CDC temporary dog import restrictions
10 AIRPORT VOICE, JULY 2021
International Rabies concerns initiate action
Letter to the Editor
China Rescue Dogs and our coalition of almost
100 rescue organizations across the country
are requesting an exemption for 501(c)(3) rescues
from the recent U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) suspension of
dogs entering the U.S. from countries classified
as high risk for rabies.
The suspension states that effective July 14,
2021, dogs imported from 113 countries which
present a high risk of spreading the canine rabies
virus variant (CRVV) may not enter the U.S. for a
period of at least one year.
The CDC claims that this emergency action
is the result of an increase over the last year
of incomplete, inadequate, or fraudulent rabies
certificates presented upon entry to Customs
and Border Patrol (CBP). No one, least of
all non-profits that rescue dogs, disputes the
importance of ensuring that dogs with rabies
do not enter the United States. However, the
CDC’s solution is heavy-handed, tremendously
overreaching, and inhumane. There are many
responsible organizations that go above and
beyond governmental requirements to help ensure
the health and well-being of the dogs we
rescue and the adopters we serve.
501(c)(3) rescues such as ours ensure the
dogs they import enter the U.S. with USDAAPHIS
issued Import Permits, which require a
valid rabies certificate and a health certificate attesting
to the age and good health of the dog. The
permit also requires that the dog has been vaccinated
against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis,
parvovirus and parainfluenza virus (“DHLPP”).
This paperwork is thoroughly reviewed and verified
by the USDA and Customs Brokers, are uploaded
to the CBP system for CDC review, and
are reviewed a final time upon landing by CBP.
Thus, three government agencies review the
documentation before the dog can enter the U.S.
China Rescue Dogs and our coalition requests
that the CDC include an exemption to
the suspension for all 501©(3) rescue organizations,
such as themselves, who have continually
worked in partnership with the government by
only importing dogs with a USDA-APHIS issued
Import Permit, with the involvement of CBP, ensuring
the validity and completeness of required
rabies certificates.
Failure to provide an exemption would mean
companies seeking to profit off the sale and/or
exploitation of dogs will benefit, while non-profits
that rescue abused, abandoned, homeless dogs,
many of which are destined for the dog meat
trade, will suffer.
Jill Stewart
Founder & President
China Rescue Dogs
The CDC dog import restriction was previously announced
went into effect July 14 and there was information that “significant”
changes were forthcoming. Based on the release of July
11, there are no changes except that CDC has created a detailed
sheet of procedures for those handling dogs at U.S. airports
which the CBP has shared recently in their quarterly Brokers
meeting.
This restriction of import dogs based on the CDC view that
rabies is a potentially dangerous sickness if entering the U.S. by
dogs has left many pet owners, and animal, especially dog, rescue
organizations in a frustrated and perplexed position.
This very restrictive change to the current CDC rules has
also impacted the brokers, CDC and cargo handling companies
throughout the U.S. with these strict and severs set of rules that
must be meticulously followed. Animal rights and rescue organizations
understand the need for health measures and two that
work out of NY comply with examinations and shots before importation.
There have not been any rabies from animals brought
in from these groups.
The Ark at JFK also works with these organizations and provides
check-up when they arrive. So these groups feel they should
be able to apply for exemptions. So far, the CDC says “No.”
Specific Rules
From July 14 through October 14, 2021, dogs coming from
high-risk countries with CDC Dog Import Permits can enter the
United States at one of these 18 airports: Anchorage, Atlanta,
Boston, Chicago (ORD), Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (JFK), Newark, Philadelphia,
San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, and Washington, DC
(Dulles).
After October 14, dogs coming from high-risk countries with
CDC Dog Import Permits must enter only at approved ports of
entry.
See Federal Register here: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/
bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.
html
Following is an overview of FAQs:
Why is CDC taking this action? To ensure the health and
safety of dogs imported into the U.S., to protect the public’s health
against the reintroduction of canine rabies virus variant, and to
decrease attempts to import inadequately vaccinated dogs.
Which countries does this affect? If a dog is coming from or
has spent time in any of these countries in the last 6 months, they
will not be allowed entry into the U.S.
How long will the suspension last? CDC will review the suspension
periodically and share updates.
Are there exceptions where a dog from a high-risk country can
enter the U.S? Yes, but only by obtaining a CDC import permit
before arrival.
CDC Dog Import Permits are granted on an extremely limited
case-by-case basis.
No permits will be issued upon arrival.
Importers must submit requests for advance written approval
to cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov at least 30 business days (6
weeks) before planned travel to the U.S. Submitting an application
does not guarantee approval, and no appeals will be heard
from denied permit applications.
A permit can only be obtained in specific situations. See FAQs,
and we’ll also cover this in our training to the branch (see below).
Dogs with a CDC Import Permit must enter the U.S. through
a POE with a CBP-bonded live animal care facility with a FIRMS
code. (A FIRMS code is a four-digit identifier assigned to POE).
Currently, the only approved POE is JFK.
In what situations will dogs get denied entry?
If the dog does not have a valid CDC permit OR If the dog
arrives with a permit, but at a non-approved POE OR If the dog
does not match the permit presented upon arrival
What happens if a dog from a high-risk country presents at a
POE without a permit?
Dogs without a permit will be denied entry and returned to the
country of departure at the owner’s expense.
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