95-11374. Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 24580-24584]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-11374]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    
    9 CFR Part 92
    
    [Docket No. 91-071-1]
    
    
    Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs
    
    AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the animal importation regulations 
    to prohibit the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United 
    States from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Additionally, 
    we are proposing to impose certain restrictions on the importation of 
    hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States from countries declared 
    free of foot-and-mouth disease. We believe these actions are necessary 
    to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease and other 
    communicable animal diseases into the United States.
    
    DATES: Consideration will be given only to comments received on or 
    before July 10, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comments to 
    Docket No. 91-071-1, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Policy 
    and Program Development, Regulatory Analysis and Development, 4700 
    River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your 
    comments refer to Docket No. 91-071-1. Comments received may be 
    inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and 
    Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
    Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect 
    comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate 
    entry into the comment reading room.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Keith Hand, Senior Staff 
    Veterinarian, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary 
    Services, Import-Export Animals Staff, 4700 River Road Unit 39, 
    Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-5097.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The animal importation regulations (contained in 9 CFR part 92 and 
    referred to below as the regulations) prohibit or restrict the 
    importation of certain animals and birds into the United States to 
    prevent the introduction of communicable diseases of livestock and 
    poultry. Subpart G of part 92 prohibits the importation of brushtail 
    possums and hedgehogs from New Zealand.
        Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral 
    disease of cloven-footed animals, causing fever and blisters in the 
    mouth and around the hoofs. These blisters result in loss of weight, 
    due to the animal's inability to eat; the blisters may permanently 
    deform the animal's feet. The high morbidity rate of cattle affected 
    with FMD results in severe production losses, highlighting the economic 
    importance of this disease. Estimates indicate that an outbreak of FMD 
    in the United States could cost in excess of $1 billion.
        Published research obtained by the Animal and Plant Health 
    Inspection Service (APHIS) indicates that certain animals of the order 
    Insectivora, including the family Erinaceidae (hedgehogs), may harbor 
    the FMD virus. Animals of the family Tenrecidae (tenrecs) are often 
    referred to as the Madagascar hedgehog, and are similar to hedgehogs in 
    appearance and behavior. Given these similarities, we believe tenrecs 
    may also be capable of harboring this virus and transmitting it to 
    other animals. Currently, there are no tests or treatments for FMD in 
    hedgehogs or tenrecs. Therefore, we are proposing to amend part 92 to 
    prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs into the United 
    States from countries where FMD exists to prevent the introduction of 
    FMD into the United States.
        Further, research and APHIS' experience with hedgehogs and tenrecs 
    indicates that these animals present a significant risk of carrying 
    ectoparasites (for example, ticks, mites, and lice). Certain ticks 
    spread East coast fever, heartwater, African swine fever, and other 
    exotic diseases of livestock. Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are hosts to 
    the type of ticks that carry these diseases, which do not exist in the 
    United States. Therefore, we also propose to amend part 92 to impose 
    certain restrictions on the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs from 
    countries declared free of FMD, including requirements for inspection 
    and treatment for ectoparasites. [[Page 24581]] 
        The proposed amendments to part 92 concerning hedgehogs and tenrecs 
    would be placed in subpart G. Specific provisions are discussed below.
    
    Definitions
    
        Section 92.700 provides definitions for the convenience of the 
    public. We are proposing to add the following terms: ``Administrator,'' 
    ``Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,'' ``Delivery,'' 
    ``Enter,'' ``Import,'' ``Inspector,'' ``Person,'' and ``Tenrec.'' These 
    definitions are provided for informational purposes and, for certain 
    terms, consistency with the same definitions found elsewhere in the 
    regulations.
    
    Prohibitions
    
        Section 92.701 prohibits the importation of brushtail possums and 
    hedgehogs from New Zealand into the United States. We are proposing to 
    amend this section to add a provision prohibiting the importation of 
    hedgehogs and tenrecs from any country where FMD exists. This 
    prohibition appears to be necessary to help prevent the introduction of 
    FMD into the United States.
    
    Restrictions
    
        We propose to add a new Sec. 92.702 to provide that hedgehogs and 
    tenrecs not prohibited from importation under Sec. 92.701 may not be 
    imported into the United States unless they meet the provisions of 
    subpart G.
    
