of some foreign 
animal diseases to 
the United States 
highlights the 
importance of 
APHIS’ import 
procedures. 
For instance, classical swine fever (hog 
cholera) has been diagnosed in Haiti and the 
Dominican Republic. In April 2000, the 
United States and the Dominican Republic 
signed a cooperative agreement that initiates 
a passenger predeparture inspection pro- 
gram in order to decrease the risk of pork 
products possibly infected with classical 
swine fever virus entering the United States. 
Such nearby threats to our animal health 
pose a serious problem, but threats traveling 
across the ocean can be just as dangerous. 
For instance, between 1997 and 1999, conta- 
gious equine metritis was detected in several 
horses imported from overseas while the ani- 
mals were being held in quarantine at U.S. 
ports of entry. In each instance, the individ- 
ual animal had been certified as free of that 
disease prior to shipment. 
These threats to U.S. animal health, whether 
coming from nearby or faraway areas, cause 
personnel from VS and PPQ to be especially 
vigilant in their work. Together they make 
sure animals and animal products and 
byproducts entering the United States do not 
pose a significant risk of spreading foreign 
animal diseases. AQI personnel inspect 
incoming baggage at ports of entry and con- 
fiscate any prohibited products. PPQ inspec- 
tors also enlist the aid of the Beagle Brigade, 
dogs specially trained to detect various pro- 
hibited agricultural products, including 
meats and animal products. 
Establishing Import Rules 
Rules regarding the importation of animals 
and animal products and byproducts already 
established by VS and other international 
standards-setting organizations are enforced 
through the AQI program and VS’ National 
Center for Import and Export (NCIE). NCIE 
bases these regulations on scientific findings 
of risk. While VS allows the importation of a 
variety of animals and animal products and 
byproducts from around the world, some 
commodities are not even considered for 
4 Protecting Animal Health in a Global Environment 
import because the disease risk associated 
with the product is too great. For example, 
the United States does not allow the importa- 
tion of ruminants or ruminant products 
from the European Union because of the 
threat of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, 
also called mad cow disease. 
Strict rules have been established to ensure 
that animals and animal products and 
byproducts that are allowed for importation 
to the United States meet VS’ requirements. 
All live animals and poultry must be accom- 
panied by a health certificate issued by an 
official of the exporting country. Imports of 
livestock and poultry must also be quaran- 
tined and thoroughly inspected at an animal 
import center to confirm they are disease 
free. 
APHIS also regulates the importation of vet- 
erinary biologics, such as vaccines, bacterins, 
diagnostics, etc., that are used to prevent, 
treat, or diagnose animal disease. VS’ Center 
for Veterinary Biologics ensures that all vet- 
erinary biologics produced in, or imported 
into, the United States are pure, safe, potent, 
and effective. Foreign manufacturers may 
only export such biologics to the United 
States by permit. 
To save importers time and streamline the 
application process, VS now allows importers 
to apply for animal product permits online. 
Importers can access the Import 
Authorization System at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ 
NCIE/fac_imp.html. Not only does the site 
allow importers to fill out a permit applica- 
tion online, but importers can also track the 
status of a pending application or amend a 
current application. Although importers still 
must apply for live animal permits and vet- 
erinary biologics permits by printing out a 
copy of their filled-in application forms and 
mailing them to VS, the agency is developing 
interactive forms that will enable importers 
to do all their permits entirely online. 
