Notice to Arriving Student Travelers: Help Protect Agricultural and Natural Resources

Plant Protection & Quarantine

November 2003

It takes only one piece of infested fruit or diseased meat carried into the United States by an unsuspecting traveler to introduce harmful pests or diseases such as Mediterranean fruit fly or foot–and–mouth disease. Please be aware that many agricultural products are prohibited from entering this country. The reason—they can harbor pests and diseases that could devastate U.S. crops, livestock, pets, and the environment. Failure to declare prohibited items could result in long delays, fines, and confiscation of the items. It’s easy to assure a hassle–free travel experience; just declare all agricultural products and leave prohibited products behind. For more information, check the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov.

It is also important to remember that there are restrictions on agricultural items sent through the mail. Be careful in requesting packages from home and inform friends and family to check before sending agricultural items. The APHIS Web site provides more information.

APHIS, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is an action–oriented agency that works with the workforce of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Border and Transportation Security’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, other Federal agencies, Congress, the States, agricultural interests, and the general public to carry out its
mission to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources.

APHIS’ mission is an integral part of USDA’s efforts to provide the Nation with safe and affordable food. Without APHIS protecting America's animal and plant resources from agricultural pests and diseases, threats to our food supply and to our Nation's economy would be enormous. Plant and animal pest and disease threats could cost billions of dollars in lost domestic and international markets annually, as well as have a huge impact on U.S. consumers. APHIS has aggressively worked to
prevent and respond to these situations with great success.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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