# Importation of Wild Turkey Carcasses > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A95-25014 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Proposed Rule - **Published:** October 10, 1995 - **Citation:** 60 FR 52635 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 94 [Docket No. 94-058-2] Importation of Wild Turkey Carcasses AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have allowed the carcasses of wild turkeys from countries where exotic Newcastle disease is considered to exist to be brought into the United States if the head, feet, and viscera of the wild turkeys had been removed. We are taking this action after considering the comments we received following the publication of the proposed rule. DATES: This withdrawal is effective October 10, 1995. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Gray, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Import/Export Products, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-7885. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On February 21, 1995, we published in the Federal Register (60 FR 9633-9634, Docket No. 94-058-1) a proposed rule to amend the regulations in 9 CFR part 94 to allow wild turkey carcasses from countries where exotic Newcastle disease is considered to exist to be brought into the United States if the head, feet, and viscera of the wild turkeys had been removed. We solicited comments on the proposed rule for 60 days ending on April 24, 1995. By the close of the comment period, we had received a total of five comments. The comments were submitted by representatives of the poultry industry and a university veterinarian. All of the commenters opposed the proposed rule. All five commenters believed that the proposed rule would adversely affect the poultry industry. Some commenters were concerned that raw carcasses that had the head, viscera, and feet removed would still harbor viable viruses. The commenters stated that the avian [[Page 52636]] influenza and Newcastle viruses still pose a threat in Mexico, and that these viruses could be present in improperly or inadequately dressed birds. Commenters also stated that wild turkeys killed by hunters could have internal or external fecal contamination as a result of damage caused by a bullet or an arrow passing through the bird, and pointed out that fecal shed of the avian influenza and Newcastle viruses has been documented. One commenter also suggested that the proposed change would encourage hunters to field dress their own game, rather than having the game dressed, cooked, and sealed by commercial services in the foreign country, which would increase the potential for contamination of the hunter's clothing and equipment with exotic disease agents. After considering all the comments we received, we have concluded that it is necessary to reexamine the disease risk issues associated with the importation into the United States of wild turkey carcasses. Therefore, we are withdrawing the February 21, 1995, proposed rule referenced above. The concerns and recommendations of all the commenters will be considered if any new proposed regulations regarding the importation of wild turkey carcasses are developed. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 147a, 150ee, 161, 162, and 450; 19 U.S.C. 1306; 21 U.S.C. 111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134f, 136, and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331, and 4332; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.51, and 371.2(d). Done in Washington, DC, this 3rd day of October 1995. Terry L. Medley, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 95-25014 Filed 10-6-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A95-25014. Public record. Not legal advice.