96-32898. The Importation of Ratites and Hatching Eggs of Ratites  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 250 (Friday, December 27, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 68123-68127]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-32898]
    
    
    
    [[Page 68123]]
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    
    9 CFR Part 92
    
    [Docket No. 95-044-2]
    
    
    The Importation of Ratites and Hatching Eggs of Ratites
    
    AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: We are amending the animal import regulations to relieve 
    certain restrictions on the importation of ratites and hatching eggs of 
    ratites into the United States from Canada. We believe that these 
    actions can be taken without increasing the risk of introducing poultry 
    or livestock diseases into the United States. Additionally, we are 
    allowing adult ostriches from any country to be imported, in accordance 
    with the regulations, through the New York Animal Import Center, based 
    on space availability. Currently, with certain exceptions, ostriches 
    may not be imported into the United States if they exceed either 36 
    inches in height or 30 pounds in weight. We are making this change 
    after determining that the New York Animal Import Center has the 
    facilities and trained personnel to handle adult ostriches. We believe 
    that these amendments will facilitate the importation into the United 
    States of ratites and hatching eggs of ratites while ensuring the 
    continued protection of the health of livestock and poultry in the 
    United States.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 1997.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Keith Hand, Senior Staff 
    Veterinarian, Import/Export Animals, National Center for Import and 
    Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
    (301) 734-5097.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The regulations in 9 CFR part 92 (referred to below as ``the 
    regulations'') govern the importation into the United States of certain 
    animals and birds, including ostriches and other flightless birds known 
    as ratites, and their hatching eggs, to prevent the introduction of 
    communicable diseases of livestock and poultry.
        Section 92.101 of the regulations, among other things, imposes 
    general restrictions on the importation of ratites and hatching eggs of 
    ratites. Paragraph (b)(3)(i) of Sec. 92.101 requires that all ratites, 
    except ratites imported as zoological birds, and all hatching eggs of 
    ratites entering the United States must originate from certified pen-
    raised flocks and must be identified. Ratites must be identified by 
    means of a microchip implant, hatching eggs of ratites by marking on 
    the shell. Paragraph (b)(3)(i) also requires certain recordkeeping, 
    reporting, and inspections related to the flock and premises of origin. 
    Paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of Sec. 92.101 prohibits, with certain exceptions, 
    the importation of ostriches more than 36 inches in height or 30 pounds 
    in weight at the time of arrival in the United States.
        Section 92.103 of the regulations, among other things, requires 
    that an importer submit a completed import permit application to import 
    ratites or hatching eggs of ratites into the United States. The import 
    permit application provides, among other things, information on the 
    name and location of the quarantine facility in the United States that 
    will maintain the ratites or hatching eggs of ratites during the 
    mandatory quarantine period.
        Section 92.104 of the regulations, among other things, requires 
    that ratites and their hatching eggs offered for importation from any 
    part of the world be accompanied by a certificate issued by a full-time 
    salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the exporting 
    country or issued by a veterinarian authorized or accredited by the 
    national government of the exporting country and endorsed by a full-
    time salaried veterinary officer of the national government of that 
    country. The certificate must state, among other things, that ratites 
    and their hatching eggs offered for importation have been inspected and 
    found free of evidence of communicable diseases and are identified in 
    accordance with the provisions in Sec. 92.101.
        Section 92.105 of the regulations, among other things, specifies 
    requirements for the inspection of ratites and hatching eggs of ratites 
    at the port of entry in the United States. Paragraph (a) of 
    Sec. 92.105, among other things, allows hatching eggs of ratites to be 
    offered for importation into the United States at any international 
    airport, or any land-border port within 20 miles of an international 
    airport, serviced by Customs. In addition, hatching eggs of ratites may 
    be shipped, in bond, from the port of first arrival to the Customs port 
    of entry where the eggs will be inspected and quarantined. Paragraph 
    (c) of Sec. 92.105 provides that ratites, other than hatching eggs of 
    ratites, imported from any part of the world must be inspected by a 
    veterinary inspector of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
    (APHIS) at a listed port of entry. The ports of entry listed for 
    ostriches are New York, NY; Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY; and Miami, 
    FL. The ports of entry listed for ratites other than ostriches are New 
    York, NY; Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY; Miami, FL; and Honolulu, HI.
        Section 92.106 of the regulations, among other things, imposes 
    quarantine requirements on ratites and hatching eggs of ratites. 
    Paragraph (b)(1) of Sec. 92.106, among other things, requires ratites 
    imported from any part of the world to be quarantined upon arrival for 
    a minimum of 30 days to determine the ratites' freedom from 
    ectoparasites and communicable diseases. Paragraph (b)(3) of 
    Sec. 92.106 requires that ratites be treated for ectoparasites during 
    the quarantine by an inspector until the inspector determines that the 
    ratites are free of ectoparasites. Paragraph (b)(2) of Sec. 92.106, 
    among other things, requires hatching eggs of ratites imported from any 
    part of the world to be quarantined upon arrival, incubated for 
    approximately 42 days, and held in quarantine for a minimum of 30 days 
    following the hatch of the last chick in the lot, to determine the 
    ratites' freedom from communicable diseases. Additionally, the ratites 
    and hatching eggs of ratites must be tested for and found free of viral 
    diseases of poultry, including exotic Newcastle disease.
        On June 3, 1996, we published in the Federal Register (61 FR 27797-
    27802, Docket No. 95-044-1) a proposal to amend the regulations by 
    exempting certain ratites and hatching eggs of ratites from Canada from 
    quarantine requirements upon arrival in the United States; exempting 
    ratites imported from Canada for consignment directly to slaughter in 
    the United States from the requirement in Sec. 92.104(c)(8) that the 
    ratites be treated for ectoparasites within 3 to 14 days before they 
    are exported from Canada; exempting Canadian ratite flocks from the 
    pen-raised requirement and the identification and recordkeeping 
    requirements in Sec. 92.101(b)(3); allowing ratites from Canada that 
    are exempt from quarantine upon arrival to be offered for importation 
    at a number of ports, in addition to the ports listed in 
    Sec. 92.105(c); exempting ratites and hatching eggs of ratites from 
    Canada from the import permit requirements found in Sec. 92.103 if the 
    ratites and hatching eggs qualify for exemption from quarantine upon 
    arrival in the United States and enter the United States at a Canadian 
    land border port, as listed in Sec. 92.203(b); and allowing ostriches 
    greater than 36 inches in height or 30 pounds in weight to be imported 
    into the United States from any country through the port of New
    
