt
list
ESA
Not
listed
MBTA
Not
listed
Permits needed
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin)
Appendix I Exempt
list
Listed
Not
listed
Import (USFWS)
Export (Country of origin), ESA2
Appendix I Exempt
list
Not
listed
Listed
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin), MBTA2, 3
Appendix I Not on
exempt
list
Appendix I Not on
exempt
list
Appendix I Not on
exempt
list
Appendix I Not on
exempt
list
Not
listed
Not
listed
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin), WBCA2
Listed
Not
listed
Listed
Listed
Not
listed
Listed
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin), WBCA,
ESA2
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin), WBCA,
ESA, MBTA2,3
Import (USFWS), Export
(Country of origin), WBCA,
MBTA, 2,3
Appendix
II
Exempt
list
Not
listed
Not
listed
Export (Country of origin)
Appendix
II
Exempt
list
Listed
Not
listed
Export (Country of origin), ESA
Appendix
II
Not on
exempt
list
Not on
exempt
list
Not on
exempt
list
Not
listed
Not
listed
Export (Country of origin),
WBCA
Listed
Not
listed
Export (Country of Origin),
WBCA, ESA
Listed
Listed
Export (Country of origin),
WBCA, MBTA
Appendix
II
Appendix
II
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Always needed
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-294
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
September 2005
CITES
Appendix
II
WBCA
Not on
exempt
list
ESA
Not
listed
MBTA
Listed
Permits needed
Export (Country of origin),
WBCA, MBTA
Always needed
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
Appendix
III
Exempt
list
Not
listed
Not
listed
Appendix
III
Exempt
list
Listed
Not
listed
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
Form 17-129
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
Form 17-129
Appendix
III
Not on
exempt
list
Not
listed
Not
listed
Appendix
III
Not on
exempt
list
Listed
Not
listed
Appendix
III
Not on
exempt
list
Listed
Listed
Appendix
III
Not on
exempt
list
Not
listed
Listed
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin)
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin),
ESA
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin),
WBCA
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin),
WBCA, ESA
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin),
WBCA, ESA, MBTA
Export (only if bird is coming
from the listing country;
otherwise, certificate of origin),
WBCA, MBTA
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
Form 17-129
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
Form 17-129
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
Form17-129
USFWS 3-177
USDA VS
FORM 17-29
1
Captive-bred birds: If not listed as Endangered or Threatened, and the species meets the criteria for
bred-in-captivity, the exporting country may issue an exemption certificate.
2
If a species is CITES-listed and is also ESA listed and/or WBCA non-exempt and/or MBTA listed,
the Division of Management Authority will issue one permit under all applicable authorities. You need
file only ONE permit application. See below for details as to which permit application is appropriate.
3
It is unlikely that a species will be both MBTA-listed and WBCA non-exempt, because the WBCA
regulation applies only to “exotic” species, which are defined as those non-indigenous to the 50 United
States or the District of Columbia, and indigenous is defined as “Indigenous means a species that is
naturally occurring, not introduced as a result of human activity, and that currently regularly inhabits
or breeds in the 50 States or the District of Columbia. However, the MBTA covers a broader
geographical area, so some MBTA-listed species will be non-indigenous under the WBCA and thus
both permits will be needed.
4
For ratites or hatching eggs of ratites, use VS Form 17-128
Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles: Import permit is required. The permit application IS a CITES application,
but it is mailed to the Division of Migratory Birds See details below. Currently, Bald Eagles are still
listed on as Threatened but only this one permit is needed.
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II.A. USFWS Permits
Helpful hints:
- Always allow at least 120 days for permit applications to be processed!
- Before filling in permit application forms, read the details, below. The
USFWS has internal procedures that obviate the need to complete and
submit multiple applications for the same activity. In most cases, you will
need only one application form. Note that it is often easier and faster for
the USFWS offices to process and issue separate permits! It may mean
more paperwork for you, and more record-keeping, but the trade-off may
be the more complex and lengthy permit issuance process.
- On 11 April 2005, the USFWS issued a final rule increasing fees for
nearly all permits issued by the agency. Application forms should have
some noticeable correction, such as a brightly-colored sticker, listing the
new application fee. If you send the wrong fee, the processing of your
application may be delayed. Individuals or institutions ``acting on behalf
of '' any Federal, tribal, State, or local government agency are exempt
from application fees.
-
At the present time, permit application forms cannot be submitted
electronically.
- Many USFWS permit forms and fact sheets list wildlife ports of entry.
For the purpose of importing live birds, only three ports are available,
due to USDA restrictions. These are Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.
- Are all your reports current? Failure to promptly file reports on previous
permits may cause delay in obtaining new permits.
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September 2005
(1) CITES Permits
Check the CITES appendices by common name, scientific name, and country to
determine if the species is listed. Also check higher taxon levels, as some species are listed
by genus, family, or order and not individually (e.g., Psittaciformes, Strigiformes,
Bucerotiformes)
The CITES appendices can be found at: http://www.cites.org and can be searched through
http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html.
If the species is listed, then you will need the following permits:
CITES Appendix I species:
a) Import permit
You must obtain the import permit first!
The import application can be found at: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf
If the species is Appendix I and you also need ESA and/or WBCA and/or MBTA
permits, you need submit only this one form. The Division of Management Authority
will, if it determines that it is biologically appropriate to issue a permit, issue one permit
that covers all applicable authorities.
Helpful hint: At this time, you cannot complete these forms online. You can enter data using
the text tool, but it cannot be saved. However, you can save these blank forms to your
computer and fill them out IF you have Adobe Acrobat 6.0 or a later version. After you have
completed entering the data, change the name and save the form. If you fill them out using
Adobe Reader, you will not be able to save the data. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat 6.0 or
later, you will have to save the form to your computer, print it, and fill it out by hand.
Alternatively, you can print the form and complete them by hand.
b) export permit from the Management Authority of the country of origin
c) import permit from the Management Authority of the country to which the birds will
be imported
An export permit may be issued only if:
- the specimen was legally obtained
- the trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species
- an import permit has already been issued.
CITES Appendix II species:
a) export permit from the Management Authority of the country of origin
b) The United States does not require a CITES import permit for Appendix II
species but you may need a permit under WBCA and/or ESA and MBTA.
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September 2005
The appropriate forms are:
WBCA import for scientific research: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-47.pdf
ESA scientific research: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf
Migratory bird import/export: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-6.pdf
If both WBCA and ESA are needed, or if all three are needed, you may submit one
application to the Division of Management Authority using the ESA form. The
Division of Management Authority will automatically determine if permits are
needed under the other authorities, and if they are required, and if the Division of
Management Authority determines that issuance is appropriate, the permit will
include all applicable authorities. If the only permit needed is MBTA, use form 3200-6 and submit it to the Division of Migratory Bird Management.
CITES Appendix III species:
a) In the case of trade from a State that included the species in Appendix III, an
export permit issued by the Management Authority of that State is required. This
may be issued only if the specimen was legally obtained and, in the case of a live
animal or plant, if it will be prepared and shipped to minimize any risk of injury,
damage to health or cruel treatment.
b) In the case of export from any other State, a certificate of origin issued by its
Management Authority is required.
c) The United States does not require a CITES import permit for Appendix III
species but you may need a permit under WBCA and/or ESA and MBTA.
The appropriate forms are:
WBCA import for scientific research: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-47.pdf
ESA scientific research: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf
Migratory bird import/export: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-6.pdf
If both WBCA and ESA are needed, or if all three are needed, you may submit
one application to the Division of Management Authority using the ESA form.
The Division of Management Authority will automatically determine if permits
are needed under the other authorities, and if they are required, and if the Division
of Management Authority determines that issuance is appropriate, the permit will
include all applicable authorities. If the only permit needed is MBTA, use form
3-200-6 and submit it to the Division of Migratory Bird Management.
Captive-bred birds:
If the species meets the criteria for bred-in-captivity under the CITES resolutions, the
exporting country may issue an exemption certificate in lieu of an export permit.
Ornithological Council: Live bird import guide
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September 2005
Helpful hint: Be sure to determine if the country of origin has valid authority to issue such
permits. It can happen that a country’s permitting authority has been suspended or
cancelled. You can check the status of a country’s authority to issue permits by checking the
notifications page < http://www.cites.org/eng/notif/index.shtml> - simply search on the
name of the country. You can also contact the CITES secretariat. The staff list can be found
at < http://www.cites.org/eng/notif/index.shtml>.
National contacts (Offices of Management Authority) are listed here:
http://www.cites.org/common/directy/e_directy.html
What if a species is CITES I or CITES II, but the country of origin is not a party to CITES?
Only 31 countries are still not party to the convention. If the non-party has designated a
competent authority to the CITES Secretariat (see CITES web site) then they may be able to
prepare an “in-lieu-of document” that takes the place of the export permit, providing that
they make the non-detriment and legal acquisition finding. An Appendix I specimen would
be more problematic because the USFWS, Office of Management Authority, would first need
to issue an import permit. That issuance would depend on OMA’s evaluation of the nonparty and a non-detriment finding here.
Non-party, no designated authority (no import permits will be issued by the USFWS)
Andorra
Anguilla
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cape Verde
East Timor
Holy See
Iraq
Maldives
Nauru
Paracel Islands
San Marino
Non-party countries with an authority designated to prepare an in lieu of document (an nonCITES CITES permit)
Angola
Bahrain
Cook Islands
Haiti
Kiribati
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
Lebanon
Marshall Islands
Micronesia, Federated States of
Niue
Oman
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September 2005
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Former USSR States; the Russian Management Authority issues their CITES documents
Armenia
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
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(2) Wild Bird Conservation Act Permits
For any CITES-listed species, you will also need a Wild Bird Conservation Act permit except
for the species listed in the table, below.
Forms:
If the species is CITES I, use form: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf
The Division of Management Authority will automatically determine if a WBCA permit is
also needed and, if it determines that it is biologically appropriate to issue a permit, will issue
one permit to include CITES and WBCA
If the species is CITES II or CITES III, use http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-47.pdf
No WBCA permit is required for:
50 CFR 15.33(a) Captive-bred species. The list in this paragraph includes species of captivebred exotic birds for which importation into the United States is not prohibited by section
15.11. The species are grouped taxonomically by order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Species
Common name
----------------------------------------------------------------------Order Falconiiformes:
Buteo buteo
Common European buzzard.
Order Columbiformes:
Columba livia
Rock dove.
Order Psittaciformes:
Agapornis personata
Masked lovebird.
Agapornis roseicollis
Peach-faced lovebird.
Aratinga jandaya
Jendaya conure.
Barnardius barnardi
Mallee ringneck parrot.
Bolborhynchus lineola (blue form)
Lineolated parakeet (blue form).
Bolborhynchus lineola (yellow form)
Lineolated parakeet (yellow form).
Bolborhynchus lineola (white form).
Lineolated parakeet (white form).
Cyanoramphus auriceps
Yellow-fronted Parakeet.
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
Red-fronted parakeet.
Forpus coelestis (lutino form)
Pacific parrotlet (lutino form).
Forpus coelestis (yellow form)
Pacific parrotlet (yellow form).
Forpus coelestis (blue form)
Pacific parrotlet (blue form).
Forpus coelestis (cinnamon form)
Pacific parrotlet (cinnamon form).
Melopsittacus undulatus
Budgerigar.
Neophema bourkii
Bourke's parrot.
Neophema chrysostoma
Blue-winged Parrot.
Neophema elegans
Elegant Parrot.
Turquoise parrot.
Neophema pulchella1
1
Neophema splendida
Scarlet-chested parrot.
Nymphicus hollandicus
Cockatiel.
Platycercus adelaide
Adelaide rosella.
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September 2005
Platycercus adscitus
Pale-headed rosella.
Platycercus elegans
Crimson rosella.
Platycercus eximius
Eastern rosella
Platycercus icterotis
Western (stanley) rosella.
Platycercus venustus
Northern rosella.
Polytelis alexandrae
Princess parrot.
Polytelis anthopeplus
Regent parrot.
Polytelis swainsonii
Superb parrot.
Psephotus chrysopterygius1
Golden-shouldered parakeet.
Psephotus haematonotus
Red-rumped parakeet.
Psephotus varius
Mulga parakeet.
Psittacula eupatria (blue form)
Alexandrine parakeet (blue form).
Psittacula eupatria (lutino form)
Alexandrine parakeet (lutino form).
Psittacula krameri manillensis
Indian ringneck parakeet.
Purpureicephalus spurius
Red-capped parrot.
Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
Scaly-breasted lorikeet.
Order Passeriformes:
Aegintha temporalis
Red-browed Finch.
Aidemosyne modesta
Cherry Finch.
Chloebia gouldiae
Gouldian finch.
Emblema guttata
Diamond Sparrow.
Emblema picta
Painted finch.
Lonchura castaneothorax
Chestnut-breasted finch.
Lonchura domestica
Society (=Bengalese) finch.
Lonchura pectoralis
Pictorella finch.
Neochmia ruficauda
Star finch.
Poephila acuticauda
Long-tailed grassfinch.
Poephila bichenovii
Double-barred finch.
Poephila cincta
Parson finch.
Poephila guttata
Zebra finch.
Poephila personata
Masked finch.
Serinus canaria
Common Canary.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Permits are still required for these species under part 17(species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)) of this chapter.
(b) Non-captive-bred species. The list in this paragraph includes species of non-captive-bred
exotic birds and countries for which importation into the United States is not prohibited by
section 15.11. The species are grouped taxonomically by order, and may only be imported
from the approved country, except as provided under a permit issued pursuant to subpart C
of this part. (NONE LISTED AT THIS TIME)
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September 2005
(3) Endangered Species Act permits
If the species is listed on the U.S. list of endangered and threatened species
and is also listed on CITES appendix I, you will need both an ESA and a CITES import
permit.
The list is found at http://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html#Species. It is updated weekly.
Fortunately, the application form for an ESA import permit is the same as the CITES import
form: http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf. You need only complete the one form. –
- At the top of the first page, circle (a) import; and (b) both CITES and ESA
- If you will be moving the birds from the port of entry to another location within the United
States, you should circle both foreign and interstate.
