[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45551-45552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21636]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cancellation of Requirement for Certification of Used Tire
Casings from Asia Prior to Entry Into the United States
AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS).
ACTION: Notice of cancellation.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces cancellation of the requirement that all
used tire casings imported from Asia must be certified as dry, clean,
and free of insects.
DATES: August 6, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James E. Barrow (404) 639-8107; E-
mail jeb1@cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600
Clifton Rd., NE, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of
Quarantine, Mail Stop E-03, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Investigations conducted by CDC in 1986 established that Aedes
albopictus and other mosquito species were being imported into the
United States from Asia in used tire casings. Since these mosquitoes
have the potential to transmit certain viral diseases to humans, such
as dengue and other arboviruses including several that are native to
the Americas, their presence was considered a potential public health
threat. As of October 1, 1987, 15 states were known to be infested with
Aedes albopictus. Interstate trade in used tires was believed to be a
major factor in disseminating the species within the United States.
Consequently, effective January 1, 1988, under the authority of section
361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) and 42 CFR
71.32(c), CDC imposed a requirement that all used tire casings
originating from Asia must be certified as being dry, clean, and
disinsected. Specific measures for disinsection and certification were
defined in a Federal Register notice dated November 20, 1987 (52 FR
44836). In order to monitor compliance with the requirements, the CDC
Division of Quarantine conducted an energetic program of random
inspections, which showed large-scale noncompliance, even though
penalties were imposed. Despite these enforcement efforts, Aedes
albopictus has spread to 28 states, the approximate geographic limits
of its potential distribution in the United States. A recent CDC study
concluded that further colonization within those limits is inevitable.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control
Association in March 1998 (14:83-94), found that, because of the vast
size and distribution of the existing population, the number of
mosquitoes that could be introduced from overseas is insignificant.
Because of its exploitation of natural and artificial habitats, Aedes
albopictus is extremely difficult to control and should be considered a
permanently established species in the United States. In addition,
although it is capable of transmitting numerous viruses, there is to
date no evidence of any transmission to humans in the United States.
The effect of the present requirement is therefore negligible, and the
cost of the requirement, both to industry and government, can no longer
be justified. A proposal to rescind the requirement for certification
of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States
was published on April 12, 1999 (64 FR 17671-17672), and public
comments were sought for a thirty-(30) day period. While there is a
large number of potential responders who are engaged in public health
and mosquito abatement at the State and local level, only seven
comments were received. All expressed opposition to canceling the
certification requirement.
One commenter expressed a belief that the certification requirement
should be continued because it has contributed to success in managing
Asian mosquito populations in his location. In considering this
comment, we note that there is a large interstate traffic in tires from
infested sites that are not directly associated with imported
shipments, as well as the potential for interstate movement in any type
of conveyance or shipping container. Wherever Aedes
[[Page 45552]]
albopictus is present, there is potential for their movement into other
areas having a climate that can support them.
Other commenters asked for continuance of the certification
requirement while observing that certification efforts came too late to
be effective. While Aedes albopictus was well established in many areas
long before it was first detected, control efforts were rapidly
initiated and energetically pursued once the presence of the species
was recognized. Since these measures were not effective in slowing
Aedes albopictus' establishment, it is not logical to argue for them to
be continued.
Other commenters suggested that continued certification could
prevent future importation of other species. We find no evidence in
support of this position.
Determination: The requirement for certification of used tire
casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States is canceled.
Dated: August 16, 1999.
Joseph R. Carter,
Associate Director for Management and Operation, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 99-21636 Filed 8-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-18-P
