The USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public input for possible updates to the agency's live animal export rules.
Current regulations include requirements for export certifications, tests, and treatments. In a written statement, APHIS said the proposed updates would remove many of those requirements and have individuals work to meet the specific import requirements of the country they are exporting the animal to. The statement said APHIS would retain certain export requirements considered necessary to ensure animals' health and welfare.
Under the proposed rules, animals intended for export must be accompanied by an export health certificate if the importing country requires one. Also, the pre-export livestock inspection would, under certain circumstances, be allowed to take place at facilities other than an inspection site at the port of embarkation. Finally, specific standards for export inspection facilities and ocean transport vessels would be replaced with performance standards.
Noelle R. Hayden, APHIS public affairs specialist, said the proposed rules would only pertain to animals intended for permanent export from the United States.