    Ports of Entry
    
        Proposed Sec. 92.703 designates ports through which hedgehogs or 
    tenrecs from countries declared free of FMD may be imported into the 
    United States. Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(1) lists the following air and 
    ocean ports: Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and Los Angeles, 
    CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and 
    Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; 
    Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Great Falls, 
    MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston and Houston, 
    TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.
        Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(2) lists the following Canadian border 
    ports: Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and 
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria 
    Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; 
    Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, Lynden, Oroville, and 
    Sumas, WA.
        Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(3) lists the following Mexican border 
    ports: Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico and 
    San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus, NM; and Brownsville, 
    Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, and El Paso, TX.
        Proposed Sec. 92.703(b) provides for special instances when other 
    ports may need to be designated for importation. In special cases, the 
    Administrator may designate, with the Secretary of the Treasury's 
    agreement, other ports as inspection stations under this section.
        These ports have adequate facilities for inspection of the 
    hedgehogs and tenrecs and could ensure the availability of inspectors 
    to perform the necessary services.
    
    Import Permit
    
        Proposed Sec. 92.704(a) provides general requirements for the 
    importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States. These 
    requirements include accompaniment by an import permit; importation 
    within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import 
    permit; and notification to the APHIS inspector, at the address or 
    telephone number provided on the import permit, of the date of arrival 
    at least 72 hours before the hedgehogs or tenrecs arrive in the United 
    States. These time periods would allow APHIS sufficient time to plan 
    for the animals' arrival and to arrange for inspection of the hedgehogs 
    or tenrecs. The import permit would help ensure that the requirements 
    for importing hedgehogs or tenrecs are understood and met by the 
    importer.
        Proposed Sec. 92.704(b) provides information on how to obtain an 
    import permit. Applications for import permits may be obtained from the 
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, 
    National Center for Import and Export, Import/Export Animals Staff, 
    4700 River Road Unit 39, Maryland 20737-1231. This proposed section 
    requires any person desiring to import hedgehogs or tenrecs into the 
    United States to complete and submit one copy of an application (VS 
    Form 17-129) for an import permit to the above address. An application 
    for an import permit must be submitted for each shipment of hedgehogs 
    or tenrecs.
        Proposed Sec. 92.704(c) specifies what information to include on 
    the application for an import permit. It requires the application to 
    include the name and address of the shipper in the country of origin; 
    the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the importer and the 
    person intending to take delivery of the hedgehogs or tenrecs in the 
    United States; the ports of embarkation and arrival; the country from 
    which the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be shipped to the United States; 
    the mode of transportation (airplane, boat, car, etc.) to be used to 
    ship the hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States; the number, breed, 
    species, and descriptions (sex; age; registered name and number, if 
    any; tattoo, if any; tag number, if any; other markings) of the 
    hedgehogs or tenrecs to be imported; the purpose of the importation; 
    the route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute; the proposed 
    shipping and arrival dates; the location of the place where delivery of 
    the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be made in the United States (from the 
    port of arrival); and any remarks the importer may wish to make 
    regarding the shipment. The information required for completion of an 
    application would help APHIS to determine whether the animals appear 
    eligible for importation, to respond to an applicant, to identify the 
    animals at the port of entry, to ensure that inspectors and facilities 
    are available for inspection in the United States, and to contact 
    appropriate persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.
        Proposed Sec. 92.704(d) explains what happens after we receive and 
    review the application for an import permit. This proposed section 
    provides that if the hedgehogs or tenrecs appear eligible to be 
    imported, an import permit will be issued. This section also specifies 
    that an import permit does not guarantee that any hedgehogs or tenrecs 
    will be allowed entry into the United States; the hedgehogs or tenrecs 
    will be allowed to enter the United States only if they meet all 
    applicable requirements of subpart G. The requirements of this proposed 
    section appear necessary to help prevent the introduction of 
    communicable animal diseases into the United States.
    
