[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24580-24584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-11374]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 92

[Docket No. 91-071-1]


Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the animal importation regulations 
to prohibit the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United 
States from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Additionally, 
we are proposing to impose certain restrictions on the importation of 
hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States from countries declared 
free of foot-and-mouth disease. We believe these actions are necessary 
to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease and other 
communicable animal diseases into the United States.

DATES: Consideration will be given only to comments received on or 
before July 10, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comments to 
Docket No. 91-071-1, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Policy 
and Program Development, Regulatory Analysis and Development, 4700 
River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your 
comments refer to Docket No. 91-071-1. Comments received may be 
inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect 
comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate 
entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Keith Hand, Senior Staff 
Veterinarian, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary 
Services, Import-Export Animals Staff, 4700 River Road Unit 39, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-5097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The animal importation regulations (contained in 9 CFR part 92 and 
referred to below as the regulations) prohibit or restrict the 
importation of certain animals and birds into the United States to 
prevent the introduction of communicable diseases of livestock and 
poultry. Subpart G of part 92 prohibits the importation of brushtail 
possums and hedgehogs from New Zealand.
    Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral 
disease of cloven-footed animals, causing fever and blisters in the 
mouth and around the hoofs. These blisters result in loss of weight, 
due to the animal's inability to eat; the blisters may permanently 
deform the animal's feet. The high morbidity rate of cattle affected 
with FMD results in severe production losses, highlighting the economic 
importance of this disease. Estimates indicate that an outbreak of FMD 
in the United States could cost in excess of $1 billion.
    Published research obtained by the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS) indicates that certain animals of the order 
Insectivora, including the family Erinaceidae (hedgehogs), may harbor 
the FMD virus. Animals of the family Tenrecidae (tenrecs) are often 
referred to as the Madagascar hedgehog, and are similar to hedgehogs in 
appearance and behavior. Given these similarities, we believe tenrecs 
may also be capable of harboring this virus and transmitting it to 
other animals. Currently, there are no tests or treatments for FMD in 
hedgehogs or tenrecs. Therefore, we are proposing to amend part 92 to 
prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs into the United 
States from countries where FMD exists to prevent the introduction of 
FMD into the United States.
    Further, research and APHIS' experience with hedgehogs and tenrecs 
indicates that these animals present a significant risk of carrying 
ectoparasites (for example, ticks, mites, and lice). Certain ticks 
spread East coast fever, heartwater, African swine fever, and other 
exotic diseases of livestock. Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are hosts to 
the type of ticks that carry these diseases, which do not exist in the 
United States. Therefore, we also propose to amend part 92 to impose 
certain restrictions on the importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs from 
countries declared free of FMD, including requirements for inspection 
and treatment for ectoparasites. [[Page 24581]] 
    The proposed amendments to part 92 concerning hedgehogs and tenrecs 
would be placed in subpart G. Specific provisions are discussed below.

Definitions

    Section 92.700 provides definitions for the convenience of the 
public. We are proposing to add the following terms: ``Administrator,'' 
``Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,'' ``Delivery,'' 
``Enter,'' ``Import,'' ``Inspector,'' ``Person,'' and ``Tenrec.'' These 
definitions are provided for informational purposes and, for certain 
terms, consistency with the same definitions found elsewhere in the 
regulations.

Prohibitions

    Section 92.701 prohibits the importation of brushtail possums and 
hedgehogs from New Zealand into the United States. We are proposing to 
amend this section to add a provision prohibiting the importation of 
hedgehogs and tenrecs from any country where FMD exists. This 
prohibition appears to be necessary to help prevent the introduction of 
FMD into the United States.

Restrictions

    We propose to add a new Sec. 92.702 to provide that hedgehogs and 
tenrecs not prohibited from importation under Sec. 92.701 may not be 
imported into the United States unless they meet the provisions of 
subpart G.

Ports of Entry

    Proposed Sec. 92.703 designates ports through which hedgehogs or 
tenrecs from countries declared free of FMD may be imported into the 
United States. Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(1) lists the following air and 
ocean ports: Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and Los Angeles, 
CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and 
Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; 
Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Great Falls, 
MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston and Houston, 
TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.
    Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(2) lists the following Canadian border 
ports: Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and 
Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria 
Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; 
Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, Lynden, Oroville, and 
Sumas, WA.
    Proposed Sec. 92.703(a)(3) lists the following Mexican border 
ports: Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico and 
San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus, NM; and Brownsville, 
Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, and El Paso, TX.
    Proposed Sec. 92.703(b) provides for special instances when other 
ports may need to be designated for importation. In special cases, the 
Administrator may designate, with the Secretary of the Treasury's 
agreement, other ports as inspection stations under this section.
    These ports have adequate facilities for inspection of the 
hedgehogs and tenrecs and could ensure the availability of inspectors 
to perform the necessary services.

