Importing Zoological Birds into the United States

• All zoo bird shipments, including those from Canada, must be accompanied by a USDA import permit.
• Importers should apply for an import permit online using the APHIS eFile system. This will help expedite the entire permitting process and enable users to track the status of their permits, confirm receipt, and easily renew or amend existing permits. For more information on import permit application, visit Animal Health Permits. 
• Alternatively, importers may submit a paper application using the VS Form 17-129 Application for Import or In Transit Permit (211.74 KB).
• Importers must submit the import permit application at least 7 business days prior to shipping zoo birds.
• The original import permit is valid for 30 days and must accompany all zoo bird shipments.
• The import permit may specify additional restrictions for zoo birds originating from or transiting regions affected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and/or Newcastle disease. 

• Zoo birds imported from any region of the world must be accompanied by a health certificate in English or with English translation that is:
  • Issued by a salaried veterinarian of the national government of the exporting region OR 
  • Issued by a certifying official AND 
  • Endorsed by the competent animal health authority of that country.
    
    Any allowable or required deviations of endorsement will be specified on the import permit.
• Some exporting countries have a specific health certificate for zoo birds. Other countries may use the U.S. model health certificate or their own document that contains the same information and requirements as the model health certificate. 
  • Canada: Avian-Zoo Birds-Canada (38.45 KB) -Health Certificate - May 2024
  • Other countries:  Avian-Zoo Birds-Model Health Certificate (306.92 KB)- May 2024

• Zoo birds requiring quarantine must be shipped directly to the U.S. port of entry closest to the intended quarantine facility.
• A USDA port veterinarian must inspect the zoo birds at the first U.S. port of entry, unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. import permit.
• The importer must arrange for this inspection at least 72 hours in advance by contacting the USDA port veterinarian, whose contact information is listed on the import permit.
• If the zoo birds are identified with a microchip, the importer must provide a reader capable of reading the microchip.
• The port veterinarian will visually inspect the shipment, export health certificate, and U.S. import permit. View user fee rates for inspection services.

• Zoo birds importing from areas of Canada that are not restricted due to HPAI or Newcastle disease, and that have not transited such areas, do not require quarantine unless they have been vaccinated against HPAI (H5 or H7). 
• Other zoo birds must undergo a minimum 30-day quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center or a USDA-approved private quarantine facility. The importing zoological park may request that USDA approve a private quarantine facility on zoo grounds that meets USDA standards for such facilities. The initial approval process for a private quarantine may take several months and must be completed before USDA will issue the import permit.
• Importers seeking to quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center should make reservations directly with the center of choice before the shipment arrives. 
• Birds are tested during quarantine to determine if they are free from certain communicable diseases. 
• The importer is responsible for all costs and fees associated with the import, including but not limited to costs and fees for port inspection, the quarantine stay, and laboratory testing during quarantine. 
• USDA will provide cost estimates for quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center and for USDA fees associated with quarantine at an approved private facility. View user fee rates.

For quarantine-related questions, contact one of the following USDA Animal Import Center quarantine facilities: