USDA - APHIS - Import

Live Animals

There are many different processes involved with importing different species of live animals into the United States. View the pages below to learn more about these processes, including the guidelines and regulations, permits and certification, and associated user fees.

For better service, importers (or other applicants seeking to import live animals, semen or embryos) may submit applications to the National Center for Import and Export via a dedicated email address:
VS-Live.Animals_Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov

*NEW* Online Submission Process for Live Animal Import Permits

Importers with an existing Level 2 eAuthentication can now access ePermits to create and submit a completed application (VS Form 17-129) for an import or transit permit for APHIS-regulated live animals and their germplasm (genetic resources). For instructions on how to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication authorization, and for additional information about electronic submissions, please go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/permits/

News Update

Schmallenberg Virus Restrictions for Imported Bovine Germplasm from the European Union (EU), or Countries Following EU Legislation

APHIS VS has placed additional restrictions on shipments of ruminant semen and embryos (germplasm) originating from the European Union (EU), and from countries that are not formally part of the EU but which follow EU legislation (see list below). These restrictions became effective February 21, 2012, and were placed to address the emergence of Schmallenberg virus in Europe. The virus, thought to be distributed by flying insects such as midges and possibly mosquitos, is not known to be present in the U.S., and has not been reported to be of human health concern. Infection with the virus causes transient disease in adult cattle, sheep and goats, resulting in production losses; but has also been associated with a high percentage of fetal malformations, abortions, dystocias and death of infected pregnant animals. No treatments or vaccines are currently are available, and testing is currently limited in nature.

Shipments of bovine germplasm collected in EU countries after June 1, 2011 are no longer eligible for importation to the U.S. To be eligible for importation, any consignments of bovine germplasm, originating from the countries listed below must include a statement on the official export health certificate that they were collected prior to June 1, 2011. All other APHIS import requirements continue to apply.

Importations of live ruminants from the EU are currently prohibited due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy there. Sheep and goat semen protocols are currently being negotiated with the EU, and will be revised to include similar restrictions for Schmallenberg virus. Cervid and camelid germplasm shipments are not affected by these additional restrictions for Schmallenberg virus. No restrictions have been placed by APHIS at this time on any ruminant products or by-products.

The countries affected by these restrictions are those currently making up the EU, or which follow EU legislation and allow unrestricted movement of live animals from the EU, and which include the following:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (including its Crown Dependencies). APHIS’ restrictions for Schmallenberg virus will continue until further notice, but may be revised as additional information becomes available.

*New Information Regarding the Newcastle and Avian Influenza Vaccination Status of Imported Shipments of Birds, Poultry or Eggs for Hatching*

Under an APHIS regulation that became effective January 24, 2011, live avians (and the flocks of origin for hatching eggs) that are imported into the U.S. may now be vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus). Vaccination against Newcastle disease is an elective option and is not a requirement for import. However, if importers elect to import avians (or hatching eggs from vaccinated flocks) that have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease, the vaccination must occur at least 21 days prior to importation, Vaccines containing velogenic strains of Newcastle disease may not be used. Regardless of vaccination status, live avians or hatching eggs must test negative for Newcastle disease (all strains) by a virus isolation test at the time of entry. Any shipments found to be positive for Newcastle disease by virus isolation will be refused entry into the United States.

Also under APHIS’ new regulations, avians (and flocks of origin for hatching eggs) may not be vaccinated against any H5 and H7 subtypes of avian influenza.

Health certificates that accompany imported live avian shipments must indicate that:

Birds or poultry were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian influenza.
The shipment will not transit through any regions where APHIS considers highly pathogenic avian influenza to exist, as listed here on this web page.
The birds or poultry have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus. OR:
Birds or poultry have not been vaccinated against Newcastle disease

The health certificates that accompany hatching egg shipments must indicate that:

Flocks of origin for the hatching eggs were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian influenza.
The shipment will not transit through any regions where APHIS considers highly pathogenic avian influenza to exist, as listed here on this web page.
The flocks of origin have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus. OR:
The flocks of origin have not been vaccinated against Newcastle disease.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions, or require further information related to imports or export of live animals, birds or germplasm, please contact National Center for Import and Export at 301-851-3300, or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.

Live Ruminants (pdf 98kb)

Questions and Answers for Ruminants Imported from Canada (pdf 41kb)

Birds

Birds Imported from Canada

Bird Leg Band Information

Commercial Birds

Import Procedures for Returning U.S. Origin Pet Birds

Live Poultry

Non US - Origin Pet Birds

Poultry Hatching Eggs

Protocol for The Importation of Avian Eggs for Research Purposes (pdf 25kb)

Ratites and Hatching Eggs of Ratites

Canine

Canine Semen and Embryos - Import requirements for canine semen and embryos from countries affected with foot-and-mouth disease.

Cattle and Other Ruminants

Addendum for Rest Stops for Breeding Cattle from the United States and Canada - May 2008 (pdf 24kb)

Cattle - Guidelines for the importation of cattle ruminants (except from Canada and Mexico) into the United States, including general requirements and necessary permits and certification.

Cattle from Canada (pdf 27kb)

Guidelines to Export Breeding Cattle from the United States and Canada to Mexico - May 2008 (pdf 28kb)

Protocol (Domestic Camelids from Canada) (pdf 18kb)

Protocol (Feeder bovines from Mexico) (pdf 80kb)

Protocol (Breeder bovines from Mexico) (pdf 45kb)

Protocol (Slaughter Cattle from Mexico) (pdf 64kb)

Model Health Certificate (Slaughter Cattle from Mexico) (pdf 1.50mb)

Questions and Answers Transit Canadian Bovines to Mexico (pdf 22kb)

Questions and Answers US Breeding Cattle to Mexico (pdf 20kb)

Transit Canadian Bovines to Mexico (pdf 28kb)

US Breeding Cattle to Mexico (pdf 21kb)

Equine