Import Permit

    Proposed Sec. 92.704(a) provides general requirements for the 
importation of hedgehogs or tenrecs into the United States. These 
requirements include accompaniment by an import permit; importation 
within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import 
permit; and notification to the APHIS inspector, at the address or 
telephone number provided on the import permit, of the date of arrival 
at least 72 hours before the hedgehogs or tenrecs arrive in the United 
States. These time periods would allow APHIS sufficient time to plan 
for the animals' arrival and to arrange for inspection of the hedgehogs 
or tenrecs. The import permit would help ensure that the requirements 
for importing hedgehogs or tenrecs are understood and met by the 
importer.
    Proposed Sec. 92.704(b) provides information on how to obtain an 
import permit. Applications for import permits may be obtained from the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, 
National Center for Import and Export, Import/Export Animals Staff, 
4700 River Road Unit 39, Maryland 20737-1231. This proposed section 
requires any person desiring to import hedgehogs or tenrecs into the 
United States to complete and submit one copy of an application (VS 
Form 17-129) for an import permit to the above address. An application 
for an import permit must be submitted for each shipment of hedgehogs 
or tenrecs.
    Proposed Sec. 92.704(c) specifies what information to include on 
the application for an import permit. It requires the application to 
include the name and address of the shipper in the country of origin; 
the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the importer and the 
person intending to take delivery of the hedgehogs or tenrecs in the 
United States; the ports of embarkation and arrival; the country from 
which the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be shipped to the United States; 
the mode of transportation (airplane, boat, car, etc.) to be used to 
ship the hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States; the number, breed, 
species, and descriptions (sex; age; registered name and number, if 
any; tattoo, if any; tag number, if any; other markings) of the 
hedgehogs or tenrecs to be imported; the purpose of the importation; 
the route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute; the proposed 
shipping and arrival dates; the location of the place where delivery of 
the hedgehogs or tenrecs will be made in the United States (from the 
port of arrival); and any remarks the importer may wish to make 
regarding the shipment. The information required for completion of an 
application would help APHIS to determine whether the animals appear 
eligible for importation, to respond to an applicant, to identify the 
animals at the port of entry, to ensure that inspectors and facilities 
are available for inspection in the United States, and to contact 
appropriate persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.
    Proposed Sec. 92.704(d) explains what happens after we receive and 
review the application for an import permit. This proposed section 
provides that if the hedgehogs or tenrecs appear eligible to be 
imported, an import permit will be issued. This section also specifies 
that an import permit does not guarantee that any hedgehogs or tenrecs 
will be allowed entry into the United States; the hedgehogs or tenrecs 
will be allowed to enter the United States only if they meet all 
applicable requirements of subpart G. The requirements of this proposed 
section appear necessary to help prevent the introduction of 
communicable animal diseases into the United States.

Health Certificate

    Proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires that a health certificate 
accompany all hedgehogs or tenrecs offered for entry into the United 
States. Additionally, this proposed section requires that the health 
certificate be issued by a full-time salaried veterinary officer of the 
national government of the exporting country, or issued by a 
veterinarian authorized or accredited by the national government of the 
exporting country and endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinary 
officer of the national government of that country. These requirements 
would help ensure that the veterinarian who issues the health 
certificate is authorized to do so. This proposed section also requires 
that the health certificate contain the names and street addresses of 
the consignor and [[Page 24582]] consignee. The names and addresses of 
the consignor and consignee would allow APHIS to contact appropriate 
persons if any questions arise concerning the importation.
    Further, proposed Sec. 92.705(a) requires specific information and 
certifications to be included on the health certificate. Paragraphs 
(a)(1) through (a)(7) of proposed Sec. 92.705 provide that the 
veterinarian issuing the health certificate must certify on the health 
certificate that--(1) The hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country 
that has been declared free of FMD; (2) the hedgehog or tenrec has 
never been in a country where FMD exists; (3) the hedgehog or tenrec 
has not been commingled with any other hedgehog or tenrec that 
originated in or has ever been in a country where FMD exists; (4) the 
hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual issuing the health 
certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites not more than 72 
hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance which transported 
the animal to the United States; (5) all body surfaces of the hedgehog 
or tenrec were treated for ectoparasites under the supervision of the 
veterinarian issuing the health certificate at least 3 days but not 
more than 14 days before being loaded on the means of conveyance that 
transported the animal to the United States; (6) the pesticide and the 
concentration used was adequate to kill the types of ectoparasites 
likely to infest the animal to be imported; and (7) the hedgehog or 
tenrec, after being treated for ectoparasites in accordance with 
paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of proposed Sec. 92.705, had physical 
contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding materials only with, 
treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment to the United States. 
Proposed Sec. 92.705(a)(8) requires that the health certificate contain 
the name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the hedgehog 
or tenrec.
    The health certificate would help APHIS personnel at the port of 
entry determine if the animals offered for entry into the United States 
meet the requirements set forth in subpart G. The inspection and 
treatment, as certified on the health certificate, would help ensure 
that the animals are free of ectoparasites when they are shipped to the 
United States. The timing of the treatment (at least 3 days but no more 
than 14 days before loading on the means of conveyance for shipment to 
the United States) would minimize the chances of reinfestation by 
placing treatment as close to shipment as possible. Allowing the 
hedgehogs or tenrecs to have physical contact only with, or share a pen 
or bedding materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the 
same shipment to the United States would further reduce the chances of 
reinfestation.