If the species is listed on the U.S. list of endangered and threatened species, and is not listed
on CITES appendix I, you will not need a CITES import permit. At the top of the form, circle
only ESA. If you will be transporting the birds from the port of entry to another location
within the United States, be sure to circle both foreign and interstate.
However, you will still need an export permit from the country of origin if the species is
CITES Appendix I or II. If the species is CITES Appendix III, you will need an export
permit only if the country of origin is a country that listed the species on Appendix III. If the
species is CITES Appendix III but is not coming from a listing country, you need only a
certificate of origin.
.
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September 2005
(4) Migratory Bird Treaty Act permits
If a species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, you will need an MBTA import
permit. The list of protected species can be found here:
http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/intrnltr/mbta/mbtintro.html
Again, this is not an official list and may not be up-to-date. To be sure of the status of a
species, you will need to check the Code of Federal Regulations and the Federal Register
(from the date of publication of the most recent Code of Federal Regulation to the date of
your application). As this can be a tedious chore for those not conversant with the search
functions for these online publications, we suggest you contact the USFWS, Division of
Migratory Bird Management (see contact section, Appendix 1) or the Ornithological Council
for assistance.
Forms:
If the species is also listed on CITES Appendix I, you will also need a CITES import permit.
As noted above, if the species is CITES Appendix I, use form
http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-37.pdf
The Division of Management Authority will automatically determine if a WBCA permit is
also needed and, if it determines that it is biologically appropriate to issue a permit, will issue
one permit to include CITES and MBTA (as well as WBCA and/or ESA, if applicable).
If the species is also listed on any CITES appendix, you will also need a WBCA permit,
unless the species is on the WBCA-exempt list. Use form http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-47.pdf.
The Division of Management Authority will automatically determine if a WBCA permit is
also needed and, if it determines that it is biologically appropriate to issue a permit, will issue
one permit to include CITES and MBTA (as well as WBCA and/or ESA, if applicable).
If the species is MBTA ONLY, the appropriate application form can be found here:
http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-6.pdf
The application form lists all the USFWS designated wildlife ports, but this doesn’t apply to
birds. The USDA regulations require that birds(other than pet birds) come into New York,
Miami, or Los Angeles
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September 2005
(5a) Lacey Act (injurious wildlife provisions)
The Lacey Act regulations (50 CFR 16.3) prohibit the import of “live wildlife or eggs
thereof, . . . . except for:
Birds of the Family Psittacidae (parrots, macaws, cockatoos, parakeets, lories, lovebirds, etc
Lacey Act regulations (50 CFR 16.12 (a) require permits for the importation of listed
injurious wildlife. At this time, the list of injurious birds is as follows:
- Sturnus roseus (“pink starling” or ``rosy pastor'')
- Species of dioch (including the subspecies black-fronted, red-billed, or Sudan dioch)
Quelea quelea;
- Padda oryzivora (Java sparrow)
- Pycnonotus jocosus (red-whiskered bul-bul)
The regulations (50 CFR 16.12 b, c) make an exception for birds imported for scientific
research. If the birds (or eggs) are being imported, transported (across state lines), and held in
captivity for scientific, medical, educational, exhibition, or propagating purposes, no Lacey
Act permit is needed, but the importer must file a written declaration (Form 3-177) at the port
of entry.
Obviously, relevant permits (CITES, WBCA, ESA, MBTA) are still needed. This section
merely affords an exemption to the prohibitions of the Lacey Act.
(5b) Lacey Act (import requirements)
The Lacey Act makes it illegal for a person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire
or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce: fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported
or sold in violation of a state law, state regulation or foreign law; plants taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of a state law or regulation. Even if NO import permits are
required (e.g., the import does not include species protected by CITES, the Endangered
Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Wild Bird Conservation Act), you may be
required to show proof that the material was acquired legally in the country of origin. Proof
could consist of: an export permit, a collecting permit, a letter or other documentation from
the institution from which the material was acquired. The USFWS will also accept a letter or
other documentation from the wildlife officials in the country of origin or re-export.
Note: some countries require export permits for all wildlife. Be sure to determine the export
restrictions in the countries where you plan to collect and make arrangements to obtain those
permits before you leave the United States.
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September 2005
(6) Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles
Import permits are required under 50 CFR 22; the form is online at http://forms.fws.gov/3200-69.pdf
This application includes the CITES application; a separate ESA permit is not required.
Submit the application to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700
Arlington, VA 22203
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September 2005
(7) Additional USFWS forms and procedures
Import declaration form
All wildlife imports must be reported on Form 3-177. This is not a permit, but a
report form that has to be submitted at the port.
It can be found online at http://www.le.fws.gov/faqs.htm
You can also file electronically through e-Decs, but this is probably more trouble than
it is worth for single or occasional shipments. Here is the e-Decs site:
https://edecs.fws.gov/WhatIseDecs.cfm
Advance notification of arrival
For live animals, you MUST notify the USFWS port inspectors at least 48 hours prior
to the anticipated time of arrival. It is best to do so even earlier – e.g., before the
shipment even leaves the country of origin. Tell them the date and time of the arriving
flight and arrange to have someone on hand at the port to claim the shipment and
meet with the USFWS (and USDA afterwards).
In fact, you can and should send the port inspector a copy of the permit and the 3-177
before your shipment leaves the country of origin so they can alert you to any
problems and you will have a chance to address them before the shipment arrives.
Time and place of arrival
Try to come into the country (or have your shipment arrive) M-F, during regular
business hours. Check with the port in advance to determine exactly when the
USFWS inspectors will be present. If it is impossible to schedule the shipment to
arrive during these hours, arrange in advance to have someone present when your
shipment arrives. You will have to pay additional fees for off-hour service.
There are many USFWS designated wildlife ports, but because live birds must go into
APHIS quarantine, you can only come in through one of three ports where the USDA
accepts live birds. These are New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles USFWS Law Enforcement office contact is:
370 Amapola Ave. #114
Torrance, California 90501
310/328 6307; 310/328 6399 fax
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September 2005
The Miami USFWS Law Enforcement office contact is:
10426 N.W. 31st Terrace
Miami, Florida 33172
305/526 2610; 305/526 7480 fax
The New York USFWS Law Enforcement office contact is:
70 E. Sunrise Hwy. #419
Valley Stream, New York 11580
516/825 3950; 516/825 3597 fax
Documents
-
USFWS regulations(50 CFR 14.104) require that all documents be written in English.
Always put the original documents inside a waterproof pouch and place the pouch in
a safe place.
Keep a copy of all documents inside another waterproof pouch that is placed in a
different piece of luggage.
Never attach original documents to any shipping container.
If possible, send a copy of all USFWS, USDA, and other documents to someone – a
colleague and/or the USFWS Law Enforcement Office - in the U.S. by fax, FedEx, or
DHL before returning to the U.S.
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September 2005
(8) Permit amendments, appeals
Amendments
Should you find yourself in need of a permit amendment, submit a full written justification
and supporting information to the office that issued the original permit. The USFWS permit
offices can issue amendments by fax where justified under the circumstances.
Helpful hint: Be sure to carry the names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers
of the relevant USFWS permit offices and Law Enforcement offices with you when you leave
for the field.
Appeals
Permit denial is rare but it does happen; partial denials are slightly more common. There may
be conditions imposed that the permittee considers unduly burdensome. On rare occasions, a
permit is suspended or revoked. To appeal any adverse decision, you must take the following
actions:
Step 1: Request for reconsideration
a) Once you have received a written notice of denial, partial denial, suspension, revocation,
you must, within 45 calendar days of the date of the written notification, submit a written
request for reconsideration. Note that it must be RECEIVED by the office that issued the
notice within 45 calendar days. State the decision for which reconsideration is requested and
state the reasons for the request. Give any new information that is relevant to the request.
CRITICAL ELEMENT: Your request for reconsideration MUST include the following
certification:
I hereby certify that I have read and am familiar with the
regulations contained in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal
Regulations and the other applicable parts in subchapter B of chapter I
of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and I further certify that the
information submitted in this application for a permit is complete and
accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any
false statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation of
this permit and to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001.
b) The USFWS is required to notify you in writing of the decision on the request for
reconsideration within 45 days of the receipt of your request. The notice must state the
reasons for the decision and must contain a description of the evidence relied upon by the
deciding officer.
c) If the decision is still adverse, you may submit a written appeal to the Regional Director
for the region in which the issuing office is located, or to the Director for offices which report
directly to the Director. The appeal must be submitted (RECEIVED BY)the appropriate
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September 2005
office within 45 days of the date of the notification of the decision on the request for
reconsideration. Again, state the reasons for the appeal and submit any new information.
Although the regulations do not require it, you should include this certification:
I hereby certify that I have read and am familiar with the
regulations contained in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal
Regulations and the other applicable parts in subchapter B of chapter I
of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and I further certify that the
information submitted in this application for a permit is complete and
accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any
false statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation of
this permit and to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001
d) You are entitled to present oral arguments to the Regional Director or the Director if either
of those officials deem it necessary to clarify issues raised in the written record.
f) The Service is required to notify you of its decision, in writing, within 45 calendar days of
the receipt of your notice of appeal. The decision of the Regional Director or the Director
constitutes the final decision.
Many decisions are based on scientific disputes. The regulations seemingly allow the
USFWS to seek external review: “The Service may institute a separate
inquiry into the matter under consideration.” To date, the Service has denied requests for
external, scientific peer review of permit disputes that turn on scientific issues. The
Ornithological Council continues to encourage the Department of the Interior to consider
convening external scientific peer review panels to consider the scientific aspects of permit
issues.
Please notify the Ornithological Council if your permit application has been denied in
whole or in part or if your permit has been suspended or revoked. Although we do not
provide legal advice or represent individual ornithologists involved in permit disputes, we
can provide guidance. It is also important for ornithologists to alert the Ornithological
Council when permit problems occur, so we can identify problems that need to be
addressed.
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September 2005
II.B. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Generally, import of live birds is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, though the Veterinary Service’s National Center for
Import and Export (NCIE). The website for that organization is here:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/import_export.htm. However, the information provided
regarding wildlife and birds is not complete and does not offer step-by-step guidance for
importing live birds. The information provided below is drawn from that website, but is
supplemented extensively by information provided by Nora Klinger, the bird specialist at the
APHIS facility in Los Angeles; by Julie Garnier, DVM, a staff veterinarian at the USDA
APHIS National Center for Import and Export, and from the pertinent regulations (primarily
9 CFR 93, Subpart A).
(1) How to obtain a permit
Obtain and complete application form VS17-129.
The application form is found here:
<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/e_forms/pdf/vs17-129.pdf >
Disregard the instruction on the form to submit the application to the office in Riverdale. The
application form should be sent to Riverdale only if you plan to use a private quarantine
facility (as a practical matter, private facilities rarely accept birds other than those they intend
to breed, sell, or study). Also note that the VS17-20, which was the form specific to import of
live birds for scientific research is no longer in use.
There is no on-line permit application system. The fee is $94. If you need help with the
forms, they will assist you for a fee. See
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/uf_2004.html#CFR130-4
Submit this application to the quarantine station when you make the reservation for
quarantine space. Information about an import permit, availability of quarantine space in the
facility, and an estimate of quarantine costs and associated fees may be obtained by
contacting the USDA Animal Import Centers listed below.
New York Animal Import Center
TEL: (914) 564-2950
200 Drury Lane
FAX: (914) 564-1075
Rock Tavern, New York 12575
Miami Animal Import Center
TEL: (305)-526-2926
5600 NW 36th Street
FAX: (305) 526-2929
Miami, FL 33122
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September 2005
Los Angeles Animal Import Center TEL: (310) 725-1970
USDA, APHIS, VS
FAX: (310) 725-9119 (fax)
11850 South La Cienega Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250
See Section 6, below for further information about the quarantine stations..
Helpful hint: Be sure the check the dates on the permit. These permits are good for only 30
days. The effective dates should NOT start running on the date of issuance. The effective
date should start running on the date the birds are scheduled to enter the United States,
which in turn should be the first date of the quarantine reservation. Subject to space
availability at the quarantine station, the effective dates on the permit can be adjusted. If you
anticipate a delay in the arrival date, notify the port veterinarian immediately. The dates can
be adjusted by no more than 30 days, again, subject to space availability in the quarantine
station (this will vary among ports and over time), and may not be able to permit a change at
all. At the present time, Los Angeles has a 14-day window and Miami has a 10-day window.
If for some reason the shipment can not make it within the window that the port can allow,
then the importer can request a extension at amended permit fee of $47.00 ( the maximum
amount of days we will extend the permit for is 4 days). If the importer still cannot bring in
his/her shipment then the reservation is considered a forfeiture.
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September 2005
(2) Exporting Country Veterinary Health Certificate Requirements
When the permit is issued, the quarantine station will send it to you. The permit includes a
Health Certificate (on the back of the permit) that must be signed by a veterinarian who is
employed full-time by the government of the country of origin. You will then send this blank
certificate to the person who is capturing the birds and arranging to send them to you so they
can have the Health Certificate signed by the proper official in the country of origin. If you
are traveling to the country of origin to capture the birds yourself, you can carry this form
with you and arrange to have it signed by the proper official. The permit and Health
Certificate, after completed by the National Veterinarian in the country of origin, will
accompany the birds when they travel to the US. The airline the birds travel on will require
that the birds have proper documentation and a health certificate.
The certificate must:
- be issued and signed by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the agency responsible for
animal health of the national government in the country of origin
- be dated within 30 days of the date the bird is shipped to the United States
- state that the birds have been examined and show no evidence of communicable diseases of
poultry
- state that the birds are being exported in accordance with the laws of that country
- be in English; if not, a complete written English translation must be provided
(3) Paperwork that must accompany your bird from the country of origin
a) original USDA APHIS permit
b) health certificate signed by the National Veterinarian of the country of origin
c) invoice from the supplier (the person or company in the country of origin that is providing
the birds to you)
Note: the invoice need not be a commercial invoice such as a bill of sale. It can simply be a
list of the birds included in the shipment.