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    York, NY, or through Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY, and be quarantined 
    at the New York Animal Import Center (NYAIC), based on space 
    availability.
        We solicited comments concerning our proposal for 60 days ending 
    August 2, 1996. We received two comments, one from a government agency 
    and the other from a representative of industry, by that date. The 
    concerns of these commenters are discussed below by topic.
    
    Ports of Entry
    
        One commenter explained that under the regulations of the U.S. Fish 
    and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, wildlife may only be 
    imported into the United States through certain ports. Because the U.S. 
    Fish and Wildlife Service includes ratites in their definition of 
    wildlife, ratites may therefore only be imported into the United States 
    through these specific ports. The commenter explained that certain 
    ports that we proposed as additional ports for the entry of Canadian 
    ratites and hatching eggs of ratites conflict with the ports listed as 
    eligible ports for wildlife in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
    regulations. Specifically, conflicts arise because the U.S. Fish and 
    Wildlife Service limits the importation of species protected under the 
    Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the Endangered 
    Species Act, or other Federal wildlife laws requiring permits to 
    certain ports and because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not 
    allow the importation of wildlife through several of the ports that we 
    had proposed as additional ports for the importation of Canadian 
    ratites and hatching eggs of ratites.
        In response to this comment, we are removing the ports of 
    Jacksonville, FL; Port Canaveral, FL; St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL; 
    Portland, ME; Great Falls, MT; Opheim, MT; Alexandria Bay, NY; 
    Galveston, TX; Lyndon, WA; Oroville, WA; Spokane, WA; and Tacoma, WA, 
    from the list of ports through which Canadian ratites and their 
    hatching eggs may enter the United States. We are also adding to the 
    regulations a statement, which currently appears on the import permit 
    issued by APHIS for ratites and their hatching eggs, that Canadian 
    ratites and their hatching eggs intended for importation into the 
    United States must meet all applicable requirements of the United 
    States Fish and Wildlife Service contained in Title 50, subchapter B, 
    of the Code of Federal Regulations.
    