Notice of Arrival and Inspection

    Proposed Sec. 92.706 requires that, upon the arrival of a hedgehog 
or tenrec at the port of first arrival in the United States, the 
importer or the importer's agent must present the import permits and 
health certificates to the collector of customs for the use of the 
APHIS inspector at that port. This proposed requirement appears 
necessary not only to make APHIS aware of the arrival of the animals in 
the United States, but also to ensure that the hedgehogs or tenrecs are 
eligible for importation.
    Proposed Sec. 92.707(a) requires inspection of the hedgehogs or 
tenrecs by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. This 
proposed section provides that hedgehogs or tenrecs may enter the 
United States subject to the provisions of subpart G only if each 
hedgehog or tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and 
any clinical signs of communicable diseases.
    Proposed Sec. 92.707(b) provides that any shipment of hedgehogs or 
tenrecs found infested with ectoparasites, or demonstrating clinical 
signs of any communicable disease, will be refused entry into the 
United States. This proposed section also provides that the importer be 
given the option of removing the shipment from the United States or of 
releasing the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 
disposal. In the latter case, this proposed section provides that the 
Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as 
necessary to prevent the possible introduction of communicable animal 
diseases into the United States.
    All these requirements appear necessary to help prevent the 
introduction of communicable animal diseases into the United States.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. 
This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 
Executive Order 12866, and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget.
    This document proposes to amend the animal import regulations to 
prohibit the importation of hedgehogs and tenrecs from countries 
affected with FMD. Additionally, it would require hedgehogs and tenrecs 
from countries that have been declared free of FMD to be inspected and 
treated for ectoparasites in the country of origin and to be inspected 
upon arrival in the United States.
    At present, approximately 3 to 10 small businesses in the United 
States import hedgehogs or tenrecs or both. These businesses specialize 
in the importation of exotic species for the domestic pet industry. 
Animal importers pay less than $75 per head to purchase and transport 
individual hedgehogs or tenrecs to the United States. In the present 
market, adult hedgehogs or tenrecs sell for an estimated retail range 
of approximately $120 to $360 each, depending upon age and species. 
During calendar year 1990, approximately 500 to 800 hedgehogs entered 
the United States from countries affected by FMD. Almost all of the 
hedgehogs imported into the United States were imported from Africa. 
Although we do not have information regarding the number of tenrecs 
imported into the United States in 1990, we believe that the number of 
imported tenrecs did not exceed the number of imported hedgehogs. Based 
upon those figures, we estimate an annual economic impact on the United 
States exotic pet industry of between $60,000 ($120 x 500) to $288,000 
($360 x 800) due to reduced sales. This loss in sales represents a 
negligible impact for an industry with sales that exceeded $300 million 
during calendar year 1990.
    Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action would 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Executive Order 12778

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State 
and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule 
will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this 
rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before 
parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.), the information collection or recordkeeping requirements 
included in this proposed rule will be submitted for approval to the 
Office of Management and Budget. Please send written comments to the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk 
Officer for APHIS, Washington, DC 20503. Please send a copy of your 
comments to: (1) Docket No. 91-071-1, [[Page 24583]] Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Policy and Program Development, Regulatory 
Analysis and Development, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1238, and (2) Clearance Officer, OIRM, USDA, room 404-W, 14th 
Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 92

    Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Poultry and poultry products, 
Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

PART 92--IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS AND POULTRY AND CERTAIN 
ANIMAL AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; INSPECTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR 
CERTAIN MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS THEREON

    Accordingly, 9 CFR part 92 would be amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for part 92 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 19 U.S.C. 1306; 21 U.S.C. 102-105, 
111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134f, 135, 136, and 136a; 31 
U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.51, and 371.2(d).

    2. In part 92, subpart G would be revised to read as follows:

Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals

Sec.
92.700  Definitions.
92.701  Prohibitions.
92.702  Restrictions.
92.703  Ports designated for importation.
92.704  Import permit.
92.705  Health certificate.
92.706  Notification of arrival.
92.707  Inspection at the port of first arrival.