    Health Certificate
    
        Proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires that a health certificate 
    accompany all hedgehogs or tenrecs offered for entry into the United 
    States. Additionally, this proposed section requires that the health 
    certificate be 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. These requirements 
    would help ensure that the veterinarian who issues the health 
    certificate is authorized to do so. This proposed section also requires 
    that the health certificate contain the names and street addresses of 
    the consignor and [[Page 24582]] consignee. The names and addresses of 
    the consignor and consignee would allow APHIS to contact appropriate 
    persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.
        Further, proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires specific information and 
    certifications to be included on the health certificate. Paragraphs 
    (a)(1) through (a)(7) of proposed Sec. 92.705 provide that the 
    veterinarian issuing the health certificate must certify on the health 
    certificate that--(1) The hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country 
    that has been declared free of FMD; (2) the hedgehog or tenrec has 
    never been in a country where FMD exists; (3) the hedgehog or tenrec 
    has not been commingled with any other hedgehog or tenrec that 
    originated in or has ever been in a country where FMD exists; (4) the 
    hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual issuing the health 
    certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites not more than 72 
    hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance which transported 
    the animal to the United States; (5) all body surfaces of the hedgehog 
    or tenrec were treated for ectoparasites under the supervision of the 
    veterinarian issuing the health certificate at least 3 days but not 
    more than 14 days before being loaded on the means of conveyance that 
    transported the animal to the United States; (6) the pesticide and the 
    concentration used was adequate to kill the types of ectoparasites 
    likely to infest the animal to be imported; and (7) the hedgehog or 
    tenrec, after being treated for ectoparasites in accordance with 
    paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of proposed Sec. 92.705, had physical 
    contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding materials only with, 
    treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment to the United States. 
    Proposed Sec. 92.705(a)(8) requires that the health certificate contain 
    the name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the hedgehog 
    or tenrec.
        The health certificate would help APHIS personnel at the port of 
    entry determine if the animals offered for entry into the United States 
    meet the requirements set forth in subpart G. The inspection and 
    treatment, as certified on the health certificate, would help ensure 
    that the animals are free of ectoparasites when they are shipped to the 
    United States. The timing of the treatment (at least 3 days but no more 
    than 14 days before loading on the means of conveyance for shipment to 
    the United States) would minimize the chances of reinfestation by 
    placing treatment as close to shipment as possible. Allowing the 
    hedgehogs or tenrecs to have physical contact only with, or share a pen 
    or bedding materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the 
    same shipment to the United States would further reduce the chances of 
    reinfestation.
    
    Notice of Arrival and Inspection
    
        Proposed Sec. 92.706 requires that, upon the arrival of a hedgehog 
    or tenrec at the port of first arrival in the United States, the 
    importer or the importer's agent must present the import permits and 
    health certificates to the collector of customs for the use of the 
    APHIS inspector at that port. This proposed requirement appears 
    necessary not only to make APHIS aware of the arrival of the animals in 
    the United States, but also to ensure that the hedgehogs or tenrecs are 
    eligible for importation.
        Proposed Sec. 92.707(a) requires inspection of the hedgehogs or 
    tenrecs by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. This 
    proposed section provides that hedgehogs or tenrecs may enter the 
    United States subject to the provisions of subpart G only if each 
    hedgehog or tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and 
    any clinical signs of communicable diseases.
        Proposed Sec. 92.707(b) provides that any shipment of hedgehogs or 
    tenrecs found infested with ectoparasites, or demonstrating clinical 
    signs of any communicable disease, will be refused entry into the 
    United States. This proposed section also provides that the importer be 
    given the option of removing the shipment from the United States or of 
    releasing the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 
    disposal. In the latter case, this proposed section provides that the 
    Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as 
    necessary to prevent the possible introduction of communicable animal 
    diseases into the United States.
        All these requirements appear necessary to help prevent the 
    introduction of communicable animal diseases into the United States.
    
    Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This proposed 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 document proposes to amend the animal import regulations to 
    prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs from countries 
    affected with FMD. Additionally, it would require hedgehogs and tenrecs 
    from countries that have been declared free of FMD to be inspected and 
    treated for ectoparasites in the country of origin and to be inspected 
    upon arrival in the United States.
        At present, approximately 3 to 10 small businesses in the United 
    States import hedgehogs or tenrecs or both. These businesses specialize 
    in the importation of exotic species for the domestic pet industry. 
    Animal importers pay less than $75 per head to purchase and transport 
    individual hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States. In the present 
    market, adult hedgehogs or tenrecs sell for an estimated retail range 
    of approximately $120 to $360 each, depending upon age and species. 
    During calendar year 1990, approximately 500 to 800 hedgehogs entered 
    the United States from countries affected by FMD. Almost all of the 
    hedgehogs imported into the United States were imported from Africa. 
    Although we do not have information regarding the number of tenrecs 
    imported into the United States in 1990, we believe that the number of 
    imported tenrecs did not exceed the number of imported hedgehogs. Based 
    upon those figures, we estimate an annual economic impact on the United 
    States exotic pet industry of between $60,000 ($120 x 500) to $288,000 
    ($360 x 800) due to reduced sales. This loss in sales represents a 
    negligible impact for an industry with sales that exceeded $300 million 
    during calendar year 1990.
        Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
    Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action would 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities.
    
