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What is the federal regulation that governs the importation of etiologic agents?
What is the federal regulation that governs the importation of etiologic agents? The importation of etiologic agents is governed by the following federal regulation: USPHS 42 CFR - Part 71 Foreign Quarantine. Part 71.54 Etiologic agents, hosts, and vectors. (a) A person may not import into the United States, nor distribute after importation, any etiologic agent or any arthropod or other animal host or vector of human disease, or any exotic living arthropod or other animal capable of being a host or vector of human disease unless accompanied by a permit issued by the Director. (b) Any import coming within the provisions of this section will not be released from custody prior to receipt by the District Director of U.S. Customs Service of a permit issued by the Director (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Thus, any etiological agent, host, or vector of human disease that is imported into the United States must be accompanied by a CDC import permit. What requires a CDC import permit? Etiologic agents - It is impractical to list all etiologic agents, but it is any infectious agent known or suspected to cause disease in humans. Biological materials- Unsterilized specimens of human and animal tissues (such as blood, body discharges, fluids, excretions or similar material) that contain human pathogens Specimens of human and animal tissues (such as blood, body discharges, fluids, excretions or similar material) that have not been rendered non-infectious or are suspected to contain human pathogens Hosts and Vectors- Animals-any animal known or suspected of being infected with an organism capable of causing disease in humans Bats-all live bats Arthropods-Any living insect or other arthropod that is known or suspected of containing a human pathogen Snails-Snail species capable of transmitting a human pathogen Non-human primate trophies, skins or skulls - Any non-human primate trophy, skin, or skull that has not been fully taxidermied or treated so that it is non-infectious. Is a CDC import permit required for further distribution after importation of etiologic agents, hosts, or vectors (excluding live bats)? Once a CDC import permit is issued for the importation of material covered by 42 CFR 71.54, a separate import permit is not required for subsequent distribution of that imported material unless Section 5 of the CDC Import Permit is specifically marked to prohibit further distribution. The transfer of a select agent or toxin must be authorized by the either the CDC or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Select Agent Programs prior to a transfer. A select agent or toxin can only be transferred under the conditions proscribed in the Select Agent Regulations (7 CFR part 331, 9 CFR part 121, and 42 CFR part 73). In addition, a Veterinary Permit for Importation and Transportation of Controlled Materials and Organisms and Vectors issued by APHIS may be required prior to the interstate movement of materials related to animals or plants. Where can I obtain an application? The applications to Import or Transport Etiologic Agents, Hosts, or Vectors of Human Disease and to Import or Transport Live Bats are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/importApplicationForms.htm You may also directly contact our office via phone at 404-718-2077 or by facsimile at 404-718-2093 to obtain an application package. To import or transport non-human primate trophies, skins or skulls, individuals would use the application for permit to Import or Transport Etiologic Agents, Hosts, or Vectors of Human Disease which are available at http://www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/importApplicationForms.htm. The Guidance for importation of Non-Human Primate Trophies is available at: www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/primateTrophies.htm. How should import permit applications be submitted? The applications for the CDC import permit may be submitted through mail or fax using the following information. It is not necessary to submit a permit application through both mail and fax. The contact information for CDC Import Permit Program is following: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop A-46 Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: 404-718-2077 FAX: 404-718-2093 Please allow at least 15 working days to process import permit applications, renewals and modifications before inquiring about the status of your permit request. Import permit applications, renewals and modifications are processed in the order they are received. Incomplete or illegible applications will result in significant delays and/or denial of a permit. How long is the CDC import permit valid once it has been issued? There are two types of import permits that are issued to importers requesting to import and transport etiologic agents, hosts, or vectors of human disease:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA,
http://www.aphis.usda.gov
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