    Ratite References
    
        One commenter suggested that throughout the proposal, we 
    consistently use the general term ``ratites,'' rather than specify 
    members of the ratite family such as ``ostriches.'' Alternatively, the 
    commenter requested that where specific members of the ratite family 
    are named, then each member, such as ``emus,'' ``rheas,'' and 
    ``kiwis,'' should also be listed.
        Where appropriate, we used the general reference ``ratite'' in the 
    proposal. The term ``ratites'' is defined in the regulations as 
    ``cassowaries, emus, kiwis, ostriches, and rheas.'' When we used the 
    specific term ``ostrich,'' as in the proposal to allow ostriches 
    greater than 36 inches in height or 30 pounds in weight to be imported 
    into the United States from any country through the port of New York, 
    NY, or through Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY, and be quarantined at the 
    New York Animal Import Center, based on space availability, we intended 
    to specify ostriches only. Therefore, we are making no changes to the 
    rule based on this comment.
    
    Ratite Meat and Byproducts
    
        One commenter asked that we also relieve restrictions on ratite 
    meat and ratite byproducts, such as ratite hides and all ratite eggs, 
    from Canada.
        Currently, the regulations in 9 CFR 94.6 restrict the entry of 
    carcasses, or parts or products of carcasses, and eggs (other than 
    hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, or other birds from countries 
    where exotic Newcastle disease (END) or S. enteritidis, phage type 4, 
    is considered to exist. Canada is considered free of both END and S. 
    enteritidis, phage type 4; therefore, the importation of ratite 
    carcasses, or parts or products of ratite carcasses, and ratite eggs 
    (other than hatching eggs) from Canada are not restricted under APHIS 
    regulations.
        Therefore, based on the rationale set forth in the proposed rule 
    and in this document, we are adopting the provisions of the proposal as 
    a final rule with the changes discussed in this document.
    
    Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. This rule 
    has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive 
    Order 12866, and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of 
    Management and Budget.
        This rule relieves some restrictions on the importation into the 
    United States of ratites and hatching eggs of ratites from Canada and 
    on the importation into the United States of adult ostriches. We 
    anticipate that this rule will affect only the ostrich industry because 
    very few ratites other than ostriches have been imported into the 
    United States since first being allowed in 1986.
        Ostrich production in the United States has been growing rapidly 
    over the last few years. According to a recent estimate, there are 
    approximately 6,000 to 7,000 ostrich owners and more than 70,000 
    breeding ostriches in the United States. Each farm owns an average of 8 
    to 10 adult ostriches, but each farm's holdings can range anywhere from 
    2 to 200 adult ostriches. All of these farms are considered small 
    entities by Small Business Administration standards (annual gross 
    receipts of less than $500,000). The American Ostrich Association 
    reports its membership at 3,650 as of September 1995.
        Over the last 2 to 3 years, the supply of ostriches in the United 
    States has steadily increased, which has greatly reduced domestic 
    prices. For example, in 1992, market prices for ostriches of different 
    ages ranged as follows: 3-month-old chicks sold for approximately 
    $6,000 a pair; 6-month-old chicks sold for $8,000 to $15,000 a pair; 
    yearlings sold for $12,000 to $25,000 a pair; 2-year-olds sold for 
    $25,000 to $40,000 a pair; and adults (breeding pairs) sold for $40,000 
    up to $100,000 a pair, depending upon proven breeding capabilities. 
    Recent market prices for ostriches of different ages show a dramatic 
    decrease from the market prices of 1992; estimates of 1995 market 
    prices for ostriches of different ages are as follows: 3-month-old 
    chicks sell for approximately $1,300 a pair; 6-month-old chicks sell 
    for approximately $2,150 a pair; yearlings sell for approximately 
    $4,300 a pair; 2-year-olds sell for approximately $8,600 a pair; and 
    adults (breeding pairs) sell for approximately $14,700 a pair, 
    depending upon proven breeding capabilities. Further, when compared to 
    the market prices listed above for 1995, the estimated market prices 
    for the first quarter of 1996 show approximately a fifty percent 
    decrease in the market prices for ostriches in all age categories.
        No live ratites have been imported into the United States from any 
    country since April of 1994. Removing the quarantine and other 
    requirements for Canadian ratites and their hatching eggs could 
    encourage imports by decreasing the cost of importing these ratites and 
    hatching eggs. However, because of the decrease in market prices 
    described above, we do not expect a heavy volume of ostriches or other 
    ratites from Canada to be imported into the United States as a result 
    of this rule.
        In addition, though the hatching eggs of ratites are more readily 
    available, are cheaper to transport, and can be
    
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    quarantined at private facilities, historically only about 26 percent 
    of the imported eggs (this includes fertile and infertile eggs) have 
    hatched chicks that survived beyond 30 days. Despite being a 
    financially dangerous option, importers continue to import hatching 
    eggs and are trying to improve their rate of hatch and chick survival. 
    However, because of the relatively low hatch and survival rate and the 
    reduced market prices of ostriches of different ages, we do not expect 
    a heavy volume of the hatching eggs of ratites from Canada to be 
    imported into the United States as a result of this rule.
        Any imports from Canada that might result from this rule could 
    cause a further decline in the domestic prices of ratites in the United 
    States. However, we expect that domestic ratite importers will benefit 
    by having fewer restrictions on Canadian imports. Over the short term, 
    the proposed changes in the regulations might have a minor adverse 
    economic impact on domestic ostrich producers. Over the long term, we 
    expect the domestic ratite industry to benefit from any imports that 
    may occur because reduced ostrich prices could lead to larger domestic 
    populations of ostriches, benefiting consumers of ostriches and ostrich 
    products. A larger domestic ratite population could further enhance the 
    economic viability of commercial ratite breeding, slaughter, feather, 
    and leather markets.
        We expect that the economic effect of allowing the importation of 
    adult ostriches from all countries into the United States through the 
    New York Animal Import Center will be insignificant because of the 
    drastic decrease in the market prices of ostriches.
        Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
    Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action will 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities.
    
    Executive Order 12988
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
    Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and 
    regulations that are inconsistent with this rule; (2) has no 
    retroactive effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings 
    before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        This rule contains no new information collection or recordkeeping 
    requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
    et seq.).
    
    Regulatory Reform
    
        This action is part of the President's Regulatory Reform 
    Initiative, which, among other things, directs agencies to remove 
    obsolete and unnecessary regulations and to find less burdensome ways 
    to achieve regulatory goals.
    
    List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 92
    
        Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Poultry and poultry products, 
    Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping.
        Accordingly, 9 CFR part 92 is amended as follows:
    
    PART 92--IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND POULTRY AND 
    CERTAIN ANIMAL, BIRD, AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; REQUIREMENTS FOR MEANS 
    OF CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 92 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 19 U.S.C. 1306; 21 U.S.C. 102-105, 
    111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134f, 135, 136, and 136a; 31 
    U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).
    