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September 2005
(4) Which port
The choices are New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
The port veterinarian in Los Angeles is:
Dr. Granville Richey
USDA-APHIS-VS
11850 S. La Cienega Blvd
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 725-1970 Office
(310) 725-9119 Fax
The bird specialist is Nora Klinger, at the same phone number.
The port veterinarian in Miami is:
Dr. Richard C. Cambre
USDA-APHIS-VS
5600 N.W. 36th Street
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 526-2926 Office
(305) 526-2929 Fax
The bird specialist is Carlos Pages, at the same phone number.
The port veterinarian in New York is:
Kenneth Davis, Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer
USDA-APHIS-VS
200 Drury Lane
Rock Tavern, NY 12575
(845) 564-2950 Office
(845) 564-1075 Fax
The bird specialist is Tom Smith, at the same phone number.
General information
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September 2005
(5) Flight requirements
Choose a flight that comes directly from another country to your port of entry without
stopping in another airport on U.S. soil (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, Hawaii, or Bangor, Maine).
If the flight stops in another U.S. airport, you will also need an in-transit permit and you must
notify the USDA office in the in-transit airport that you have the birds on the plane and
provide them with a copy of the in-transit permit and import permit.
Remember: USFWS regulations require that the birds be imported in accordance with the
humane transport regulations (see Section II, below). To meet these requirements, choose a
carrier that complies with the International Air Transport Association Live Animal
Regulations).
Most carriers will not accept birds in as accompanied baggage; they will only bring them in
as cargo. To bring them in as cargo, you have to make arrangements with a custom broker at
the airport. See lists of custom brokers in Appendix 3.
There is variation in procedure among the three airports. In Los Angeles, for instance, the
USDA staff will meet the plane and take the birds off the plane. They will bring the birds
indoors to the customs area, where the customs broker will take care of all the paperwork.
In Miami, the Customs Broker/importer agent meets the plane with the USDA staff and it is
the Customs Broker that will offload the birds into a sealed van (to prevent the spread of
feathers). The USDA officer will escort the van directly to the quarantine, where the birds are
offloaded into the aviary. The USDA officer will then give the customs broker the paperwork
that the customs broker will need to clear the shipment with Customs and US Fish and
Wildlife.
After the birds have cleared customs, the USFWS inspector will come to the customs area
(the USDA people will arrange for it, if he/she hasn’t arrived already) to check the 3-177 and
inspect the shipment. A USDA-qualified transporter will transport the birds to the USDA
quarantine station.
Helpful hint: expect the entire process to take as long as six hours. Overtime can be
expensive, so if possible, choose a flight that arrives early in the morning, on a weekday,
and not on a holiday. If you are not arriving on the same flight, try to have someone
available at the airport to help resolve any last-minute problems.
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September 2005
(6) Quarantine
All non-U.S. origin birds imported into the United States (except from Canada) are required
to be quarantined for 30 days in a USDA animal import quarantine facility at the owner's
expense.
Technically, an importer of live birds for scientific research has three choices to satisfy the
quarantine requirements:
- the birds can come in to New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, and go into 30-day quarantine
at a USDA facility
- the birds can come into any land-border port within 20 miles of an international airport that
is serviced by U.S. Customs, and go into quarantine at a USDA quarantine facility or a
privately owned facility that is licensed by the USDA
- the importer can construct and maintain its own private quarantine facility provided that it
is within “the immediate metropolitan area of the port of entry” and at least one-half mile
from any concentration of avian species, such as poultry farms, poultry processing plants,
other quarantine facilities
As a practical matter, however, the only option is import through New York, Los Angeles, or
Miami, followed by quarantine at a USDA quarantine station. There are currently only 10
privately owned commercial quarantine facilities, and they are all owned by commercial bird
importers. They will not accept birds from other importers. The standards for privately
owned bird quarantine facilities are elaborate and almost certainly impractical and too costly
for researchers who are not planning repeated imports of wild birds. Therefore, detailed
instructions are provided only for the import of live birds through New York, Los Angeles,
or Miami, followed by quarantine at a USDA quarantine station.
A reservation at the facility must be made in advance by contacting the USDA port
veterinarian at one of the special ports-of-entry listed below. A cost estimate for the
quarantine will be provided at that time. Once the reservation is made and payment is
received in full for all quarantine services, the animal import quarantine facility will issue a
USDA import permit. This permit must accompany the bird while in transit.
The rate schedule (per bird, per day) is at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/uf_2004.html#CFR130-2
The rates, which vary according to the size of the bird, were current until 30 September 2004.
They may have gone up slightly since then.
Helpful hints: the birds are kept in isolettes under negative pressure, so there is no danger of
transmission of diseases through air exchange, and one presumes that staffers are
adequately trained in hygienic procedures so as to avoid potential transmission through
handling, food and water containers, etc. However, you can request a separate room
(“exclusive space”) for your birds (a higher charge per day, but depending on the number of
birds, it could be less than the total for individual isolettes). If the birds are social or
accustomed to living in family groups, this may be advantageous.
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(7) After quarantine
Your birds will be released after quarantine only if NONE of the birds are diagnosed with
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (all strains) or Newcastle Disease. If any of the birds is
found positive for either of these diseases, all the birds will be destroyed. This is known as
the “all-in-all-out” policy.
See section on interstate shipment for details on release of birds from quarantine.
(8) Recent restrictions on imports
As of 13 February 2004, the Centers for Disease Control banned the import of all live birds
from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong
SAR), South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Expect other countries to be listed as H5N1
moves around the world.
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(9) Special rules and procedures for ratites
Ratites (live birds) must:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
be produced by a pen-raised flock
be identified by a microchip (live birds)
be shipped from a farm that has been inspected and approved by a USDA official
during the past 12 months
be shipped in a new container
be treated with a pesticide of sufficient strength to rid live birds of all external
parasites not more than 14 days nor less than 8 days prior to shipping
be accompanied by an Application/Permit for Ratites or Ratite Hatching Eggs and
Space Reservation Request (VS Form 17-128) issued in advance of the shipment
be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate (reverse side of VS Form 17-128)
with specific certification statements, issued by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the
agency responsible for animal health of the national government in the exporting
country of origin
be inspected by a USDA veterinarian at a designated port of entry, as listed on the
import permit
be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days (live birds) at a USDA Animal Import
Center and
be found free of evidence of communicable diseases of poultry during quarantine
Hatching eggs of ratites must:
•
•
be brooded in a hatchery that has been approved in advance by USDA, under the
direct supervision of the Area Veterinarian in Charge in the State of destination
be quarantined within the hatchery for the full incubation period, plus an additional
30 days after hatching. Chicks hatched during quarantine will be tested for
communicable diseases of poultry
How to Obtain an Import Permit for ratites
Information about an import permit, availability of quarantine space in the facility, and an
estimate of quarantine costs and associated fees may be obtained by contacting either of the
USDA Animal Import Centers listed below.
New York Animal Import Center
200 Drury Lane
TEL: (914) 564-2950
FAX: (914) 564-1075
Rock Tavern, New York 12575
(No limitations on size of ratites)
Miami Animal Import Center
TEL: (305)-526-2926
5600 NW 36th Street
FAX: (305) 526-2929
Miami, FL 33266
(Limited to ratites under 36 inches tall)
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During the quarantine period, the ratites will be treated for external parasites and will
undergo certain tests and diagnostic procedures to determine if they are free of
communicable diseases of birds and poultry. All costs associated with the quarantine
including diagnostic testing are charged to the importer. One hundred percent (100%) of
these fees, in the form of a check or United States money order in U.S. dollars and made
payable to the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), must
accompany the import permit application. The import permit is issued when the required fees
are paid in full and quarantine facility space is available.
In cases where an import permit is issued and the birds are not imported, the reservation fee
will be forfeited unless the Animal Import Center is notified of the cancellation, in writing, at
least 15 working days before the scheduled date of arrival. A $40 (in U.S. dollars)
cancellation fee will be assessed on all canceled reservations for importing birds.
User fees for standard care, feed, and handling of ratites quarantined in a USDA Animal
Import Center are as follows:
Chicks (less than 3 months old)
$ 9.25/day
Juveniles (between 3 and 10 months old)
$14.00/day
Adults (11 months of age and older)
$27.00/day
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(10) Import procedures for “poultry”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines poultry to include chickens, doves,
ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and
turkeys. All birds of these species are subject to the import requirements for poultry, and are
not considered by the USDA to be pet birds.
Requirements
• 30-day quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center
• Animal Import Permit (VS Form17-129)
• Veterinary Health Certificate issued by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the
agency responsible for animal health of the national government of the exporting
country
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Certification
Import Procedures (from all countries except Canada)
•
All poultry must be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days at a USDA Animal Import
Center. The poultry must also be accompanied by a USDA import permit (VS
Form17-129), issued prior to shipment of the birds. The importer must contact a
USDA Animal Import Center to apply for the import permit and reserve quarantine
space in the facility. The addresses for the USDA Animal Import Centers are listed
below.
New York Animal Import Center
USDA, APHIS, VS
200 Drury Lane
Rock Tavern, NY 12575
(845) 564-2950 (phone)
(845) 564-1075 (fax)
Miami Animal Import Center
USDA, APHIS, VS
6300 NW 36 Street
Miami, FL 33122
(305) 526-2926 (phone)
(305) 526-2929 (fax)
Los Angeles Animal Import Center
USDA, APHIS, VS
11850 South La Cienega Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 725-1970 (phone)
(310) 725-9119 (fax)
•
The poultry must be accompanied by a current veterinary health certificate issued
within 30 days of importation and endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the
agency responsible for animal health of the national government of the exporting
country. The health certificate must be translated into English.
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September 2005
•
The poultry must be inspected by a USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of
entry. The importer must arrange for this inspection at least 72 hours in advance by
contacting the USDA port veterinarian at the telephone number listed on the import .
•
The importer must retain the services of a customs broker to facilitate the importation
and, in some cases, to transport the poultry from the port of entry to the USDA
Animal Import Center. The importer should contact the Import Center for a list of
customs brokers to provide these services.
•
During the quarantine period, all poultry will be tested to determine if they are free of
certain communicable diseases of poultry. The cost for this diagnostic testing will be
charged to the importer and is separate from the quarantine fee.
•
Total payment of the quarantine and diagnostic testing fees is required when the
import permit (VS Form17-129) application is submitted. The payment amount will
be provided to the importer by the USDA Animal Import Center. The daily user fee
rate for standard care, feed, and handling of poultry quarantined in a USDA Animal
Import Center is as follows:
Doves, pigeons, quail
Chickens, ducks, grouse, guinea fowl, partridge, pea fowl, pheasants
Large poultry and waterfowl (game cocks, geese, swans, turkey)
$ 3.50
$ 6.25
$ 15.00
Poultry Import from Canada *see advisory
Poultry imported from Canada into the United States are not required to be quarantined.
However, the poultry must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate issued within 30
days of importation and endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the Canadian
government. The poultry must be inspected by a USDA veterinarian at the first U.S. port of
entry.
An import permit is not required for poultry imported from Canada through a U.S. Canadian land border port. However, if the poultry enters the United States through an
airport, an import permit (VS Form17-129) is required.
This permit may be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/ or
by contacting us:
USDA, APHIS, VS
National Center for Import and Export
4700 River Road, Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737
(301) 734-3277 telephone
(301) 734-6402 fax
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(11) More information
If you need additional information about importing live birds into the United States, please
contact:
Julie Garnier, National Center for Import and Export
Veterinary Services
APHIS, USDA
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
e-mail: [email protected]
301-734-5677
fax 301-734-8226
The VS staff is extremely busy and it can be difficult to get through by phone. It is probably
easier to use e-mail, but be advised that each staffer usually sets aside a certain time during
the day to answer e-mail, so if you need an immediate response, use the phone. If you use email, please consider sending a copy to the Ornithological Council (by e-mail to
[email protected]). This system will allow us to track the kinds of questions and
problems ornithologists are encountering and will make it possible for VS and the
Ornithological Council to work together to resolve those problems, perhaps by amending this
fact sheet or in some other manner.
To copy to the Ornithological Council: [email protected]
This method of contact is purely optional. You are always free to e-mail VS staff without
copying the Ornithological Council, or to reach VS staff by phone.
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I.C. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
(BIOTERRORISM ACT REGULATIONS)
No permits or prior notification required. Write on the outside of the shipping containers:
Live birds for scientific research. Not for food consumption by people or animals.
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III.A. Humane Transport Regulations - USFWS
USFWS regulations (50 CFR Part 14)
The USFWS regulations are also those of the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) with regard to import into the United States. The text of the regulations is provided
in Appendix 2. Irrelevant material, e.g., regulations or standards pertaining to mammals, is
deleted and deletions are indicated with an ellipse (…).
Note that the USFWS has started the process of reviewing and updating the humane
transport. On 16 September 2005, the USFWS published a notice stating that the agency
proposed to update and amend the standards for the humane and healthful transport of wild
mammals and birds to the United States. To determine how to proceed, the USFWS asked
the public for comments and input on whether the current regulations are up to date and
adequate. The Ornithological Council, in conjunction with other scientific societies such as
the Animal Behavior Society, is reviewing the existing regulations and will submit comments
to the USFWS; if and when the USFWS proposes changes, we will also review the proposed
changes and submit comments. We will notify ornithologists of changes via Ornith-L and the
BIRDNET website policy page.
Setting up the air transport
1. Find a carrier (or set of carriers) that is a member of IATA.
2. Determine weather conditions at the time of year you intend to transport the birds, along
the entire route.
