Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 92

[Docket No. 91-071-1]

Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the animal importation regulations

to prohibit the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United

States from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Additionally,

we are proposing to impose certain restrictions on the importation of

hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States from countries declared

free of foot-and-mouth disease. We believe these actions are necessary

to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease and other

communicable animal diseases into the United States.

DATES: Consideration will be given only to comments received on or

before July 10, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comments to

Docket No. 91-071-1, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Policy

and Program Development, Regulatory Analysis and Development, 4700

River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your

comments refer to Docket No. 91-071-1. Comments received may be

inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and

Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect

comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate

entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Keith Hand, Senior Staff

Veterinarian, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary

Services, Import-Export Animals Staff, 4700 River Road Unit 39,

Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-5097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The animal importation regulations (contained in 9 CFR part 92 and

referred to below as the regulations) prohibit or restrict the

importation of certain animals and birds into the United States to

prevent the introduction of communicable diseases of livestock and

poultry. Subpart G of part 92 prohibits the importation of brushtail

possums and hedgehogs from New Zealand.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral

disease of cloven-footed animals, causing fever and blisters in the

mouth and around the hoofs. These blisters result in loss of weight,

due to the animal's inability to eat; the blisters may permanently

deform the animal's feet. The high morbidity rate of cattle affected

with FMD results in severe production losses, highlighting the economic

importance of this disease. Estimates indicate that an outbreak of FMD

in the United States could cost in excess of $1 billion.

Published research obtained by the Animal and Plant Health

Inspection Service (APHIS) indicates that certain animals of the order

Insectivora, including the family Erinaceidae (hedgehogs), may harbor

the FMD virus. Animals of the family Tenrecidae (tenrecs) are often

referred to as the Madagascar hedgehog, and are similar to hedgehogs in

appearance and behavior. Given these similarities, we believe tenrecs

may also be capable of harboring this virus and transmitting it to

other animals. Currently, there are no tests or treatments for FMD in

hedgehogs or tenrecs. Therefore, we are proposing to amend part 92 to

prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs into the United

States from countries where FMD exists to prevent the introduction of

FMD into the United States.

Further, research and APHIS' experience with hedgehogs and tenrecs

indicates that these animals present a significant risk of carrying

ectoparasites (for example, ticks, mites, and lice). Certain ticks

spread East coast fever, heartwater, African swine fever, and other

exotic diseases of livestock. Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are hosts to

the type of ticks that carry these diseases, which do not exist in the

United States. Therefore, we also propose to amend part 92 to impose

certain restrictions on the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs from

countries declared free of FMD, including requirements for inspection

and treatment for ectoparasites. [[Page 24581]]

The proposed amendments to part 92 concerning hedgehogs and tenrecs

would be placed in subpart G. Specific provisions are discussed below.

Definitions

Section 92.700 provides definitions for the convenience of the

public. We are proposing to add the following terms: ``Administrator,''

``Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,'' ``Delivery,''

``Enter,'' ``Import,'' ``Inspector,'' ``Person,'' and ``Tenrec.'' These

definitions are provided for informational purposes and, for certain

terms, consistency with the same definitions found elsewhere in the

regulations.

Prohibitions

Section 92.701 prohibits the importation of brushtail possums and

hedgehogs from New Zealand into the United States. We are proposing to

amend this section to add a provision prohibiting the importation of

hedgehogs and tenrecs from any country where FMD exists. This

prohibition appears to be necessary to help prevent the introduction of

FMD into the United States.

Restrictions

We propose to add a new Sec. 92.702 to provide that hedgehogs and

tenrecs not prohibited from importation under Sec. 92.701 may not be

imported into the United States unless they meet the provisions of

subpart G.

Ports of Entry

Proposed Sec. 92.703 designates ports through which hedgehogs or

tenrecs from countries declared free of FMD may be imported into the

United States. Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(1) lists the following air and

ocean ports: Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and Los Angeles,

CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and

Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA;

Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Great Falls,

MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston and Houston,

TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.

Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(2) lists the following Canadian border

ports: Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and

Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria

Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND;

Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, Lynden, Oroville, and

Sumas, WA.

Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(3) lists the following Mexican border

ports: Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico and

San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus, NM; and Brownsville,

Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, and El Paso, TX.

Proposed Sec. 92.703(b) provides for special instances when other

ports may need to be designated for importation. In special cases, the

Administrator may designate, with the Secretary of the Treasury's

agreement, other ports as inspection stations under this section.

These ports have adequate facilities for inspection of the

hedgehogs and tenrecs and could ensure the availability of inspectors

to perform the necessary services.

Import Permit

Proposed Sec. 92.704(a) provides general requirements for the

importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States. These

requirements include accompaniment by an import permit; importation

within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import

permit; and notification to the APHIS inspector, at the address or

telephone number provided on the import permit, of the date of arrival

at least 72 hours before the hedgehogs or tenrecs arrive in the United

States. These time periods would allow APHIS sufficient time to plan

for the animals' arrival and to arrange for inspection of the hedgehogs

or tenrecs. The import permit would help ensure that the requirements

for importing hedgehogs or tenrecs are understood and met by the

importer.

Proposed Sec. 92.704(b) provides information on how to obtain an

import permit. Applications for import permits may be obtained from the

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services,

National Center for Import and Export, Import/Export Animals Staff,

4700 River Road Unit 39, Maryland 20737-1231. This proposed section

requires any person desiring to import hedgehogs or tenrecs into the

United States to complete and submit one copy of an application (VS

Form 17-129) for an import permit to the above address. An application

for an import permit must be submitted for each shipment of hedgehogs

or tenrecs.

Proposed Sec. 92.704(c) specifies what information to include on

the application for an import permit. It requires the application to

include the name and address of the shipper in the country of origin;

the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the importer and the

person intending to take delivery of the hedgehogs or tenrecs in the

United States; the ports of embarkation and arrival; the country from

which the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be shipped to the United States;

the mode of transportation (airplane, boat, car, etc.) to be used to

ship the hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States; the number, breed,

species, and descriptions (sex; age; registered name and number, if

any; tattoo, if any; tag number, if any; other markings) of the

hedgehogs or tenrecs to be imported; the purpose of the importation;

the route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute; the proposed

shipping and arrival dates; the location of the place where delivery of

the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be made in the United States (from the

port of arrival); and any remarks the importer may wish to make

regarding the shipment. The information required for completion of an

application would help APHIS to determine whether the animals appear

eligible for importation, to respond to an applicant, to identify the

animals at the port of entry, to ensure that inspectors and facilities

are available for inspection in the United States, and to contact

appropriate persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.

Proposed Sec. 92.704(d) explains what happens after we receive and

review the application for an import permit. This proposed section

provides that if the hedgehogs or tenrecs appear eligible to be

imported, an import permit will be issued. This section also specifies

that an import permit does not guarantee that any hedgehogs or tenrecs

will be allowed entry into the United States; the hedgehogs or tenrecs

will be allowed to enter the United States only if they meet all

applicable requirements of subpart G. The requirements of this proposed

section appear necessary to help prevent the introduction of

communicable animal diseases into the United States.

Health Certificate

Proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires that a health certificate

accompany all hedgehogs or tenrecs offered for entry into the United

States. Additionally, this proposed section requires that the health

certificate be issued by a full-time salaried veterinary officer of the

national government of the exporting country, or issued by a

veterinarian authorized or accredited by the national government of the

exporting country and endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinary

officer of the national government of that country. These requirements

would help ensure that the veterinarian who issues the health

certificate is authorized to do so. This proposed section also requires

that the health certificate contain the names and street addresses of

the consignor and [[Page 24582]] consignee. The names and addresses of

the consignor and consignee would allow APHIS to contact appropriate

persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.