    Executive Order 12778
    
        This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
    Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State 
    and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule 
    will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this 
    rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before 
    parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 
    3501 et seq.), the information collection or recordkeeping requirements 
    included in this proposed rule will be submitted for approval to the 
    Office of Management and Budget. Please send written comments to the 
    Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk 
    Officer for APHIS, Washington, DC 20503. Please send a copy of your 
    comments to: (1) Docket No. 91-071-1, [[Page 24583]] Animal and Plant 
    Health Inspection Service, Policy and Program Development, Regulatory 
    Analysis and Development, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 
    20737-1238, and (2) Clearance Officer, OIRM, USDA, room 404-W, 14th 
    Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.
    
    List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 92
    
        Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Poultry and poultry products, 
    Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    PART 92--IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS AND POULTRY AND CERTAIN 
    ANIMAL AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; INSPECTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR 
    CERTAIN MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS THEREON
    
        Accordingly, 9 CFR part 92 would be amended as follows:
        1. The authority citation for part 92 would continue 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 2.17, 2.51, and 371.2(d).
    
        2. In part 92, subpart G would be revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals
    
    Sec.
    92.700  Definitions.
    92.701  Prohibitions.
    92.702  Restrictions.
    92.703  Ports designated for importation.
    92.704  Import permit.
    92.705  Health certificate.
    92.706  Notification of arrival.
    92.707  Inspection at the port of first arrival.
    
    Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals
    
    
    Sec. 92.700  Definitions.
    
        Wherever in this subpart the following terms are used, unless the 
    context otherwise requires, they shall be construed, respectively, to 
    mean:
        Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health 
    Inspection Service or any other employee of the Animal and Plant Health 
    Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, delegated 
    to act in the Administrator's stead.
        Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant 
    Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of 
    Agriculture (APHIS).
        Brushtail possum. Vulpine phalangers (Trichosurus vulpecula) of the 
    family Phalangeridae.
        Delivery. The transfer of goods or interest in goods from one 
    person to another.
        Enter (entry). To introduce into the commerce of the United States 
    after release from government detention.
        Hedgehog. All members of the family Erinaceidae.
        Import (imported, importation). To bring into the territorial 
    limits of the United States.
        Inspector. An employee of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
    Service authorized to perform duties required under this subpart.
        Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, 
    partnership, society, or joint stock company.
        Tenrec. All members of the family Tenrecidae.
        United States. All of the States of the United States, the District 
    of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the 
    Virgin Islands of the United States, and all other territories and 
    possessions of the United States.
    
    
    Sec. 92.701  Prohibitions.
    
        (a) No person may import a hedgehog or tenrec into the United 
    States from any country designated in Sec. 94.1 of this chapter as a 
    country where foot-and-mouth disease exists.
        (b) No person may import a brushtail possum or hedgehog into the 
    United States from New Zealand.
    
    
    Sec. 92.702  Restrictions.
    
        Hedgehogs and tenrecs not specifically prohibited from being 
    imported under Sec. 92.701 may not be imported into the United States 
    except according to the regulations in this subpart.
    
    
    Sec. 92.703  Ports designated for importation.
    
        (a) Any person importing a hedgehog or tenrec into the United 
    States may import it, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
    section, only through the following ports:
        (1) Air and ocean ports. Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and 
    Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-
    Clearwater, and Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New 
    Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; 
    Great Falls, MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston 
    and Houston, TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.
        (2) Canadian border ports. Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME; 
    Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and 
    Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith, 
    Pembina, and Portal, ND; Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, 
    Lynden, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.
        (3) Mexican border ports. Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San 
    Luis, AZ; Calexico and San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus, 
    NM; and Brownsville, Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, 
    and El Paso, TX.
        (b) The Secretary of the Treasury has approved the designation, as 
    inspection stations, of the ports specified in paragraph (a) of this 
    section. In special cases, the Administrator may designate other ports 
    as inspection stations in accordance with this section, with the 
    concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury.
    
    
    Sec. 92.704  Import permit.
    
