Importation of Animals and Animal Products

We are establishing procedures for recognizing regions, rather than only countries, for the purpose of the importation of animals and animal products into the United States. We are also establishing procedures by which regions may request permission to export animals and animal products to the United States under specified conditions, based on the regions' disease status. These changes to the regulations are in accordance with international trade agreements entered into by the United States. We are also allowing, under certain conditions, the unloading and reloading at the port of arrival of meat and other animal products otherwise prohibited entry into the United States. This change is warranted because it removes unnecessary restrictions on the transiting of meat and other animal products through the United States, without increasing the likelihood that the meat or other products will introduce diseases of livestock or poultry. Additionally, we are removing the requirement that cattle from Canada be tested for brucellosis before being imported into the United States. This change is warranted because the risk that cattle imported from Canada will be infected with brucellosis is slight. We are also making other minor changes in our requirements for importing animals and animal products that will relieve some import restrictions while continuing to protect U.S. livestock and poultry from foreign animal diseases.