Further, proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires specific information and

certifications to be included on the health certificate. Paragraphs

(a)(1) through (a)(7) of proposed Sec. 92.705 provide that the

veterinarian issuing the health certificate must certify on the health

certificate that--(1) The hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country

that has been declared free of FMD; (2) the hedgehog or tenrec has

never been in a country where FMD exists; (3) the hedgehog or tenrec

has not been commingled with any other hedgehog or tenrec that

originated in or has ever been in a country where FMD exists; (4) the

hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual issuing the health

certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites not more than 72

hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance which transported

the animal to the United States; (5) all body surfaces of the hedgehog

or tenrec were treated for ectoparasites under the supervision of the

veterinarian issuing the health certificate at least 3 days but not

more than 14 days before being loaded on the means of conveyance that

transported the animal to the United States; (6) the pesticide and the

concentration used was adequate to kill the types of ectoparasites

likely to infest the animal to be imported; and (7) the hedgehog or

tenrec, after being treated for ectoparasites in accordance with

paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of proposed Sec. 92.705, had physical

contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding materials only with,

treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment to the United States.

Proposed Sec. 92.705(a)(8) requires that the health certificate contain

the name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the hedgehog

or tenrec.

The health certificate would help APHIS personnel at the port of

entry determine if the animals offered for entry into the United States

meet the requirements set forth in subpart G. The inspection and

treatment, as certified on the health certificate, would help ensure

that the animals are free of ectoparasites when they are shipped to the

United States. The timing of the treatment (at least 3 days but no more

than 14 days before loading on the means of conveyance for shipment to

the United States) would minimize the chances of reinfestation by

placing treatment as close to shipment as possible. Allowing the

hedgehogs or tenrecs to have physical contact only with, or share a pen

or bedding materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the

same shipment to the United States would further reduce the chances of

reinfestation.

Notice of Arrival and Inspection

Proposed Sec. 92.706 requires that, upon the arrival of a hedgehog

or tenrec at the port of first arrival in the United States, the

importer or the importer's agent must present the import permits and

health certificates to the collector of customs for the use of the

APHIS inspector at that port. This proposed requirement appears

necessary not only to make APHIS aware of the arrival of the animals in

the United States, but also to ensure that the hedgehogs or tenrecs are

eligible for importation.

Proposed Sec. 92.707(a) requires inspection of the hedgehogs or

tenrecs by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. This

proposed section provides that hedgehogs or tenrecs may enter the

United States subject to the provisions of subpart G only if each

hedgehog or tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and

any clinical signs of communicable diseases.

Proposed Sec. 92.707(b) provides that any shipment of hedgehogs or

tenrecs found infested with ectoparasites, or demonstrating clinical

signs of any communicable disease, will be refused entry into the

United States. This proposed section also provides that the importer be

given the option of removing the shipment from the United States or of

releasing the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for

disposal. In the latter case, this proposed section provides that the

Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as

necessary to prevent the possible introduction of communicable animal

diseases into the United States.

All these requirements appear necessary to help prevent the

introduction of communicable animal diseases into the United States.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866.

This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of

Executive Order 12866, and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the

Office of Management and Budget.

This document proposes to amend the animal import regulations to

prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs from countries

affected with FMD. Additionally, it would require hedgehogs and tenrecs

from countries that have been declared free of FMD to be inspected and

treated for ectoparasites in the country of origin and to be inspected

upon arrival in the United States.

At present, approximately 3 to 10 small businesses in the United

States import hedgehogs or tenrecs or both. These businesses specialize

in the importation of exotic species for the domestic pet industry.

Animal importers pay less than $75 per head to purchase and transport

individual hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States. In the present

market, adult hedgehogs or tenrecs sell for an estimated retail range

of approximately $120 to $360 each, depending upon age and species.

During calendar year 1990, approximately 500 to 800 hedgehogs entered

the United States from countries affected by FMD. Almost all of the

hedgehogs imported into the United States were imported from Africa.

Although we do not have information regarding the number of tenrecs

imported into the United States in 1990, we believe that the number of

imported tenrecs did not exceed the number of imported hedgehogs. Based

upon those figures, we estimate an annual economic impact on the United

States exotic pet industry of between $60,000 ($120 x 500) to $288,000

($360 x 800) due to reduced sales. This loss in sales represents a

negligible impact for an industry with sales that exceeded $300 million

during calendar year 1990.

Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action would

not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small

entities.

Executive Order 12778

This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778,

Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State

and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule

will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this

rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before

parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C.

3501 et seq.), the information collection or recordkeeping requirements

included in this proposed rule will be submitted for approval to the

Office of Management and Budget. Please send written comments to the

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk

Officer for APHIS, Washington, DC 20503. Please send a copy of your

comments to: (1) Docket No. 91-071-1, [[Page 24583]] Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service, Policy and Program Development, Regulatory

Analysis and Development, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD

20737-1238, and (2) Clearance Officer, OIRM, USDA, room 404-W, 14th

Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 92

Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Poultry and poultry products,

Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

PART 92--IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS AND POULTRY AND CERTAIN

ANIMAL AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; INSPECTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR

CERTAIN MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS THEREON

Accordingly, 9 CFR part 92 would be amended as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 92 would continue to read as

follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 19 U.S.C. 1306; 21 U.S.C. 102-105,

111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134f, 135, 136, and 136a; 31

U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.51, and 371.2(d).

2. In part 92, subpart G would be revised to read as follows:

Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals

Sec.

92.700 Definitions.

92.701 Prohibitions.

92.702 Restrictions.

92.703 Ports designated for importation.

92.704 Import permit.

92.705 Health certificate.

92.706 Notification of arrival.

92.707 Inspection at the port of first arrival.

Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals

Sec. 92.700 Definitions.

Wherever in this subpart the following terms are used, unless the

context otherwise requires, they shall be construed, respectively, to

mean:

Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health

Inspection Service or any other employee of the Animal and Plant Health

Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, delegated

to act in the Administrator's stead.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of

Agriculture (APHIS).

Brushtail possum. Vulpine phalangers (Trichosurus vulpecula) of the

family Phalangeridae.

Delivery. The transfer of goods or interest in goods from one

person to another.

Enter (entry). To introduce into the commerce of the United States

after release from government detention.

Hedgehog. All members of the family Erinaceidae.

Import (imported, importation). To bring into the territorial

limits of the United States.

Inspector. An employee of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service authorized to perform duties required under this subpart.

Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm,

partnership, society, or joint stock company.

Tenrec. All members of the family Tenrecidae.

United States. All of the States of the United States, the District

of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the

Virgin Islands of the United States, and all other territories and

possessions of the United States.

Sec. 92.701 Prohibitions.

(a) No person may import a hedgehog or tenrec into the United

States from any country designated in Sec. 94.1 of this chapter as a

country where foot-and-mouth disease exists.

(b) No person may import a brushtail possum or hedgehog into the

United States from New Zealand.

Sec. 92.702 Restrictions.

Hedgehogs and tenrecs not specifically prohibited from being

imported under Sec. 92.701 may not be imported into the United States

except according to the regulations in this subpart.

Sec. 92.703 Ports designated for importation.

(a) Any person importing a hedgehog or tenrec into the United

States may import it, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this

section, only through the following ports:

(1) Air and ocean ports. Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and

Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-

Clearwater, and Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New

Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN;

Great Falls, MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston

and Houston, TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.

(2) Canadian border ports. Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME;

Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and

Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith,

Pembina, and Portal, ND; Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine,

Lynden, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.

(3) Mexican border ports. Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San

Luis, AZ; Calexico and San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus,

NM; and Brownsville, Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio,

and El Paso, TX.

(b) The Secretary of the Treasury has approved the designation, as

inspection stations, of the ports specified in paragraph (a) of this

section. In special cases, the Administrator may designate other ports

as inspection stations in accordance with this section, with the

concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury.

Sec. 92.704 Import permit.

(a) General requirements. No person may import into the United

States a hedgehog or tenrec unless it is accompanied by an import

permit issued by APHIS and is imported into the United States within 30

days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit.

The importer or his or her agent must notify the inspector at the port

of first arrival of the date of arrival at least 72 hours before the

hedgehog or tenrec arrives in the United States.