Internationally and domestically, most carriers (and certainly IATA carriers) won’t carry live
animals when the temperature is outside a certain range (see regulations in Appendices for
specific temperature ranges), even though the cargo holds are [supposed to be] heated when
live animals are in the hold. The problem is the temperature on the ground, while the animals
are being held in cargo areas awaiting the next flight. You will need to be sure that you
arrange for the transport at a time of year when temperatures in both hemispheres are likely
to fall within the acceptable range. As an alternative, depending on the number of birds you
plan to transport, you may want to arrange for the birds to travel in the passenger
compartment of the plane. Some airlines allow this, some do not. Even those that do have
strict limits on the number of animals, and require that the animals be accompanied by a
human passenger. The requirements for containers are such that it is unlikely that the
containers will fit under a seat, so you would need to purchase a seat. Some countries do not
allow airlines to transport live animals in the cabins
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III. B. Humane transport – International Air Transport
Association
The internationally-accepted standards for humane transport are published by the
International Air Transport Association (IATA). See
http://www.iata.org/ps/search_results.htm?cat=Live+Animals for information about shipping
live animals.
Recognized as the international standard for transport of animals by air, the IATA Live
Animals Regulations (LAR) is an essential source on how to ship animals safely, sensitively
and cost-effectively. It specifies the minimum requirements for the international transport of
animals and wildlife, and indicates what precautions airlines, shippers, cargo agents and
animal care professionals should take on the ground and in the air.
The LAR renders an IATA long-term commitment towards civil aviation safety requirements
whilst considering animal welfare notions, scientific progress and commercial trade realities.
The LAR is produced annually in English, French and Spanish. For increased convenience
and ease of use, the English version comes with a CD ROM, which includes a searchable
PDF version of the manual , as well as fellable forms and useful web links.
This publication comprises a comprehensive source of information about containers utilized
for most animal species and allows the shipper to ensure that the animal shipments comply
with international or local regulations.
The book and CD can be purchased at the price of USD $100 by ordering online at
http://www.iata.org/ps/publications/9105.htm or by calling 1 (514) 390 6726 or writing to
IATA, 800 Place Victoria, PO Box 113, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA H4Z 1M1.
Enforced by the European Union and a number of other countries for the import and export
of live animals, the LAR generally meet or exceed the intent of the US Animal Welfare Act
(AWA). These regulations also include a comprehensive list of endangered species in which
international trade for commercial purposes is restricted.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) has adopted these regulations as their official guidelines for animal transportation.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has recommended these regulations for the
air transport of live animals.
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III.C. Humane Transport – Animal Welfare Act
Until recently, the Animal Welfare Act did not apply to birds (and rats and mice). The
Secretary of Agriculture had made an administrative determination, reflected in a formal
regulation, that these taxi should be exempted. A lawsuit by animal welfare and animal rights
groups caused the USDA to change course and agree to regulate these taxa. Subsequently,
Congress, through a provision in the 2002 Farm Bill, enacted a permanent ban on APHIS
regulation of rats, mice, and birds. However, faulty syntax has had an unfortunate
consequence: the law reads, “rats, mice, and birds, not bred for use in research…” As a
result, there is a possibility, if not a likelihood, that research involving wild birds will be
regulated. The USDA published an Advance Notice of Public Rulemaking on 4 June 2004
year stating that it intends to extend enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act to birds other
than those bred for use in research, and seeking comments as to what regulations and
standards would be appropriate; the comment period closed on November 2. Over 1500
comments were filed. It will take at least a year for the USDA to sort through those
comments and prepare a draft regulation; it could be as long as two years or even longer.
Technically, then, there are no Animal Welfare Act regulations pertaining to birds at this
time. The Ornithological Council has been trying to determine if the USDA considers the
existing Animal Welfare Act regulations for “the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and
Transportation of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea
Pigs, Nonhuman Primates, and Marine Mammals” to be in effect. As of February 2005, we
have not had a response.
The Public Health Service (PHS) doesn’t see things that way. Under the Public Health
Service Act, all institutions receiving PHS funding must give the PHS an “assurance” that
they will comply with the Animal Welfare Act with regard to ALL vertebrates. The National
Science Foundation and other federal funding organizations also adhere to this principal.
Therefore, you are also compelled to comply with the Animal Welfare regulations pertaining
to transport.
There are no AWA transport regulations pertaining to birds. There are general regulations
(“for warm-blooded animals other than Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs,
Nonhuman Primates, and Marine Mammals” - see Appendix III - but those pertaining
specifically to transport are: 3.136 through 3.142). Adherence to the USFWS regulations and
the IATA regulations should suffice. The Ornithological Council has queried the USDA
Animal Care program to ask if they consider these regulations to now be in effect for birds
and if so, how to reconcile the discrepancies between these regulations and the USWFS
regulations.
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September 2005
IV.A. Release from quarantine – USFWS
Do not assume that the birds will be automatically released at the end of the quarantine
period. Typically the USFWS Division of Law Enforcement will have checked the shipment
and the paperwork at the time the birds arrive at the airport, but this may not always be the
case. The LE staff may be too busy to check the shipment before it is sent to the quarantine
facility. Be sure you keep in touch with the customs broker to be sure that they make
arrangements for the USFWS LE staff to check the shipment and the paperwork prior to the
scheduled release date. Otherwise, your birds may have to remain in the quarantine station, at
your expense, an extra few days.
If you are planning to retrieve the birds yourself, rather than having the customs broker send
them on to you, then be sure to contact the LE staff yourself to arrange to have the shipment
and paperwork inspected on or before the anticipated release date.
IV.B. Release from quarantine – USDA
The area veterinarian or the state veterinarian will clear the birds for release. Be sure to
arrange for inspection on or shortly before the scheduled date of release. Do not assume that
area veterinarian will automatically take measures to clear your birds for release.
Your birds will not be released until you have paid all open charges. Be sure to call the
quarantine station to make arrangements for payment on or before the scheduled date of
release. The quarantine station will not hold the birds for you beyond the scheduled date of
release, so be sure to plan to retrieve the birds on that date.
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V.A. Interstate shipment - USFWS
No further USFWS permits or paperwork are needed to ship the birds from the port of entry
to another location in the United States (assuming you obtained an import/transport permit
from the USFWS). However, see the transport requirements, which apply to international and
domestic air transport.
V.B. Interstate shipment – USDA
When a bird import is released from quarantine, the USDA issue a release form (vs. form 1746) stating that the birds were found free of Exotic Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza.
The importer or customs broker must have this release when setting up arrangements to
transport the birds out of the state (via air or land).
The permit issued pursuant to the VS17-129 application covers the interstate permit. These
regulations are provided for information only.
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VI: SUGGESTED TIMELINE
Determine the appropriate time of year to transport birds
Determine the times of year when air temperatures along the route will fall within the ranges
permitted by the regulations. Remember that IATA carriers will not transport when the
temperate falls outside the specified range. You might think this would not be a problem for
major airports, which have heat and air conditioning, but not all cargo holding areas have
heat or air conditioning – and even some major airports do not have air conditioning.
Six months in advance of planned import
1. File applications for the USFWS permits.
2. File applications for permission to collect birds and export birds for the country of origin.
3. Ascertain the name and address of the in-country government veterinarian that will sign
the health certificate.
4. Ascertain which carriers serving the country of origin are IATA members.
5. For those carriers that are IATA members, ascertain the most direct and fastest
connections from the country of origin to one of three U.S. ports of entry (New York, Miami,
or Los Angeles), including fewest stops and least amount of time on the ground.
6. Check with the USDA quarantine facility well in advance to make reservations and send in
the deposit. At the same time, you will submit your VS17-129 to the quarantine facility and
get your USDA import permit. Be sure the permit is effective starting with the anticipated
date of import, and if there are any changes in the anticipated date of import, be sure to
notify the quarantine facility immediately and have the permit amended.
7. Book the flight arrangements.
Two to four weeks in advance of planned import
1. Prepare your 3-177 and notify the USFWS of the time of arrival and flight number. Fax,
FedEx, or DHL the relevant documents to the USFWS Law Enforcement office. Visit or call
the USFWS Law Enforcement Office at the airport to see if there are any questions or
problems that need to be resolved. If you anticipate having the birds arrive outside normal
business hours, arrange to have a USFWS law enforcement agent present at the time the birds
arrive.
2. Contact the USDA port inspector to see if there are any questions or problems that need to
be resolved. If you anticipate having the birds arrive outside normal business hours, arrange
to have the USDA inspectors and customs brokers present at the time the birds arrive.
3. Make arrangements with a customs broker for handling and transport of the birds from the
airport to the quarantine station.
4. Arrange to have the birds captured, examined by a veterinarian. The inspection must take
place no more than 10 days prior to commencement of shipment to the U.S.
5. Arrange to have the birds taken to the airport no less than 2 hours and no more than 6
hours prior to the flight. The USDA regulations say no more than 4 hours – but there are
provisions that allow the time to be extended to six hours.
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At least 48 hours in advance of planned import
1. Re-notify the USFWS of the time of arrival and flight number.
2. Re-notify the USDA port office of the time of arrival and flight number. Use the form
provided by the USDA port office if one is given to you.
At least one week prior to the end of quarantine
Contact the USFWS Law Enforcement staff at the airport to be sure they have cleared the
shipment for release. If they have not, make arrangements for the USFWS to clear the
shipment for release on or before the scheduled release date.
Contact the USDA APHIS area veterinarian in charge or the state veterinarian to arrange to
have the birds cleared for release on the scheduled release date.
.
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APPENDIX 1: USFWS Transport regulations (text irrelevant to wild birds
has been edited out; deletions are indicated by ellipses)
Health, holding prior to shipment (50 CFR 14.105)
(a) No carrier shall accept any live wild mammal or bird for transport to the United States
that has not been examined within 10 days prior to commencement of transport to the United
States by a veterinarian certified as qualified by the national government of the
initial country from which the mammal or bird is being exported. If the national government
of such country does not certify veterinarians, then the veterinarian must be certified or
licensed by a local government authority designated by the national government as
authorized to certify veterinarians.
(b)(1) A certificate of veterinary medical inspection, signed by the examining veterinarian,
stating that the animal has been examined, is healthy, appears to be free of any
communicable disease, and is able to withstand the normal rigors of transport must
accompany the … bird; the certificate should include the veterinarian's license number,
certification number, or equivalent.
(2) A nursing mother with young … or an unweaned bird shall be transported only if the
primary purpose is for needed medical treatment and upon certification in writing by the
examining veterinarian that the treatment is necessary and the animal is able to withstand the
normal rigors of transport. Such an uweaned …. bird shall not be transported to the United
States
for medical treatment unless it is accompanied at all times by and completely accessible to a
veterinary attendant.
(c) A sick or injured wild … bird shall be permitted transport to the United States only if
the primary purpose of such transport is for needed medical treatment and upon certification
in writing by the examining veterinarian that the treatment is necessary
and the animal is able to withstand the normal rigors of travel in its present condition. A sick
or injured animal shall be accompanied at all times throughout the transport process by a
veterinary attendant qualified to care for and treat it, with continuous access to the
animal. This individual shall be in possession of or have ready access
to all medications to be administered during the transport.
(d) No carrier shall accept any wild … bird for transport to the United States presented by
the shipper less than 2 hours or more than 6 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the
conveyance on which it is to be transported. The carrier shall notify the crew of the presence
of live animal shipments.
Primary enclosure (50 CFR 14.106)
No carrier shall accept for transport to the United States any live wild … bird in a primary
enclosure that does not conform to the following requirements:
(a) The Container Requirements of the Live Animal Regulations (LAR),
20th edition, October 1, 1993, published by the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) shall be complied with by all parties transporting wild mammals or birds to the
United States.
(b) A primary enclosure shall be constructed so that-(1) The strength of the enclosure is sufficient to contain the mammal or bird and to
withstand the normal effects of transport;
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September 2005
(2) The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusion that could be injurious to the
mammal or bird within;
(3) No part of the animal can extend or protrude outside of the primary enclosure which
may result in injury to the contained animal, to nearby persons or animals, or to handlers of
the primary enclosure;
(4) Access to the primary enclosure is closed and secured with an animal-proof device
designed to prevent accidental opening and release of the mammal or bird;
(5) The opening of the enclosure is easily accessible for either emergency removal or
inspection of the mammal or bird by authorized personnel without the risk of escape of the
mammal or bird;
(6) The enclosure has sufficient openings to ensure adequate circulation of air at all times.
(7) The material of which the primary enclosure is constructed is not treated with any
paint, preservative, or other chemical that is injurious or otherwise harmful to the health or
well-being of mammals and birds.
(c) Unless the enclosure is permanently affixed in the conveyance or has an open top for
certain large mammals, spacer bars allowing circulation of air around the enclosure shall be
fitted to the exterior of its top, sides, and base. Spacer bars on an enclosure need extend no
more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) from the surface of the enclosure.
Within this 6 inch limit, the spacers on an enclosure containing one animal shall extend a
distance equal to at least 10 percent of the longer dimension of the surface to which they are
attached, and the spacers on an enclosure containing more than one animal shall extend a
distance equal to at least 20 percent of the longer dimension of the surface to which they are
attached. Hand-holds may serve as spacer bars for the sides of the enclosure to which they
are attached. A primary enclosure constructed with one or more slanted or curved walls
containing ventilation openings need not be fitted with spacer bars on such walls.
(d) An enclosure that is not permanently affixed within the conveyance shall have
adequate hand-holds or other devices for lifting by hand or to facilitate lifting and carrying
by machine. Such hand-holds or other devices shall be made an integral part of the enclosure,
shall enable it to be lifted without excessive tipping, and shall be
designed so that the person handling the enclosure will not come in contact with the animals
contained therein.
(e) An enclosure shall have a solid, leak-proof bottom or removable, leak-proof collection
tray under a slatted or wire mesh floor. The slatted or wire mesh floor shall be designed and
constructed so that the spaces between the slats or the holes in the mesh cannot trap the limbs
of animals contained within the enclosure….An enclosure used to transport birds shall not
contain litter, unless it is specified in writing by the
examining veterinarian as medically necessary.
(f) If an enclosure has been previously used to transport or store wild mammals or birds, it
shall have been cleaned and sanitized in a manner that will destroy pathogenic agents and
pests injurious to the health of mammals and birds before the enclosure can be re-used.
