October 31, 11

NEWS / Chicago CBP Protects Agriculture, Reminds Wild Game Importers

Chicago – For Chicago Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at O’Hare International Airport, the chill of the fall season is synonymous with hunting season which brings an increase in the number of animal parts, products and wild game arriving in the air cargo and passenger environments. CBP would like to remind importers of animal parts and products, including wild game hunting trophies, of compliance with agriculture regulations.

Many shipments of animal parts and wild game originate from nations in Europe, Africa and Asia. Especially in October and November, animal hides, heads, skulls, antlers, and carcasses from exotic game such as warthogs and ibex, along with ducks and other birds arrive into O’Hare. CBP examines these items to prevent the entry of African swine fever, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, classical swine fever, exotic Newcastle disease, foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and swine vesicular disease, as well as ticks and mites.

“Our CBP agriculture specialists at O’Hare inspect animal parts and products that have been recently hunted and also those that arrive mounted and ready for display. The expertise of our agricultural specialists is unsurpassed in the examination of all agriculture imports to prevent pests and diseases from establishment in the U.S.,” said Chicago CBP Director of Field Operations David Murphy. “The pests and diseases that agricultural specialists have found in certain imported animals parts and products could spread to domestic animals in the U.S. Our job is to protect agriculture, keeping it safe for this country, but also to ensure our products are acceptable for export to other countries.”

All importers of animal parts and products must declare them and submit required documentation upon arrival. CBP agricultural specialists verify the type of animal and country of origin to determine the risk for the introduction of economically important livestock diseases. Depending on the species, origin, and degree of processing, some trophies may be required to be sent to taxidermist approved by U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services for further processing to mitigate the risk to the U.S. Approved taxidermists can be found by visiting the website and clicking on the link “Find an Approved Establishment.” ( APHIS Website )

International shipments of wildlife and wildlife products must also be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to verify legal movement and trade. For more information on agriculture regulations, visit the CBP website.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/10282011_4.xml

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