Comment from Ian Gallagher

After reading through the proposed changes to 42 CFR 71.54, I have come to the conclusion that the changes being made are a good way to ensure that our country and its citizens are safe. I do have a question as to why the restrictions on checking biological specimens are being slackened, when an increasing risk of biological terrorism is facing societies. Allowing importers to simply say they have no reason to believe there is anything infectious in the specimen could allow a disease to pass into the United States unchecked, and pose a risk to U.S. citizens. One of the questions the CDC did want answered was whether or not the definition of “vector” should include an exemption for animals meant for a zoo or different pelts or other objects meant for museum use. Personally I believe some sort of exemption could be made here, but these animals or objects need to be checked, and if they are found to be carrying some sort of a communicable disease, restrictions need to be formed. Possible restrictions could include these imported goods being displayed in a way where human contact is severely limited, or other precautions need to be taken to limit the risk of a disease being spread. I greatly agree with the proposed change of allowing the CDC to check in on bio-safety measures, and work with companies to ensure that the proper precautions are taken to ensure the integrity of the importation, and protect the safety of U.S. citizens.