    
    Sec. 92.101  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 92.101 is amended as follows:
        a. By removing paragraph (b)(3)(ii).
        b. By redesignating paragraphs as follows:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Old designation                      New designation      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (b)(3)(i) introductory text...............  (b)(3) introductory text.   
    (b)(3)(i)(A)..............................  (b)(3)(i)                   
    (b)(3)(i)(B)..............................  (b)(3)(ii)                  
    (b)(3)(i)(C)..............................  (b)(3)(iii)                 
    (b)(3)(i)(D)..............................  (b)(3)(iv)                  
    (b)(3)(i)(D)(1)...........................  (b)(3)(iv)(A)               
    (b)(3)(i)(D)(2)...........................  (b)(3)(iv)(B)               
    (b)(3)(i)(D)(3)...........................  (b)(3)(iv)(C)               
    (b)(3)(i)(E)..............................  (b)(3)(v)                   
    (b)(3)(i)(F)..............................  (b)(3)(vi)                  
    (b)(3)(i)(G)..............................  (b)(3)(vii)                 
    (b)(3)(i)(H)..............................  (b)(3)(viii)                
    (b)(3)(i)(I)..............................  (b)(3)(ix)                  
    (b)(3)(i)(J)..............................  (b)(3)(x)                   
    (b)(3)(i)(K)..............................  (b)(3)(xi)                  
    (b)(3)(i)(L)..............................  (b)(3)(xii)                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        c. By revising the introductory text of newly redesignated 
    paragraph (b)(3) to read as set forth below.
        d. In newly designated paragraph (b)(3)(vi), by removing the 
    reference ``(b)(3)(i)(D)'' and adding ``(b)(3)(iv)'' in its place.
        e. In newly designated paragraph (b)(3)(vii), by removing the 
    reference ``(b)(3)(i)(B)'' and adding ``(b)(3)(ii)'' in its place, and 
    by removing the reference ``(b)(3)(i)(C)'' and adding ''(b)(3)(iii)'' 
    in its place.
        f. In newly designated paragraph (b)(3)(x), the first sentence, by 
    removing the reference ``(b)(3)(i)(B)'' and adding ``(b)(3)(ii)'' in 
    its place, and by removing the reference ``(b)(3)(i)(C)'' and adding 
    ``(b)(3)(iii)'' in its place.
        g. In newly designated paragraph (b)(3)(x), the fourth sentence, by 
    removing the reference ``(b)(3)(i)(E)'' and adding ``(b)(3)(v)'' in its 
    place.
    
    
    Sec. 92.101  General prohibitions; exceptions.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (3) Except for ratites imported as zoological birds, and ratites 
    and ratite hatching eggs imported from Canada in accordance with 
    Sec. 92.107, ratites and hatching eggs of ratites may not be imported 
    into the United States unless the following conditions are met:
    * * * * *
    
    
    Sec. 92.102  [Amended]
    
        3. Section 92.102(c) is amended by removing the reference 
    ``Sec. 92.105(a)'' and adding ``Sec. 92.105'' in its place.
        4. Section 92.103 is amended as follows:
        a. In paragraph (a)(1), the first sentence, by removing the 
    reference ``92.214'' and adding ``92.107(b)'' in its place.
        b. By revising paragraphs (a)(1)(xiii), (a)(2)(iii), and (a)(2)(iv) 
    to read as set forth below.
        c. In paragraph (a)(2)(v), by removing ``Sec. 92.101 (b)(3)(i)(G) 
    and (b)(3)(i)(J)'' and adding ``Sec. 92.101(b)(3)'' in its place; and 
    by removing ``Sec. 92.101 (b)(3)(i)(B) and (b)(3)(i)(C)'' and adding 
    ``Sec. 92.101(b)(3)'' in its place.
        d. At the end of the section, by adding an OMB control number to 
    read as set forth below.
    
    
    Sec. 92.103  Import permits for birds; and reservation fees for space 
    at quarantine facilities maintained by APHIS.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (xiii) In addition, the application for a permit to import ratites 
    or hatching eggs of ratites, except for ratites and hatching eggs of 
    ratites imported from Canada in accordance with Sec. 92.107, shall 
    specify the number of ratites or hatching eggs intended for 
    importation, the size of the flock of origin, and the location of the 
    premises where the flock of origin is kept; and shall state that, from 
    the date of application through the date of export, APHIS 
    representatives shall be granted access to the premises where the flock 
    of origin is kept. (For ratites intended for importation as zoological 
    birds, the flock of origin shall be the ratites intended for 
    importation.)
        (2) * * *
    