        (a) General requirements. No person may import into the United 
    States a hedgehog or tenrec unless it is accompanied by an import 
    permit issued by APHIS and is imported into the United States within 30 
    days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit. 
    The importer or his or her agent must notify the inspector at the port 
    of first arrival of the date of arrival at least 72 hours before the 
    hedgehog or tenrec arrives in the United States.
        (b) How to obtain an import permit. Any person who desires to 
    import a hedgehog or tenrec must complete and submit one copy of an 
    application (VS Form 17-129) for an import permit to the Import-Export 
    Animals Staff, National Center for Import-Export, Veterinary Services, 
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of 
    Agriculture, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1231. 
    This staff will supply application forms for import permits upon 
    request. A separate application must be prepared for each shipment.
        (c) What to include on the application for an import permit. The 
    importer must complete, sign, and date the application for an import 
    permit, which must include the following information:
        (1) The name and address of the shipper in the country of origin of 
    the hedgehog or tenrec intended for importation into the United States.
        (2) The name, address, and telephone number of the importer.
        (3) The port of embarkation.
        (4) The country from which the hedgehog or tenrec will be shipped 
    to the United States.
        (5) The mode of transportation.
        (6) The number, breed, species, and descriptions of the hedgehogs 
    or tenrecs to be imported.
        (7) The purpose of the importation.
        (8) The route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute.
        (9) The proposed shipping and arrival dates.
        (10) The port of first arrival in the United 
    States. [[Page 24584]] 
        (11) The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the person 
    to whom the hedgehog or tenrec will be delivered in the United States.
        (12) The location of the place where delivery will be made in the 
    United States.
        (13) Any remarks regarding the shipment.
        (d) What will happen to the application for an import permit. Upon 
    receipt of the application, APHIS will review the application. If the 
    hedgehog or tenrec appears to be eligible to be imported into the 
    United States, APHIS will issue an import permit indicating the 
    applicable requirements under this subpart for the importation of the 
    hedgehog or tenrec. Even though an import permit has been issued for 
    the importation of a hedgehog or tenrec, the animal may enter the 
    United States only if all applicable requirements of this subpart have 
    been met.
    
    
    Sec. 92.705  Health certificate.
    
        A hedgehog or tenrec may not be imported into the United States 
    unless accompanied by a health certificate either 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 health certificate must contain the names and street 
    addresses of the consignor and consignee and must state:
        (a) That the hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country that has 
    been recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease by the USDA;
        (b) That the hedgehog or tenrec has never been in a country where 
    foot-and-mouth disease exists;
        (c) That the hedgehog or tenrec has not been commingled with any 
    other hedgehog or tenrec that originated in or has ever been in a 
    country where foot-and-mouth disease exists;
        (d) That the hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual 
    issuing the health certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites 
    not more than 72 hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance 
    which transported the animal to the United States;
        (e) That all body surfaces of the hedgehog or tenrec were treated 
    for ectoparasites under the supervision of the veterinarian issuing the 
    health certificate at least 3 days but not more than 14 days before 
    being loaded on the means of conveyance that transported the animal to 
    the United States;
        (f) That the pesticide and the concentration used was adequate to 
    kill the types of ectoparasites likely to infest the animal to be 
    imported;
    
        (g) That the hedgehog or tenrec, after being treated for 
    ectoparasites in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this 
    section, had physical contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding 
    materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment 
    to the United States; and
    
        (h) The name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the 
    hedgehog or tenrec.
    
    Sec. 92.706  Notification of arrival.
    
        Upon the arrival of a hedgehog or tenrec at the port of first 
    arrival in the United States, the importer or his or her agent must 
    present the import permits and health certificates required by this 
    subpart to the collector of customs for the use of the inspector at 
    that port.
    
    Sec. 92.707  Inspection at the port of first arrival.
    
        (a) A hedgehog or tenrec from any part of the world must be 
    inspected by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. Subject 
    to the other provisions in this subpart, a shipment of hedgehogs or 
    tenrecs may enter into the United States only if each hedgehog or 
    tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and any clinical 
    signs of communicable diseases.
    
        (b) If any hedgehog or tenrec in a shipment is found to be infested 
    with ectoparasites or demonstrates any clinical signs of communicable 
    diseases, then the entire shipment will be refused entry. The importer 
    will be given the following options:
    
        (1) Remove the shipment from the United States; or
    
        (2) Release the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 
    Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as 
    necessary to prevent the possible introduction into the United States 
    of communicable animal diseases.
    
        Done in Washington, DC, this 27th day of April 1995.
    
    Lonnie J. King,
    
    Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
    
    [FR Doc. 95-11374 Filed 5-8-95; 8:45 am]
    
    BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
05/09/1995
Department:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-11374
Dates:
Consideration will be given only to comments received on or before July 10, 1995.
Pages:
24580-24584 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 91-071-1
PDF File:
95-11374.pdf
CFR: (8)
9 CFR 92.700
9 CFR 92.701
9 CFR 92.702
9 CFR 92.703
9 CFR 92.704
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