(g) An enclosure that is not permanently affixed in the conveyance shall be clearly marked
in English on the outside of the top and one or more sides of the enclosure, in letters not less
than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, ``Live Animals'' or ``Wild Animals'', ``Do Not Tip,''
``Only Authorized Personnel May Open Container,'' and other appropriate or required
instructions. All enclosure sides shall also be conspicuously marked on the outside with
arrows to indicate the correct upright position of the enclosure. These arrows should extend
up the sides of the enclosure so that the point of the arrow is visible and clearly indicates the
top of the enclosure.
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(h) Food and water instructions as specified in Sec. 14.108, information regarding what
constitutes obvious signs of stress in the species being transported, and information about any
drugs or medication to be administered by the accompanying veterinary attendant shall be
securely attached to each enclosure. Copies of shipping documents accompanying the
shipment shall also be securely attached to the primary enclosure. Original documents shall
be carried in the carrier's pouch or manifest container or by the shipper's attendant
accompanying the wild mammal or bird.
(i) Any food and water troughs shall be securely attached to the interior of the enclosure in
such a manner that the troughs can be filled from outside the enclosure. Any opening
providing access to a trough shall be capable of being securely closed with an animal-proof
device. A water trough in an enclosure containing birds shall contain a
foam or sponge insert, a perforated wooden block, or other suitable device to prevent spillage
or drowning.
(j) When a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within a conveyance so that its front
opening is the only source of ventilation, the opening shall face the outside of the conveyance
or an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the conveyance. Such an aisle or passageway
shall be at least 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide. The opening in the
primary enclosure shall occupy at least 90 percent of the total surface area of the front wall of
the enclosure and be covered with bars or wire mesh.
Conveyance (50 CFR 14.106)
(a) The animal cargo space of a conveyance used to transport wild mammals or birds to the
United States shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to ensure the humane and
healthful transport of the animals.
(b) The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent the harmful
ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases produced by the conveyance.
(c) No wild mammal or bird shall be placed in a cargo space of a conveyance that does not
provide sufficient air for it to breathe normally. Primary enclosures shall be positioned in a
cargo space in such a manner that each animal has access to sufficient air for normal
breathing.
(d) The interior of an animal cargo space shall be kept clean of disease-causing agents.
(e) A wild mammal or bird shall not be transported in a cargo space that contains any
material, substance, or device that may reasonably be expected to result in inhumane
conditions or be injurious to the animal's health unless all reasonable precautions are taken to
prevent such conditions or injury.
Food and water (50 CFR 14.108)
(a) No carrier shall accept any wild mammal or bird for transport to the United States
unless written instructions from the shipper concerning the animal's food and water
requirements are securely affixed to the outside of its primary enclosure. Such instructions
shall be consistent with professionally accepted standards of care and include
specifically the quantity of water required, the amount and type of food required, and the
frequency of feeding and watering necessary to ensure that the animal is transported
humanely and healthfully.
(b) A mammal or bird requiring drinking water shall have uncontaminated water suitable
for drinking made available to it at all times prior to commencement of transport to the
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United States, during intermediate stopovers, and upon arrival in the United States, or as
directed by the shipper's written instructions.
(c) A mammal or bird that obtains moisture from fruits or other food shall be provided
such food prior to commencement of transport to the United States, during stopovers, and
upon arrival in the United States, or as directed by the shipper's written instructions.
(d) During a stopover or while still in the custody of the carrier after arrival in the United
States, a mammal or bird in transit shall be observed no less frequently than once every four
hours and given food and water according to the instructions required by Sec. 14.108(a).
(e) Suitable and sufficient food shall be made available during transport.
(f) Additional requirements for feeding and watering particular kinds of animals are found
below in the specifications for the various groups.
Care in transit (50 CFR 14.109)
(a) During transportation to the United States, including any stopovers during transport, the
carrier shall visually inspect each primary enclosure not less than once every 4 hours, or in
the case of air transport, every 4 hours whenever the cargo hold is accessible. During such
inspections, the carrier shall verify that the ambient air temperature is within allowable limits
(see Sec. 14.109(b)), that enclosures have not been damaged, that adequate ventilation is
being provided, and when transport is by air, that air pressure suitable to support live animals
is maintained within the cargo area (pressure
equivalent to a maximum altitude of 8000 feet). During these observations the carrier shall
also determine whether any animals are in obvious distress as described in documents
attached to the enclosure. The absence of such a document or the absence of information as
to signs of distress shall not remove this responsibility. The carrier shall attempt to correct
any condition causing distress and shall consult the shipper concerning any possible need for
veterinary care if no veterinary attendant is traveling with the shipment; if the shipper cannot
be reached in the case of an emergency, qualified veterinary care should be provided. A
veterinarian or qualified attendant traveling with the shipment shall be provided access to the
animal.
(b) Unless otherwise specified in writing by the examining veterinarian the ambient air
temperature in a holding area, transporting device, conveyance or terminal facility containing
mammals or birds shall not be allowed to fall below 12.8 degrees C (55 degrees F) nor to
exceed 26.7 degrees C (80 degrees F). Auxiliary ventilation shall be
provided when the ambient air temperature is 23.9 degrees C (75 degrees F) or higher. In the
case of penguins and auks, the ambient air temperature shall not be allowed to exceed 18.3
degrees C (65 degrees F) at any time, and auxiliary ventilation shall be provided when the
ambient air temperature exceeds 15.6 degrees C (60 degrees F)….
Terminal facilities (50 CFR 14.110)
(a) Any terminal facility used for wild mammal or bird transport in the country of export,
stopover countries, or the United States shall contain an animal holding area or areas. No
carrier or shipper shall co-mingle live animal shipments with inanimate cargo in an animal
holding area.
(b) A carrier or shipper holding any wild mammal or bird in a terminal facility shall
provide the following:
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(1) A holding area cleaned and sanitized so as to destroy pathogenic agents, maintained so
that there is no accumulation of debris or excreta, and in which vermin infestation is
minimized;
(2) An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and pests of mammals or
birds;
(3) Sufficient fresh air to allow the animals to breathe normally with ventilation
maintained so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation;
(4) Ambient air temperatures maintained within prescribed limits as
specified in Sec. 14.109(b).
Catchall (50 CFR 14.111)
In addition to the provisions of Sec. 14.101-14.111, the requirements of Sec. 14.121-14.172
applicable for particular groups of animals shall be met for all shipments of wild mammals
and birds covered by this part.
Deleted:
14.121 – 14.123 (non-human primates)
14.131 – 14.133 (marine mammals)
14.141 – 14.142 (ungulates)
14.151 (sloths, bats, flying lemurs)
14.161 (terrestrial mammals, rodents)
Wild Birds (50 CFR 14.171)
(a) A personally owned pet bird ….
(b) No carrier shall accept for transport to the United States any bird that was captured in the
wild unless a qualified veterinarian, authorized by the national government of the country
from which the bird is being exported, certifies that the bird has been held in captivity for at
least 14 days.
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Appendix 2: Procedures for importing birds through USDA quarantine
facilities
(These procedures pertain to the USDA Quarantine facility that serves the Los Angeles port
of entry. Procedures for New York and Miami follow):
PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTING [COMMERCIAL] BIRDS THROUGH THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE QUARANTINE FACILITY IN SAN YSIDRO,
CALIFORNIA
All [commercial] birds entering the United States are required to be quarantined at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture facility will be entered using he following procedures:
1. OBTAINING THE QUARANTINE SPACE
The first step in the process of obtaining a quarantine space is to submit to our office the
Application of Import or In Transit Permit (VS Form 17-129). The space at our facility is
very limited, therefore, all intended reservations need to be made well in advance. The
reservation system is set up on a first come, first serve basis. Only when VS Form 17-129 is
received with payment in full for the quarantine is the reservation space confirmed. Upon
receipt of VS From 17-129 and full payment of the quarantine fees, this office will issue an
import permit based on the information furnished on the application and space availability at
our facility. Form VS 17-129 must be completed and submitted prior to issuing the Import
Permit. Information on the application must be correct. Incorrect information could cause a
delay in your shipment. Cancellation of a reservation must be done 15 days in advance. If the
reservation is not cancelled or the birds do not arrive and we are not able to fill the space the
birds were to occupy, all quarantine fees are forfeited in accordance with the code of Federal
Regulations 9 CFR 130.2. When a reservation is canceled in accordance with the CFR, a
$40.00 cancellation fee will be charged (9 CFR 103.2). There is a processing fee of $94.00
per application for a permit and a fee of $47.00 for an amended permit.
2. BROKERS AND TRANSPORT
All commercial shipments must have a Custom Broker to clear the birds through Customs
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The USDA does not perform this service. It is the
responsibility of the Owner/Importer to choose a Customs Broker and a transporter for the
clearance and transport of the birds to the quarantine facility. Upon arrival in the United
States until release from quarantine, the birds are under the control and supervision of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA personnel will meet the aircraft when it lands to
supervise the off-loading, cleaning, and disinfection of the aircraft, and transport of the birds
to the cargo office. After the birds have cleared Customs and USFWS, a transporter will
transport the birds to the quarantine facility, where a member of our staff will enter the birds
into quarantine for a minimum of 30 days. The Broker and Transporter fees are the
responsibility of the importer.
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3. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
[this section deleted as the material is covered more fully in Section 1 of this document].
4. DIETS
Diets which require anything other than seed are considered SPECIAL DIETS (fruits,
vegetables, meats, mealworms, etc.). If your birds require special diets, you will need to:
1. Supply the ingredients so that our caretakers can prepare it or
2. Supply the revenue so our personnel can purchase the ingredients to prepare the diet
of your choice.
5. PRICES
The calculation for quarantine fees are determined as follows:
*Cost per bird, x 30 days = cost of quarantine
SAMPLE:
30 canaries x $1.75 x 30 days = $1,575.00
20 amazon parrots x $5.75 x 30 days = $3,450.00
3 cranes x $13.00 x 30 days = $1,170.00
The determination of what birds fall into what category (i.e., 0-250 grams, or more than
1,000 grams) is up to the discretion of the USDA. For clarification on species and costs you
must contact the USDA Veterinary Services. Do not decide for yourself as you may be
wrong and this could cause a delay due to an incorrect amount of funds to secure your
reservation.
6. LAB FEES (PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
During the quarantine, the birds will be tested for Velogenic Newcastle Disease (VNDV) and
Avian Influenza (AI). Birds that die through the 16th day of quarantine are sent, whole
bodies, to our laboratory for testing. The fee for this test is $45.00 per birds. One time after
the 7th day of quarantine, swabs are collected from the live birds and sent to the laboratory
and tested. These swabs when collected are put in tubes with a pool of 5 birds of the same
species in each tube. The fee per tube is $45.00 per tube. If a disease is isolated, additional
testing is done which would involve additional fees.
EXAMPLES:
1 birds = $45.00
1 tube = $45.00
2 tubes = $90.00
3 tubes = $135.00
per bird
5 total birds sampled, pooled 5 birds per tube
10 total birds sampled, pooled 5 birds per tube
15 total birds sampled, pooled 5 birds per tube
If frank or clinical Newcastle occurs among any birds in quarantine, all birds will be
destroyed or refused entry, per 9 CFR 93.106 must be outdated reference
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7. ENTRY DOCUMENTS
All shipments of birds should be accompanied by:
- An original Permit endorsed by the National Veterinarian from the country
of origin
- An invoice
- A health certificate
- A CITES export permit for CITES Appendix I species
- USFWS permits (CITES and/or WBCA and/or ESA and/or MBTA)
AN ENTRY WITHOUT THE PROPER DOCUMENTS COULD COST YOU THE ENTIRE
SHIPMENT OF BIRDS. YOU ARE STILL LIABLE FOR ALL COSTS OF THE ENTIRE
QUARANTINE. KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN SECURING YOUR DOCUMENTS.
8. ARRIVAL AND OVERTIME
The USDA needs to be notified 1 week in advance of arrival. The following information is
needed at the time of notification:
- Date of arrival
- Airline of arrival
- Time of arrival
- Flight number
- Air Waybill number
If arrival occurs Monday through Friday during the hours of 0700 – 1600, no additional
charge will be incurred. When work is performed outside normal duty hours, on weekends,
or on holidays, the following overtime rates will apply:
- After 1600 and before 0700, the hourly rate is $100.00
- Saturday/holiday hourly rate is $100.00
- Sunday hourly rate is $112.00
THESE RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
NOTE: A NORMAL ENTRY TAKES AN AVERAGE OF 6 HOURS AND IF THERE ARE
COMPLICATIONS, IT COULD TAKE LONGER. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SAVE TIME THAT
YOU BE SURE ALL PREPARATIONS ARE MADE AND NOTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN
COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR BIRDS. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE
LAST MINUTE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. TIME MEANS MONEY WHEN OVERTIME
IS INVOLVED.
THE USDA IS REQUIRED TO MONITOR THE SHIPMENT OF BIRDS FROM THE TIME
OF ARRIVAL – WHEN THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHES THE GROUND – THROUG THE
CUSTOM CLEARANCE AND FINAL LOADING OF BIRDS ONTO THE TRANSPORT
VEHICLE. THIS PROCESS TAKES TIME AND THE AIR CARRIER WILL NOT ALLOW
THE REMOVAL OF THE BIRDS FROM THE CARGO HOLDING AREA UNTIL ALL THE
PROCESSING IS COMPLETED. THIS PROCESSING OFTEN EXCEEDS THE NORMAL
DUTY HOURS AND RUNS INTO OVERTIME. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EVEN IF BIRDS
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ARRIVE EARLY IN THE DAY THERE COULD BE OVERTIME BECAUSE OF THESE
CIRCUMSTANCES.
IF AN IMPORTER FAILS TO NOTIFY THE USDA OF A CANCELED SHIPMENT AND
USDA PERSONNEL MEET THE AIRCRAFT, THE IMPORTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
ALL CHARGES INVOLVED IN THIS ACTIVITY EVEN THOUGH NO BIRDS ARRIVE.
When making flight arrangements for the birds, the following concerns are important:
- Any charges due the airline are the responsibility of the importer/owner
- Any charges due the Customs Broker or the transporter are the
responsibility of the importer/owner
- The USDA does not collect any charges other than its own.
- All overtime charges due to the USDA must be paid within 10 working
days from the date you are notified of the cost.
NO BIRDS WILL BE RELEASED UNTIL ALL CHARGES HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL
9. RECAP OF INFORMATION
- Secure VS Form 17-129, Application for Import permit, from the USDA
Office in Hawthorne, CA
- Confirm that space is available at our facility for the anticipated arrival
date of the birds
- Return completed VS Form 17-129 with the correct amount of reservation
money
- Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Obtain the proper documents prior to import or entry of the birds into
quarantine
- Arrange for a Customs Broker to clear the birds through customs
- Arrange for a bonded transporter to transport the birds to the quarantine
facility
- Notify the USDA of the arrangements pertaining to the entry of the
shipment of birds 1 week prior to entry
VISITATION IS NOT PERMITTED DURING THE TIME THE BIRDS ARE IN
QUARANTINE. If there are any questions concerning the welfare of your birds, you may call
or write the USDA quarantine office. The telephone number is (301) 725-1970. Our address
is 11850 S. La Cienega Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250. The office hours are 0700 to 1600
Monday through Friday.
Arrangements must be made prior to your birds’ arrival for Customs Brokerage. Notify
Reconfirm the USDA within 24 hours of your birds’ arrival. The information needed is:
- Date of arrival
- Name of the airline
- The flight number
- The air waybill number (if applicable)
- The time of arrival
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PLEASE FILL OUT THE ARRIVAL INFORMATION SHEET AND FAX IT TO THE
USDA OFFICE. OUR FAX NUMBER IS (310) 725-9119.
CUSTOMS BROKERS
James G. Wiley Company
5305 W 102nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90009
Phone (310) 641-6422
Fax (310) 641-0794
James O. Lindsay Co., Ltd.
4940 W. 147th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Phone (310) 970-9701
Mojonier Perryman Company
9710 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90304
Phone (310) 649-0070
Fax (310) 649-5266
Hahn International
10926 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90304
Phone (310) 216-6691
Action Brokerage Service
16500 Western Avenue
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone (310) 527-2900
Fax (310) 527-4301
e-mail: [email protected]
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IMPORT PERMIT AND RESERVATION INFORMATION
BIRDS AND POULTRY
SUBMIT COMPLETED FORMS TO:
USDA
NEW YORK ANIMAL IMPORT CENTER
200 DRURY LANE
ROCK TAVERN, NEW YORK 12575
TELE (845) 564-2950
FAX (845) 564-1075
1. To obtain an import permit for the Port of NEW YORK, you must complete the attached
permit application form (VS 17-129). The permit fee is $94.00 per application.
2. The above fee as well as 100% (payment in full) of the anticipated quarantine charges
based upon the enclosed rate schedule must accompany your application in order to reserve
space at the new York Animal Import Center. Payment can be either by certified funds,
money orders (payable to USDA, APHIS, VS), or Visa/Mastercard/AMEX.
3. A forfeiture of reservation fee will occur if all birds or poultry do not arrive as specified on
the permit within the dates valid. Forfeiture of reservation fee will also occur if written
cancellation is not received in this office at least 15 working days prior to the effective
date of permit.
4. Upon receipt of your application, permit fee, and reservation fee, a permit will be issued
and mailed to you along with a sample health certificate. Be sure to note the effective dates
and instructions on the health certificate. The original permit must be sent to your shipper in
the country of origin and accompany your birds to New York. If birds arrive without this
original permit and appropriate health certificate, they will be refused entry into the USA.
5. U.S. Customs, Fish and Wildlife Service (516) 825-3950, and USDA, Veterinary Services
inspections will be conducted at the Port of New York. Contact the port veterinarian at JFK
Airport, Cargo Bldg. 77, Jamaica (718) 553-1727 as shown in block 12 of your permit for
further details.
6. To hasten clearance of your shipment at the port and to help reduce expenses, here are
some helpful hints:
a. Retain the services of a customs broker to assist you and transport your birds from
the airport to the import center.
b. Advise the port veterinarian as well as your customs broker of the flight schedules
and keep them posted as to any changes.
c. Keep abreast of your shipment’s progress. Don’t assume that all has gone well until
you know your shipment has arrived at the Import Center.
d. Have your exporter place on the shipping containers a notice to airline employees
at JFK Airport stating: UPON ARRIVAL AT JFK AIRPORT, PLEASE CONTACT
USDA PORT VETERINARIAN AT (718) 917-1727.
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e. Try to arrange to have shipment arrive on Sunday thru Thursday since airline
traffic is heavier on Friday and Saturday and more time will be required to process at
the airport.
f. Normal duty hours at USDA offices at both JFK Airport and NYAIC are 08001630, Mon-Fri. Arrivals outside these hours will be processed on an overtime basis at
your expense.
g. A sample health certificate may accompany your permit. This or a like certificate
that meets the USDA requirements must be completed by a salaried veterinarian of
the National Government of the country from which the birds are shipped. Failure to
do so will most likely cause problems at the port of New York and lengthen the stay
of your shipment until is it properly completed.
7. The length of quarantine is 30 days for all birds and poultry. However, due to limited
space, several small shipments with the same permit dates may be housed in the same
building. The 30 day period does not begin until the day the last of these scheduled
shipments is entered into the building. Your shipment may have to stay at the Import Center
longer than 30 days from date of arrival, but you only pay for the 30 day quarantine period.
However, should the stay be extended due to lack of negative lab results because of extended
testing procedures, your failure to pick up on the scheduled release date, etc., you will be
responsible for the additional days quarantine charges.
USDA IMPORT CENTER QUARANTINE RATES EFFECTIVE JUNE 10, 2004
BIRDS
TYPE
STANDARD
DAILY RATE/NON-
BIRDS (including zoo birds)
0 – 250 grams
$5.50
251 – 1,000 grams
13.00
over 1,000 grams
25.00
$1.75
5.75
13.00
POULTRY (including zoo poultry)
Doves, pigeons, quail
Chickens, ducks, grouse, guinea fowl,
partridge, pea fowl, pheasants
Large poultry & large waterfowl,
game cocks, geese, swan, turkey
$3.50
6.25
15.00
EXCLUSIVE USE OF BUILDING (EXCLUDING FEED)
NYAIC BUILDING (905 sq. ft.)
NEWCASTLE DISEASE TESTING:
$9,938.00 month + feed
$43.00 FOR EVERY FIVE BIRDS
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PERMIT FEE IS $94.00 PER APPLICATION
RESERVATION FEE TO BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION IS 100% OF
TOTAL ESTIMATED QUARANTINE COST FOR 30 DAYS
Non-standard housing: Individual housing, any housing not normally available at the import
Center, any housing constructed or purchased at the request of the importer, any housing with
blinds, dense foliage, or plants, and any housing where the temperature can be adjusted.
Non-standard care & handling: hand-feeding, more than 1 feeding a day, frequent
observation, and any handling or observation which requires personnel to attend to the birds
or poultry outside of normal business hours.
Special diet: If any bird or poultry is fed a diet other than seed, including but not limited to
diets of fruit, insects, nectar, or fish, the importer must either provide feed or pay for it on an
actual cost basis, including delivery to the Import Center.
SHIPPING AGENTS AND/OR CUSTOMS BROKERS
PORT OF NEW YORK
FAUNA & FLORA CHB & TRANSPORT
152-31 135TH AVENUE
JAMAICA, NY 11434
(718) 977-7700
US FORWARDERS & BROKERS
THOMAS MC GEARY
45 RASON ROAD
INWOOD, NY 11096
(516) 239-9030
ARMAC TRANSPORTATION
372 DOUGHTY BOULEVARD
PO BOX 960217
INWOOD, NY 11096
(516) 371-1000
W&B BROKERS
165-15 145TH DRIVE
JAMAICA, NY 11434
(718) 656-6633
MERSANT INTERNATIONAL
158-12 ROCKAWAY BOULEVARD
JAMAICA, NY 11434
(718) 978-8200
(718) 712-0771 (FAX)
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IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR MIAMI
Note: this information is intended for commercial imports, but applies to birds imported for
research, too. For forms described in this document, please contact the Miami Animal Import
Center at (305) 526-2926 or by fax to (305) 526-2929.
Commercial Bird Importers
31 January 2005
This packet of updated information provides necessary information to import small lots
of commercial birds through the Miami Import Animal Control Center (MAIC) in Miami, FL.
Included is a breakdown of how the import/quarantine process works as well as a list of the
permits and certificates needed.
Reservations
Reservations are to be made with the Reservations Clerk. Most requests for reservations
are made by phone and a packet of information with all the necessary forms is mailed upon
request. Further telephone or mail contact determines the arrival date. Upon receiving the
properly completed forms and corresponding money order, cashier’s check, or credit card, an
Import Permit is issued with an expiration of 14 days after it becomes valid. Shipments that do
not arrive within this period automatically forfeit the reservation fee. Delays due to
transportation are accepted up to 24 hours past the expiration date. Please provide the airway bill
stamped not later than the expiration date on the Import Permit.
A deposit of 100% of the estimated quarantine charges, as discussed below, is required
prior to the issuance of an Import Permit. The Avian Animal Health Technician (AAHT) or
Reservations Clerk will inform you of the amount of the deposit at the time you make your
application for the Import Permit. Again, this deposit will be forfeited if your shipment does not
arrive during the 14-day period allowed in the Import Permit
.
To contact the reservations clerk, use the following:
USDA, APHIS, VS
P.O. BOX 660657
MIAMI SPRINGS, FL 33266
PHONE: (305) 526-2926
FAX: (305) 526-2929
FOR FEDEX/UPS ONLY
USDA, APHIS, VS
6300 NW 36th Street
Miami, FL 33122
Charges
The amount of deposit for reservations for birds is 100% of the estimated quarantine charges
plus $94.00 for the processing of the Import Permit, $45.00 per vial @ 5 bird swabs per vial) for
National Veterinary Services Laboratory charges, and User Fee charges (the daily rates for
holding the birds in quarantine) upon arrival of the shipment.
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Your shipment must be handled by a bonded brokerage company (a list of brokers is
attached), who will receive the shipment in the presence of the Import Officer. The broker will
process the U.S. Customs entry document and deliver the birds to the quarantine station in a
closed vehicle under Veterinary Services supervision. We do not endorse, nor are we responsible
for, the quality or costs of the services provided by the bonded customs broker. You should
contact a brokerage company and clarify their fees in advance.
Quarantine period
The quarantine period is a minimum of 30 days. Birds will be released at the end of this period
provided that the results of their laboratory tests have been received and are negative. The USDA
routinely tests all birds entering into quarantine for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) and Avian
Influenza (AI). The day of arrival is not counted as part of this 30-day period.
Availability of space
Due to space limitations, we are forced to restrict your request to one lot of the appropriate
number of birds for the space provided. The Miami Animal Import Center (MAIC) has four
rooms, approximately 20′ x 20′, available for the quarantine of commercial bird lots. Applicants
will be given space on a “first come-first served” basis.
Arrival
Shipments of birds are received at the aircraft side upon arrival at the airport. The Avian Animal
Health Technician (AAHT) and the broker receive the birds and their appropriate documents.
Both are inspected and unloaded and the area around the plane as well as the equipment is
cleaned and disinfected. The birds are then transported to the MAIC. The AAHT assigned to
handle the lot of birds will assist in unloading and cleaning and disinfecting the vehicle before
moving the birds to the room where they will be uncrated, counted, identified, and weighed.
Feed and water is provided once the birds are settled in. It is absolutely necessary to notify the
AAHT or the Reservations Clerk in advance of the arrival date of your birds. If this is not done,
your birds may be unnecessarily delayed at the airport. If your shipment arrives during regular
working hours (Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm), there is no additional charge for the
AAHT to meet them at the airport. Overtime charges will be applied if the shipment arrives
before or after regular business hours during the week, or on Saturdays, Sundays, or official
holidays.
Feeding
Birds in the quarantine are fed once or twice daily, depending on species requirements and the
requests of the importer. Fresh water is offered at all times. Sick birds are removed from the
flock and placed in a separate cage for observation and/or treatment. Psittacine birds receive
Chlortetracycline (CTC)-medicated feed during the entire quarantine period (30 days) to
minimize the risks of Psittacosis. Your birds will be provided with the basic diet for each species.
If you wish them to receive a feed supplement or a special diet, you will be required to provide
the feed or the name of a supplier that we can obtain the feed from. Additional feed costs will be
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September 2005
added to your expenses. *Nonstandard care and housing will increase the cost of quarantine.
See User fee list. Please contact the avian animal health technician for an explanation
regarding nonstandard handling, care, and housing.
Swabs
On the seventh day of quarantine, the birds are swabbed for viral screening. The swabs are
submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory along with tissue samples from any
birds that have arrived dead. Birds that die in quarantine within the first 15 days will have tissue
samples sent to the lab as well. After day 16, if signs of illness were exhibited prior to death,
tissue samples from any such dead birds will be submitted. If, at any time, the Quarantine
Veterinarian determines that there is a need for viral testing to be performed, samples will be
submitted to the lab at the cost of the Importer.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Enclosed you will find a letter with information concerning the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
requirements for the importation of birds into the United States. Regarding protected species of
birds, you must obtain permission from the Government of the exporting country to export your
birds from that country. It is also suggested that you contact the Department of the Interior, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service for their requirements and documents needed to import birds into the
U.S. They can be contacted by phone at (305) 526-2576 or (305) 526-2620. (Ed. note: the
correct number for information about international import is 800-358-2104 or, if you are outside
the United States, 703-358-2104).
Application
In order to issue the Import Permit, it will be necessary to have the following forms completely
filled out. If not, they will be returned to you for completion. This will cause a delay in the
processing of your request.
1. Request for Space Reservation
This form should include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the
broker and the consignee.
2. Application for Import or In Transit Permit (VS Form 17-129)
This form is self-explanatory. Before completing boxes 8 & 9, you should
confirm with the Reservations Clerk or the AAHT for the dates that your birds
will be received.
3. Special Requirements Request Form
Please include on this form any specific requests you have for the care of your
birds while in quarantine. Species separation should be noted, as well as the
temperature range and light cycle your birds are accustomed to. If a special diet is
being requested, please include detailed feeding instructions. Because of the
stresses associated with transportation and quarantine, we ask that you not attempt
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to change the diet fed to your birds “cold turkey” while they are in quarantine.
Ideally, they should be fed the same diet they have been eating prior to shipment,
with a gradual change to the new diet made after the birds leave quarantine.
Preconditioning
Especially for birds that have been wild-caught, every attempt to precondition them before
shipment should be made. This should include acclimating them to a captive diet, fecal
screening, and treatment for internal parasites and treatment for external parasites if they are
present. As diet changes should be gradual, these birds should be held in the country of origin for
a period of time while they are introduced slowly to their new diet and be allowed to become
familiar with being handled and kept in caged conditions.
General Information
Upon receiving the above documents and payment in the form of a cashier’s check, money order,
or credit card, we will process the Import Permit and it will be delivered or mailed to you. The
ORIGINAL of the Import Permit must be included with the documents that arrive with the birds
from the country of origin. The original has a Health Certification on the second page that has to
be completed, signed, and stamped by a Veterinary Official employed by the Government of the
country of origin. Shipments of birds without such Health Certification will not be accepted into
quarantine. Some airlines require the Carrier’s copy, but you may retain the Importer’s copy for
your records.
The charges for quarantine service are subject to change from time to time. The enclosed list
reflects the current fees for such services and future fiscal year increases. The rate you are
charged is based on the arrival date of your shipment.
New shipping containers must be used to transport the birds from the quarantine station to their
final destination if the ones received with the shipment are not made of a material that can be
adequately cleaned and disinfected.
Refunds
In order to receive a refund, a request for cancellation must be submitted, in writing, to the
Reservations Clerk at least 15 working days prior to the effective date of the Import Permit.
For further information, please contact the Reservations Clerk at (305) 526-2926 or by fax at
(305) 526-2929.
Bonded Customs Broker Listing
Reliable Customs Brokers
Rafael Rodriguez – President
1091 NW 27th Street, Suite 212
Miami, FL 33172
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(305) 477-3505
(305) 477-3805
Omega Customs Brokers, Inc.
Ralph Ronderos – President
P.O. Box 52-0814
Miami, FL 33152
Phone: (305) 592-5656
Fax: (305) 592-7393
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Miyar International Brokerage, LLC
Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder
6555 NW 36 St #219
Miami, FL 33166
Phone: (305) 526-0006
Fax: (305) 526-1166
M&H Brokerage
Armando Martinez – President
3399 NW 72nd Ave., Suite 218
Miami, FL 33122
Phone: (305) 592-3255
Fax: (305) 593-9757
USDA Miami Animal Import Center
Quarantine User Fee Charges for Commercial Bird Shipments
Birds (Standard Care)
0 – 250 grams …………………………………………………….$1.75
250 – 1000 grams ……………………………………………… $5.75
Over 1000 grams…………………………………………………$13.00
Poultry (including zoo poultry): (Standard Care)
Doves, Pigeons, quail…………………………………………… $3.50
Chickens, ducks, grouse, guinea fowl
Partridge, pea fowl, pheasants……………………………………$6.25
Large poultry and waterfowl, including,
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But not limited to game cocks, geese, swans,
and turkeys……………………………………………………….$15.00
Birds or Poultry: ** (nonstandard housing, care, or handling)
Birds 0-250 grams, doves, pigeons, quail………………………
$5.75
Birds 250-1000 grams, chickens, ducks, grouse
Guinea fowl, partridge, pea fowl, and pheasants………………...$13.00
Birds over 1000 grams, large poultry and waterfowl,
Including but not limited to game cocks, geese, swans,
and turkeys………………………………………………………$25.00
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Appendix 3: USDA Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care,
Treatment, and Transportation of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Dogs,
Cats, Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Nonhuman Primates, and Marine
Mammals
Facilities, general (9 CFR 3.125)
(a) Structural strength. The facility must be constructed of such material and of such strength as
appropriate for the animals involved. The indoor and outdoor housing facilities shall be
structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and
to contain the animals.
(b) Water and power. Reliable and adequate electric power, if required to comply with other
provisions of this subpart, and adequate potable water shall be available on the premises.
(c) Storage. Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect
such supplies against deterioration, molding, or contamination by vermin. Refrigeration shall be
provided for supplies of perishable food.
(d) Waste disposal. Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food
wastes, bedding, dead animals, trash and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and
operated as to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards. The disposal facilities
and any disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, trash, and debris shall
comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to pollution
control or the protection of the environment.
(e) Washroom and sinks. Facilities, such as washrooms, basins, showers, or sinks, shall be
provided to maintain cleanliness among animal caretakers.
Indoor facilities (9 CFR 3.126)
(a) Ambient temperatures. Temperature in indoor housing facilities shall be sufficiently regulated
by heating or cooling to protect the animals from the extremes of temperature, to provide for
their health and to prevent their discomfort. The ambient temperature shall not be allowed to fall
below nor rise above temperatures compatible with the health and comfort of the animal.
(b) Ventilation. Indoor housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical
means to provide for the health and to prevent discomfort of the animals at all times. Such
facilities shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors, vents, fans, or airconditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation.
(c) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities shall have ample lighting, by natural or artificial means, or
both, of good quality, distribution, and duration as appropriate for the species involved. Such
lighting shall be uniformly distributed and of sufficient intensity to permit
routine inspection and cleaning. Lighting of primary enclosures shall be designed to protect the
animals from excessive illumination.
(d) Drainage. A suitable sanitary method shall be provided to eliminate rapidly, excess water
from indoor housing facilities. If drains are used, they shall be properly constructed and kept in
good repair to avoid foul odors and installed so as to prevent any backup of
sewage. The method of drainage shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations relating to pollution control or the protection of the environment.
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Outdoor facilities (9 CFR 3.127)
(a) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort of the
animals, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to allow all animals kept
outdoors to protect themselves from direct sunlight.
(b) Shelter from inclement weather. Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic
conditions for the species concerned shall be provided for all animals kept outdoors to afford
them protection and to prevent discomfort to such animals. Individual animals shall be
acclimated before they are exposed to the extremes of the
individual climate.
(c) Drainage. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water. The method
of drainage shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to
pollution control or the protection of the environment.
(d) Perimeter fence. On or after May 17, 2000, all outdoor housing facilities (i.e., facilities not
entirely indoors) must be enclosed by a perimeter fence that is of sufficient height to keep
animals and unauthorized persons out. Fences less than 8 feet high for potentially dangerous
animals, such as, but not limited to, large felines (e.g., lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, etc.),
bears, wolves, rhinoceros, and elephants, or less than 6 feet high for other animals must be
approved in writing by the Administrator. The fence must be constructed so that it protects the
animals in the facility by restricting animals and
unauthorized persons from going through it or under it and having contact with the animals in the
facility, and so that it can function as a secondary containment system for the animals in the
facility. It must be of sufficient distance from the outside of the primary enclosure to prevent
physical contact between animals inside the enclosure and
animals or persons outside the perimeter fence. Such fences less than 3 feet in distance from the
primary enclosure must be approved in writing by the Administrator. A perimeter fence is not
required:
(1) Where the outside walls of the primary enclosure are made of sturdy, durable material,
which may include certain types of concrete, wood, plastic, metal, or glass, and are high enough
and constructed in a manner that restricts entry by animals and
unauthorized persons and the Administrator gives written approval; or
(2) Where the outdoor housing facility is protected by an effective natural barrier that restricts
the animals to the facility and restricts entry by animals and unauthorized persons and the
Administrator gives written approval; or
(3) Where appropriate alternative security measures are employed and the Administrator gives
written approval; or
(4) For traveling facilities where appropriate alternative security measures are employed; or
(5) Where the outdoor housing facility houses only farm animals, such as, but not limited to,
cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses (for regulated purposes), or donkeys, and the facility has in place
effective and customary containment and security measures.
Space requirements (9 CFR 3.128)
Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each
animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement.
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Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress,
or abnormal behavior patterns.
Feeding (9 CFR 3.129)
(a) The food shall be wholesome, palatable, and free from contamination and of sufficient
quantity and nutritive value to maintain all animals in good health. The diet shall be prepared
with consideration for the age, species, condition, size, and type of the
animal. Animals shall be fed at least once a day except as dictated by hibernation, veterinary
treatment, normal fasts, or other professionally accepted practices.
(b) Food, and food receptacles, if used, shall be sufficient in quantity and located so as to be
accessible to all animals in the enclosure and shall be placed so as to minimize contamination.
Food receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times. If selffeeders are used, adequate measures shall be taken to prevent molding, contamination, and
deterioration or caking of food.
Watering (9 CFR 3.130)
If potable water is not accessible to the animals at all times, it must be provided as often as
necessary for the health and comfort of the animal. Frequency of watering shall consider age,
species, condition, size, and type of the animal. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and
sanitary.
Sanitation (9 CFR 3.131)
(a) Cleaning of enclosures. Excreta shall be removed from primary enclosures as often as
necessary to prevent contamination of the animals contained therein and to minimize disease
hazards and to reduce odors. When enclosures are cleaned by hosing or flushing, adequate
measures shall be taken to protect the animals confined in such enclosures from
being directly sprayed with the stream of water or wetted involuntarily.
(b) Sanitation of enclosures. Subsequent to the presence of an animal with an infectious or
transmissible disease, cages, rooms, and hard-surfaced pens or runs shall be sanitized either by
washing them with hot water (180 F. at source) and soap or detergent, as in a
mechanical washer, or by washing all soiled surfaces with a detergent solution followed by a safe
and effective disinfectant, or by cleaning all soiled surfaces with saturated live steam under
pressure. Pens or runs using gravel, sand, or dirt, shall be sanitized when necessary as directed by
the attending veterinarian.
(c) Housekeeping. Premises (buildings and grounds) shall be kept clean and in good repair in
order to protect the animals from injury and to facilitate the prescribed husbandry practices set
forth in this subpart. Accumulations of trash shall be placed in designated areas and cleared as
necessary to protect the health of the animals.
(d) Pest control. A safe and effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian
and mammalian pests shall be established and maintained.
Staffing (9 CFR 3.132)
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A sufficient number of adequately trained employees shall be utilized to maintain the
professionally acceptable level of husbandry practices set forth in this subpart. Such practices
shall be under a supervisor who has a background in animal care.
Separation (9 CFR 3.133)
Animals housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible. Animals shall not be housed
near animals that interfere with their health or cause them discomfort.
Consignment to carriers and intermediate handlers (9 CFR 3.136)
(a) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall not accept any live animals presented by any dealer,
research facility, exhibitor, operator of an auction sale, or other person, or any department,
agency, or instrumentality of the United States or any State or local government for shipment, in
commerce, more than 4 hours prior to the scheduled
departure of the primary conveyance on which it is to be transported: Provided, however, That
the carrier or intermediate handler and any dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator of an
auction sale, or other person, or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States
or any State or local government may mutually agree to extend the time of acceptance to not
more than 6 hours if specific prior scheduling of the animal shipment to destination has been
made.
(b) Any carrier or intermediate handler shall only accept for transportation or transport, in
commerce, any live animal in a primary enclosure which conforms to the requirements set forth
in Sec. 3.137 of the standards: Provided, however, That any carrier or intermediate handler may
accept for transportation or transport, in commerce, any
live animal consigned by any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States having
laboratory animal facilities or exhibiting animals or any licensed or registered dealer, research
facility, exhibitor, or operator of an auction sale if the consignor furnishes to the carrier or
intermediate handler a certificate, signed by the consignor, stating that the primary enclosure
complies with Sec. 3.137 of the standards, unless such primary enclosure is obviously defective
or damaged and it is apparent that it cannot reasonably be expected to contain the live animal
without causing suffering or injury to such live animal. A copy of such certificate shall
accompany the shipment to
destination. The certificate shall include at least the following information:
(1) Name and address of the consignor;
(2) The number of animals in the primary enclosure(s);
(3) A certifying statement (e.g., ``I hereby certify that the ---- (number) primary enclosure(s)
which are used to transport the animal(s) in this shipment complies (comply) with USDA
standards for primary enclosures (9 CFR part 3).''); and
(4) The signature of the consignor, and date.
(c) Carriers or intermediate handlers whose facilities fail to meet the minimum temperature
allowed by the standards may accept for transportation or transport, in commerce, any live
animal consigned by any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or of any
State or local government, or by any person (including any licensee or registrant under the Act,
as well as any private individual) if the consignor furnishes to the carrier or intermediate handler
a certificate executed by a veterinarian accredited by this Department pursuant to part 160 of this
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title on a specified date which shall not be more than 10 days prior to delivery of such animal for
transportation in commerce, stating that such live animal is acclimated to air temperatures lower
than those prescribed in Sec. Sec. 3.141 and 3.142. A copy of such certificate shall accompany
the shipment to destination. The certificate shall include at least the following information:
(1) Name and address of the consignor;
(2) The number of animals in the shipment;
(3) A certifying statement (e.g., ``I hereby certify that the animal(s) in this shipment is (are), to
the best of my knowledge, acclimated to air temperatures lower than 7.2 [deg]C. (45 [deg]F.)'');
and
(4) The signature of the USDA accredited veterinarian, assigned accreditation number, and
date.
(d) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall attempt to notify the consignee at least once in every
6 hour period following the arrival of any live animals at the animal holding area of the terminal
cargo facility. The time, date, and method of each attempted notification and the final
notification to the consignee and the name of the person notifying the consignee shall be
recorded on the copy of the shipping document retained by the carrier or intermediate handler
and on a copy of the shipping document accompanying the animal shipment.