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        (iii) In addition, a permit to import ratites or hatching eggs of 
    ratites, except for ratites or hatching eggs of ratites imported from 
    Canada in accordance with Sec. 92.107, will be denied or withdrawn 
    unless APHIS representatives are granted access to the premises where 
    the flock of origin is kept (or, in the case of zoological birds, to 
    the premises where the birds are kept), from the date of the 
    application for the permit through the date of export.
        (iv) Except for ratites intended for importation as zoological 
    birds and ratites and hatching eggs of ratites imported from Canada in 
    accordance with Sec. 92.107, a permit to import ratites or hatching 
    eggs of ratites will be denied or withdrawn unless an APHIS 
    representative has visited the premises where the flock of origin is 
    kept within the 12-month period before the intended importation and has 
    determined that the flock is pen-raised and contains sufficient 
    breeding pairs to produce the number of ratites or hatching eggs 
    intended for importation.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 0579-0040)
    
        5. Section 92.104 is amended as follows:
        a. By revising paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(8), (c)(13), (c)(14), 
    (c)(15), (c)(16), (d)(2), (d)(9), (d)(10), and (d)(11) to read as set 
    forth below.
        b. At the end of the section, by adding an OMB control number to 
    read as set forth below.
    
    
    Sec. 92.104  Certificates for pet birds, commercial birds, zoological 
    birds, and research birds.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) That, except when the certificate is for zoological birds or 
    ratites imported from Canada in accordance with Sec. 92.107, the flock 
    of origin is pen- raised and the ratites covered by the certificate 
    were produced and maintained in that flock;
    * * * * *
        (8) That, except as provided in Sec. 92.107 for ratites imported 
    from Canada for immediate slaughter, the ratites were treated at least 
    3 days but not more than 14 days before being loaded for shipment to 
    the United States with a pesticide of a type and concentration 
    sufficient to kill ectoparasites on the ratites;
    * * * * *
        (13) That the number of ratites and hatching eggs of ratites 
    exported from the flock of origin has not exceeded the ceiling required 
    to be established under Sec. 92.101(b)(3)(ix);
        (14) That all the ratites and hatching eggs of ratites in the flock 
    from which the ratites come were identified in accordance with 
    Sec. 92.101(b)(3);
        (15) Except for ratites imported from Canada in accordance with 
    Sec. 92.107, the number of ratite laying hens in the flock from which 
    the ratites come;
        (16) For ratites required to be treated prior to shipment with a 
    pesticide for ectoparasites, the certificate must also state the name, 
    concentration, and date of administration of the pesticide used to 
    treat the ratites;
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (2) That, except when the certificate is for hatching eggs of 
    ratites imported from Canada in accordance with Sec. 92.107, the flock 
    of origin is pen- raised, and the hatching eggs covered by the 
    certificate were produced by that flock;
    * * * * *
        (9) That the number of ratites and hatching eggs of ratites 
    exported from the flock of origin has not exceeded the ceiling required 
    to be established under Sec. 92.101(b)(3)(ix);
        (10) That all the ratites and hatching eggs of ratites in the flock 
    from which the hatching eggs come were identified in accordance with 
    Sec. 92.101(b)(3);
        (11) Except for hatching eggs of ratites imported from Canada in 
    accordance with Sec. 92.107, the number of ratite laying hens in the 
    flock from which the hatching eggs come.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 0579-0040)
    
        6. Section 92.105 is amended as follows:
        a. By revising paragraph (a) to read as set forth below.
        b. In paragraph (c), by revising the introductory text and 
    paragraph (c)(1) to read as set forth below.
    
    
    Sec. 92.105  Inspection at the port of entry.
    
