Cancellation of Requirement for Certification of Used Tire Casings from Asia Prior to Entry Into the United States

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cancellation of Requirement for Certification of Used Tire

Casings from Asia Prior to Entry Into the United States

AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of

Health and Human Services (DHHS).

ACTION: Notice of cancellation.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces cancellation of the requirement that all

used tire casings imported from Asia must be certified as dry, clean,

and free of insects.

DATES: August 6, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James E. Barrow (404) 639-8107; E-

mail [email protected]), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600

Clifton Rd., NE, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of

Quarantine, Mail Stop E-03, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Investigations conducted by CDC in 1986 established that Aedes

albopictus and other mosquito species were being imported into the

United States from Asia in used tire casings. Since these mosquitoes

have the potential to transmit certain viral diseases to humans, such

as dengue and other arboviruses including several that are native to

the Americas, their presence was considered a potential public health

threat. As of October 1, 1987, 15 states were known to be infested with

Aedes albopictus. Interstate trade in used tires was believed to be a

major factor in disseminating the species within the United States.

Consequently, effective January 1, 1988, under the authority of section

361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) and 42 CFR

71.32(c), CDC imposed a requirement that all used tire casings

originating from Asia must be certified as being dry, clean, and

disinsected. Specific measures for disinsection and certification were

defined in a Federal Register notice dated November 20, 1987 (52 FR

44836). In order to monitor compliance with the requirements, the CDC

Division of Quarantine conducted an energetic program of random

inspections, which showed large-scale noncompliance, even though

penalties were imposed. Despite these enforcement efforts, Aedes

albopictus has spread to 28 states, the approximate geographic limits

of its potential distribution in the United States. A recent CDC study

concluded that further colonization within those limits is inevitable.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control

Association in March 1998 (14:83-94), found that, because of the vast

size and distribution of the existing population, the number of

mosquitoes that could be introduced from overseas is insignificant.

Because of its exploitation of natural and artificial habitats, Aedes

albopictus is extremely difficult to control and should be considered a

permanently established species in the United States. In addition,

although it is capable of transmitting numerous viruses, there is to

date no evidence of any transmission to humans in the United States.

The effect of the present requirement is therefore negligible, and the

cost of the requirement, both to industry and government, can no longer

be justified. A proposal to rescind the requirement for certification

of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States

was published on April 12, 1999 (64 FR 17671-17672), and public

comments were sought for a thirty-(30) day period. While there is a

large number of potential responders who are engaged in public health

and mosquito abatement at the State and local level, only seven

comments were received. All expressed opposition to canceling the

certification requirement.

One commenter expressed a belief that the certification requirement

should be continued because it has contributed to success in managing

Asian mosquito populations in his location. In considering this

comment, we note that there is a large interstate traffic in tires from

infested sites that are not directly associated with imported

shipments, as well as the potential for interstate movement in any type

of conveyance or shipping container. Wherever Aedes

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albopictus is present, there is potential for their movement into other

areas having a climate that can support them.

Other commenters asked for continuance of the certification

requirement while observing that certification efforts came too late to

be effective. While Aedes albopictus was well established in many areas

long before it was first detected, control efforts were rapidly

initiated and energetically pursued once the presence of the species

was recognized. Since these measures were not effective in slowing

Aedes albopictus' establishment, it is not logical to argue for them to

be continued.

Other commenters suggested that continued certification could

prevent future importation of other species. We find no evidence in

support of this position.

Determination: The requirement for certification of used tire

casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States is canceled.

Dated: August 16, 1999.

Joseph R. Carter,

Associate Director for Management and Operation, Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC).

[FR Doc. 99-21636 Filed 8-19-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4160-18-P