Primary enclosures to transport live animals (9 CFR 3.137)
No dealer, research facility, exhibitor, or operator of an auction sale shall offer for transportation
or transport, in commerce, any live animal in a primary enclosure which does not conform to the
following requirements:
(a) Primary enclosures, such as compartments, transport cages, cartons, or crates, used to
transport live animals shall be constructed in such a manner that
(1) the structural strength of the enclosure shall be sufficient to contain the live animals
and to withstand the normal rigors of transportation;
(2) the interior of the enclosure shall be free from any protrusions that could be injurious
to the live animals contained therein;
(3) the openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency
removal of the live animals;
(4) except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, there are ventilation openings
located on two opposite walls of the primary enclosure and the ventilation openings on each such
wall shall be at least 16 percent of the total surface area of each such wall, or there are ventilation
openings located on all four walls of the primary
enclosure and the ventilation openings on each such wall shall be at least 8 percent of the total
surface area of each such wall: Provided, however, That at least one-third of the total minimum
area required for ventilation of the primary enclosure shall be located on the lower one-half of
the primary enclosure and at least one-third of the total
minimum area required for ventilation of the primary enclosure shall be
located on the upper one-half of the primary enclosure;
(5) except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, projecting rims or other
devices shall be on the exterior of the outside walls with any ventilation openings to prevent
obstruction of the ventilation openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space of 1.9
centimeters (.75 inch) between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or conveyance
wall; and
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(6) except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, adequate handholds or other
devices for lifting shall be provided on the exterior of the primary enclosure to enable the
primary enclosure to be lifted without tilting and to ensure that the person handling the primary
enclosure will not be in contact with the animal.
(b) Live animals transported in the same primary enclosure shall be of the same species and
maintained in compatible groups. Live animals that have not reached puberty shall not be
transported in the same primary enclosure with adult animals other than their dams. Socially
dependent animals (e.g., sibling, dam, and other members of a family
group) must be allowed visual and olfactory contact. Any female animal
in season (estrus) shall not be transported in the same primary enclosure with any male animal.
(c) Primary enclosures used to transport live animals shall be large enough to ensure that each
animal contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely and to make normal postural
adjustments: Provided, however, That certain species may be restricted in their movements
according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would
constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons.
(d) Primary enclosures used to transport live animals as provided in this section shall have solid
bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment and still be cleaned and sanitized in a manner prescribed
in Sec. 3.131 of the standards, if previously used. Such primary enclosures shall contain clean
litter of a suitable absorbent material, which is safe and
nontoxic to the live animals contained therein, in sufficient quantity to absorb and cover excreta,
unless the animals are on wire or other nonsolid floors.
(e) Primary enclosures used to transport live animals, except where such primary enclosures are
permanently affixed in the animal cargo space of the primary conveyance, shall be clearly
marked on top and on one or more sides with the words ``Live Animal'' or ``Wild Animal'',
whichever is appropriate, in letters not less than 2.5 centimeters (1
inch) in height, and with arrows or other markings to indicate the correct upright position of the
container.
(f) Documents accompanying the shipment shall be attached in an easily accessible manner to
the outside of a primary enclosure which is part of such shipment.
(g) When a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the animal cargo space of the
primary conveyance so that the front opening is the only source of ventilation for such primary
enclosure, the front opening shall open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle or
passageway within the primary conveyance. Such front ventilation
opening shall be at least 90 percent of the total surface area of the front wall of the primary
enclosure and covered with bars, wire mesh or smooth expanded metal.
Primary conveyances – motor vehicle, rail, air, and marine (9 CFR 3. 138)
(a) The animal cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting live animals shall be
designed and constructed to protect the health, and ensure the safety and comfort of the live
animals contained therein at all times.
(b) The animal cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the
ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during transportation in
commerce.
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(c) No live animal shall be placed in an animal cargo space that does not have a supply of air
sufficient for normal breathing for each live animal contained therein, and the primary enclosures
shall be positioned in the animal cargo space in such a manner that each live
animal has access to sufficient air for normal breathing.
(d) Primary enclosures shall be positioned in the primary conveyance in such a manner that in an
emergency the live animals can be removed from the primary conveyance as soon as possible.
(e) The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean.
(f) Live animals shall not be transported with any material, substance (e.g., dry ice) or device
which may reasonably be expected to be injurious to the health and well-being of the animals
unless proper precaution is taken to prevent such injury.
Food and water (9 CFR 3.139)
(a) All live animals shall be offered potable water within 4 hours prior to being transported in
commerce. Dealers, exhibitors, research facilities and operators of auction sales shall provide
potable water to all live animals transported in their own primary conveyance at least every 12
hours after such transportation is initiated, and carriers and
intermediate handlers shall provide potable water to all live animals at least every 12 hours after
acceptance for transportation in commerce: Provided, however, That except as directed by
hibernation, veterinary treatment or other professionally accepted practices, those live animals
which, by common accepted practices, require watering more frequently shall be so watered.
(b) Each live animal shall be fed at least once in each 24 hour period, except as directed by
hibernation, veterinary treatment, normal fasts, or other professionally accepted practices. Those
live animals which, by common accepted practice, require feeding more frequently shall be so
fed.
(c) A sufficient quantity of food and water shall accompany the live animal to provide food and
water for such animals for a period of at least 24 hours, except as directed by hibernation,
veterinary treatment, normal fasts, and other professionally accepted practices.
(d) Any dealer, research facility, exhibitor or operator of an auction sale offering any live animal
to any carrier or intermediate handler for transportation in commerce shall affix to the outside of
the primary enclosure used for transporting such live animal, written
instructions concerning the food and water requirements of such animal
while being so transported.
(e) No carrier or intermediate handler shall accept any live animals for transportation in
commerce unless written instructions concerning the food and water requirements of such animal
while being so transported is affixed to the outside of its primary enclosure.
Care in transit (9 CFR 3.140)
(a) During surface transportation, it shall be the responsibility of the driver or other employee to
visually observe the live animals as frequently as circumstances may dictate, but not less than
once every 4 hours, to assure that they are receiving sufficient air for normal breathing, their
ambient temperatures are within the prescribed limits, all other applicable standards are being
complied with and to determine whether any of the live animals are in obvious physical distress
and to provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible. When transported by air, live
animals shall be visually observed by the carrier as frequently as circumstances may dictate, but
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not less than once every 4 hours, if the animal cargo space is accessible during flight. If the
animal cargo space is not accessible during flight, the carrier shall visually observe the live
animals whenever loaded and unloaded and whenever the animal cargo space is otherwise
accessible to assure that they are receiving sufficient air for normal breathing, their ambient
temperatures are within the prescribed limits, all other applicable standards are being complied
with and to determine whether any such live animals are in obvious physical distress. The carrier
shall provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible. No animal in obvious physical
distress shall be transported in commerce.
(b) Wild or otherwise dangerous animals shall not be taken from their primary enclosure except
under extreme emergency conditions: Provided, however, That a temporary primary enclosure
may be used, if available, and such temporary primary enclosure is structurally strong enough to
prevent the escape of the animal. During the course of
transportation, in commerce, live animals shall not be removed from their primary enclosures
unless placed in other primary enclosures or facilities conforming to the requirements provided
in this subpart.
Terminal facilities (9 CFR 3.141)
Carriers and intermediate handlers shall not commingle live animal shipments with inanimate
cargo. All animal holding areas of a terminal facility of any carrier or intermediate handler
wherein live animal shipments are maintained shall be cleaned and sanitized in a manner
prescribed in Sec. 3.141 of the standards often enough to prevent an accumulation of debris or
excreta, to minimize vermin infestation and to
prevent a disease hazard. An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian
and mammalian pests shall be established and maintained for all animal holding areas. Any
animal ]holding area containing live animals shall be provided with fresh air by means of
windows, doors vents, or air conditioning and may be ventilated
or air circulated by means of fans, blowers, or an air conditioning system so as to minimize
drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans and vents or
fans or blowers or air conditioning shall be used for any animal holding area containing live
animals when the air temperature within such animal holding area is
23.9[deg]C. (75.[deg]F.) or higher. The air temperature around any live animal in any animal
holding area shall not be allowed to fall below 7.2[deg]C. (45[deg]F.) nor be allowed to exceed
29.5[deg]C. (85[deg]F.) at any time: Provided, however, That no live animal shall be subjected
to surrounding air temperatures which exceed 23.9[deg]C. (75[deg]F.) for more than 4 hours at
any time. To ascertain compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, the air temperature
around any live animal shall be measured and read outside the primary enclosure which contains
such animal at a distance not to exceed .91 meters (3 feet) from any one of the external walls of
the primary enclosure and on a level parallel to the bottom of such primary enclosure at a point
which approximates half the distance between the top and bottom of such primary enclosure.
Handling (9 CFR 3.142)
(a) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall move live animals from the animal holding area of
the terminal facility to the primary conveyance and from the primary conveyance to the animal
holding area of the terminal facility as expeditiously as possible. Carriers and intermediate
handlers holding any live animal in an animal holding area of a terminal facility or in
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transporting any live animal from the animal holding area of the terminal facility to the primary
conveyance and from the primary conveyance to the animal holding area of the terminal facility,
including loading and unloading procedures, shall
provide the following:
(1) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort,
sufficient shade shall be provided to protect the live animals from the direct rays of the sun and
such live animals shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which exceed
29.5[deg]C. (85[deg]F.), and which shall be measured and read in the manner prescribed in Sec.
3.141 of this part, for a period of more than 45 minutes.
(2) Shelter from rain or snow. Live animals shall be provided protection to allow them to
remain dry during rain or snow.
(3) Shelter from cold weather. Transporting devices shall be covered to provide protection for
live animals when the outdoor air temperature falls below 10[deg]C. (50[deg]F.) and such live
animals shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which fall below 7.2[deg]C.
(45[deg]F.), and which shall be measured and read in the manner prescribed in Sec. 3.141 of this
part, for a period of more than 45 minutes unless such animals are accompanied by a certificate
of acclimation to lower temperatures as prescribed in Sec. 3.136(c).
(b) Care shall be exercised to avoid handling of the primary enclosure in such a manner that
may cause physical or emotional trauma to the live animal contained therein.
(c) Primary enclosures used to transport any live animal shall not be tossed, dropped, or
needlessly tilted and shall not be stacked in a manner which may reasonably be expected to result
in their falling.
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Appendix 4: Useful contacts
USDA
At the airports:
The port veterinarian in Los Angeles is:
Dr. Granville Richey
USDA-APHIS-VS
11850 S. La Cienega Blvd
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 725-1970 Office
(310) 725-9119 Fax
The bird specialist is Nora Klinger, at the same phone number.
The port veterinarian in Miami is:
Dr. Richard C. Cambre
USDA-APHIS-VS
5600 N.W. 36th Street
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 526-2926 Office
(305) 526-2929 Fax
The bird specialist is Carlos Pages, at the same phone number.
The port veterinarian in New York is:
Kenneth Davis, Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer
USDA-APHIS-VS
200 Drury Lane
Rock Tavern, NY 12575
(845) 564-2950 Office
(845) 564-1075 Fax
The bird specialist is Tom Smith, at the same phone number.
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General information:
Julie Garnier, DVM
National Center for Import and Export
Veterinary Services
APHIS, USDA
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
e-mail: [email protected]
301-734-5677
fax 301-734-8226
USFWS
CITES National contacts (Offices of Management Authority) are listed here:
http://www.cites.org/common/directy/e_directy.html
CITES Division of Management Authority, USFWS
Mike Carpenter
USFWS Law Enforcement office, Los Angeles:
370 Amapola Ave. #114
Torrance, California 90501
310/328 6307; 310/328 6399 fax
USFWS Law Enforcement office, Miami:
10426 N.W. 31st Terrace
Miami, Florida 33172
305/526 2610; 305/526 7480 fax
USFWS Law Enforcement office, New York:
70 E. Sunrise Hwy. #419
Valley Stream, New York 11580
516/825 3950; 516/825 3597 fax
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OTHER
Professional animal importers
International Animal Exchange
http://www.internationalanimalexchange.com/company.html
130 E. Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
Ph: 248-398-6533
Fax: 248-545-4125
Contact: Holly Hunt
Customs brokers (note: these lists were provided to by the APHIS bird specialists at each of the
airports; we did not call them to verify that they handle live birds)
Los Angeles
James G. Wiley Company
5305 W 102nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90009
Phone (310) 641-6422
Fax (310) 641-0794
James O. Lindsay Co., Ltd.
4940 W. 147th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Phone (310) 970-9701
Mojonier Perryman Company
9710 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90304
Phone (310) 649-0070
Fax (310) 649-5266
Hahn International
10926 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90304
Phone (310) 216-6691
Action Brokerage Service
16500 Western Avenue
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone (310) 527-2900
Fax (310) 527-4301
e-mail: [email protected]
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Miami
Reliable Customs Brokers
Rafael Rodriguez – President
1091 NW 27th Street, Suite 212
Miami, FL 33172
(305) 477-3505
(305) 477-3805
Omega Customs Brokers, Inc.
Ralph Ronderos – President
P.O. Box 52-0814
Miami, FL 33152
Phone: (305) 592-5656
Fax: (305) 592-7393
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Miyar International Brokerage, LLC
Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder
6555 NW 36 St #219
Miami, FL 33166
Phone: (305) 526-0006
Fax: (305) 526-1166
M&H Brokerage
Armando Martinez – President
3399 NW 72nd Ave., Suite 218
Miami, FL 33122
Phone: (305) 592-3255
Fax: (305) 593-9757
New York:
Fauna & Flora Customhouse Brokerage Co., Inc.
152-31 135TH Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11434
(718) 977-7700
John J. Meehan III ext. 111- [email protected]
Matt Mayers ext.110- [email protected]
http://www.faunaandflora.com
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U.S. Forwarders & Brokers
Thomas McGeary
45 Rason Road
Inwood, NY 11096
(516) 239-9030
Armac Transportation
372 Doughty Boulevard
PO Box 960217
Inwood, NY 11096
(516) 371-1000
W&B Brokers
165-15 145TH Drive
Jamaica, NY 11434
(718) 656-6633
Mersant International
158-12 Rockaway Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone (718) 978-8200
Fax (718) 712-0771
http://www.mersant.com/
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