        (a) All commercial birds, zoological birds, and research birds, 
    including hatching eggs of ratites, but excluding other ratites, 
    imported into the United States, must be inspected by the port 
    veterinarian at the Customs port of entry, which may be any 
    international airport, or any land-border port within 20 miles of an 
    international airport, serviced by Customs, as well as, for Canadian-
    origin hatching eggs of ratites, ports listed in Sec. 92.107 (c). 
    However, hatching eggs of ratites may be shipped, in bond, from the 
    port of first arrival to the Customs port of entry at which they will 
    be quarantined, for inspection, at that port.
    * * * * *
        (c) Ratites, other than hatching eggs of ratites, imported from any 
    part of the world must be inspected at the Customs port of entry by a 
    veterinary inspector of APHIS and, except as provided in Sec. 92.107(b) 
    for ratites imported from Canada, shall be permitted entry only at one 
    of the following ports of entry:
        (1) Ostriches:
        (i) Up to 36 inches in height (as measured from the top of the head 
    to the base of the feet) or 30 pounds in weight: New York, NY; Stewart 
    Airport, Newburgh, NY; and Miami, FL.
        (ii) Exceeding 36 inches in height or 30 pounds in weight: New 
    York, NY, and Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY.
    * * * * *
    
    
    Sec. 92.106  [Amended]
    
        7. Section 92.106 is amended as follows:
        a. In paragraph (b)(1), the first sentence, by adding the words, 
    ``except as provided in Sec. 92.107,'' immediately following the words 
    ``any part of the world''.
        b. In paragraph (b)(2), the first sentence, by adding the words, 
    ``except as provided in Sec. 92.107,'' immediately following the words 
    ``any part of the world''.
        8. Section 92.107 is amended as follows:
        a. By adding the paragraph designation ``(a)'' immediately 
    preceding the words ``In-bond shipments from Canada.''
        b. By adding new paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.107  Special provisions.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Ratites from Canada. Ratites that were hatched and raised in 
    Canada or ratites that were legally imported into Canada and, upon 
    arrival in Canada, were quarantined for a minimum of 28 days at a 
    Canadian quarantine facility and remained in Canada for an additional 
    60 days following completion of quarantine may be imported into the 
    United States:
        (1) Without being quarantined upon arrival in the United States; 
    and
        (2) At any of the following ports of entry: Anchorage, AK; 
    Fairbanks, AK; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Denver, CO; Miami, FL; 
    Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Eastport, ID; Chicago, IL; New 
    Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; Houlton, ME; Jackman, ME; 
    Detroit, MI; Port Huron, MI; Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Minneapolis, MN; 
    Raymond, MT; Sweetgrass, MT; Buffalo, NY; Champlain, NY; New York, NY; 
    Stewart Airport, Newburgh, NY; Dunseith, ND; Pembina, ND; Portal, ND; 
    Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Houston,
    
    [[Page 68127]]
    
    TX; Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, WA; Seattle, WA; and Sumas, WA; and
        (3) If offered for entry at a Canadian land border port listed in 
    Sec. 92.203(b), without an import permit; and
        (4) If consigned directly to slaughter from the port of entry, 
    without being treated for ectoparasites within 3 to 14 days before 
    shipment to the United States, as otherwise required by 
    Sec. 92.104(c)(8); and
        (5) If in compliance with all of the applicable regulations of the 
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contained in Title 50, subchapter B, of 
    the Code of Federal Regulations.
        (c) Ratite eggs from Canada. Hatching eggs of ratites that were 
    laid in Canada may be imported into the United States:
        (1) Without being quarantined upon arrival in the United States; 
    and
        (2) At any of the ports of entry listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
    section or authorized by Sec. 92.105(a); and
        (3) If offered for entry at a Canadian land border port listed in 
    Sec. 92.203(b), without an import permit; and
        (4) If in compliance with all of the applicable regulations of the 
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contained in Title 50, subchapter B, of 
    the Code of Federal Regulations.
    
        Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of December 1996.
    A. Strating,
    Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-32898 Filed 12-26-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/27/1997
Published:
12/27/1996
Department:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-32898
Dates:
January 27, 1997.
Pages:
68123-68127 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 95-044-2
PDF File:
96-32898.pdf
CFR: (11)
9 CFR 92.101(b)(3)
9 CFR 92.203(b)
9 CFR 92.104(c)(8)
9 CFR 92.105(c)
9 CFR 92.101
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