(b) How to obtain an import permit. Any person who desires to

import a hedgehog or tenrec must complete and submit one copy of an

application (VS Form 17-129) for an import permit to the Import-Export

Animals Staff, National Center for Import-Export, Veterinary Services,

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of

Agriculture, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1231.

This staff will supply application forms for import permits upon

request. A separate application must be prepared for each shipment.

(c) What to include on the application for an import permit. The

importer must complete, sign, and date the application for an import

permit, which must include the following information:

(1) The name and address of the shipper in the country of origin of

the hedgehog or tenrec intended for importation into the United States.

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the importer.

(3) The port of embarkation.

(4) The country from which the hedgehog or tenrec will be shipped

to the United States.

(5) The mode of transportation.

(6) The number, breed, species, and descriptions of the hedgehogs

or tenrecs to be imported.

(7) The purpose of the importation.

(8) The route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute.

(9) The proposed shipping and arrival dates.

(10) The port of first arrival in the United

States. [[Page 24584]]

(11) The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the person

to whom the hedgehog or tenrec will be delivered in the United States.

(12) The location of the place where delivery will be made in the

United States.

(13) Any remarks regarding the shipment.

(d) What will happen to the application for an import permit. Upon

receipt of the application, APHIS will review the application. If the

hedgehog or tenrec appears to be eligible to be imported into the

United States, APHIS will issue an import permit indicating the

applicable requirements under this subpart for the importation of the

hedgehog or tenrec. Even though an import permit has been issued for

the importation of a hedgehog or tenrec, the animal may enter the

United States only if all applicable requirements of this subpart have

been met.

Sec. 92.705 Health certificate.

A hedgehog or tenrec may not be imported into the United States

unless accompanied by a health certificate either issued by a full-time

salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the exporting

country, or issued by a veterinarian authorized or accredited by the

national government of the exporting country and endorsed by a full-

time salaried veterinary officer of the national government of that

country. The health certificate must contain the names and street

addresses of the consignor and consignee and must state:

(a) That the hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country that has

been recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease by the USDA;

(b) That the hedgehog or tenrec has never been in a country where

foot-and-mouth disease exists;

(c) That the hedgehog or tenrec has not been commingled with any

other hedgehog or tenrec that originated in or has ever been in a

country where foot-and-mouth disease exists;

(d) That the hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual

issuing the health certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites

not more than 72 hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance

which transported the animal to the United States;

(e) That all body surfaces of the hedgehog or tenrec were treated

for ectoparasites under the supervision of the veterinarian issuing the

health certificate at least 3 days but not more than 14 days before

being loaded on the means of conveyance that transported the animal to

the United States;

(f) That the pesticide and the concentration used was adequate to

kill the types of ectoparasites likely to infest the animal to be

imported;

(g) That the hedgehog or tenrec, after being treated for

ectoparasites in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this

section, had physical contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding

materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment

to the United States; and

(h) The name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the

hedgehog or tenrec.

Sec. 92.706 Notification of arrival.

Upon the arrival of a hedgehog or tenrec at the port of first

arrival in the United States, the importer or his or her agent must

present the import permits and health certificates required by this

subpart to the collector of customs for the use of the inspector at

that port.

Sec. 92.707 Inspection at the port of first arrival.

(a) A hedgehog or tenrec from any part of the world must be

inspected by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. Subject

to the other provisions in this subpart, a shipment of hedgehogs or

tenrecs may enter into the United States only if each hedgehog or

tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and any clinical

signs of communicable diseases.

(b) If any hedgehog or tenrec in a shipment is found to be infested

with ectoparasites or demonstrates any clinical signs of communicable

diseases, then the entire shipment will be refused entry. The importer

will be given the following options:

(1) Remove the shipment from the United States; or

(2) Release the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The

Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as

necessary to prevent the possible introduction into the United States

of communicable animal diseases.

Done in Washington, DC, this 27th day of April 1995.

Lonnie J. King,

Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

[FR Doc. 95-11374 Filed 5-8-95; 8:45 am]

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