Subpart G--Miscellaneous Animals


Sec. 92.700  Definitions.

    Wherever in this subpart the following terms are used, unless the 
context otherwise requires, they shall be construed, respectively, to 
mean:
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service or any other employee of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, delegated 
to act in the Administrator's stead.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of 
Agriculture (APHIS).
    Brushtail possum. Vulpine phalangers (Trichosurus vulpecula) of the 
family Phalangeridae.
    Delivery. The transfer of goods or interest in goods from one 
person to another.
    Enter (entry). To introduce into the commerce of the United States 
after release from government detention.
    Hedgehog. All members of the family Erinaceidae.
    Import (imported, importation). To bring into the territorial 
limits of the United States.
    Inspector. An employee of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service authorized to perform duties required under this subpart.
    Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, 
partnership, society, or joint stock company.
    Tenrec. All members of the family Tenrecidae.
    United States. All of the States of the United States, the District 
of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands of the United States, and all other territories and 
possessions of the United States.


Sec. 92.701  Prohibitions.

    (a) No person may import a hedgehog or tenrec into the United 
States from any country designated in Sec. 94.1 of this chapter as a 
country where foot-and-mouth disease exists.
    (b) No person may import a brushtail possum or hedgehog into the 
United States from New Zealand.


Sec. 92.702  Restrictions.

    Hedgehogs and tenrecs not specifically prohibited from being 
imported under Sec. 92.701 may not be imported into the United States 
except according to the regulations in this subpart.


Sec. 92.703  Ports designated for importation.

    (a) Any person importing a hedgehog or tenrec into the United 
States may import it, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, only through the following ports:
    (1) Air and ocean ports. Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; San Diego and 
Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, Miami, St. Petersburg-
Clearwater, and Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New 
Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; 
Great Falls, MT; Newburgh, NY; Portland, OR; San Juan, PR; Galveston 
and Houston, TX; and Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA.
    (2) Canadian border ports. Eastport, ID; Houlton and Jackman, ME; 
Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Opheim, Raymond, and 
Sweetgrass, MT; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain, NY; Dunseith, 
Pembina, and Portal, ND; Derby Line and Highgate Springs, VT; Blaine, 
Lynden, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.
    (3) Mexican border ports. Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San 
Luis, AZ; Calexico and San Ysidro, CA; Antelope Wells, and Columbus, 
NM; and Brownsville, Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, 
and El Paso, TX.
    (b) The Secretary of the Treasury has approved the designation, as 
inspection stations, of the ports specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section. In special cases, the Administrator may designate other ports 
as inspection stations in accordance with this section, with the 
concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury.


Sec. 92.704  Import permit.

    (a) General requirements. No person may import into the United 
States a hedgehog or tenrec unless it is accompanied by an import 
permit issued by APHIS and is imported into the United States within 30 
days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit. 
The importer or his or her agent must notify the inspector at the port 
of first arrival of the date of arrival at least 72 hours before the 
hedgehog or tenrec arrives in the United States.
    (b) How to obtain an import permit. Any person who desires to 
import a hedgehog or tenrec must complete and submit one copy of an 
application (VS Form 17-129) for an import permit to the Import-Export 
Animals Staff, National Center for Import-Export, Veterinary Services, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1231. 
This staff will supply application forms for import permits upon 
request. A separate application must be prepared for each shipment.
    (c) What to include on the application for an import permit. The 
importer must complete, sign, and date the application for an import 
permit, which must include the following information:
    (1) The name and address of the shipper in the country of origin of 
the hedgehog or tenrec intended for importation into the United States.
    (2) The name, address, and telephone number of the importer.
    (3) The port of embarkation.
    (4) The country from which the hedgehog or tenrec will be shipped 
to the United States.
    (5) The mode of transportation.
    (6) The number, breed, species, and descriptions of the hedgehogs 
or tenrecs to be imported.
    (7) The purpose of the importation.
    (8) The route of travel, including all carrier stops enroute.
    (9) The proposed shipping and arrival dates.
    (10) The port of first arrival in the United 
States. [[Page 24584]] 
    (11) The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the person 
to whom the hedgehog or tenrec will be delivered in the United States.
    (12) The location of the place where delivery will be made in the 
United States.
    (13) Any remarks regarding the shipment.
    (d) What will happen to the application for an import permit. Upon 
receipt of the application, APHIS will review the application. If the 
hedgehog or tenrec appears to be eligible to be imported into the 
United States, APHIS will issue an import permit indicating the 
applicable requirements under this subpart for the importation of the 
hedgehog or tenrec. Even though an import permit has been issued for 
the importation of a hedgehog or tenrec, the animal may enter the 
United States only if all applicable requirements of this subpart have 
been met.


Sec. 92.705  Health certificate.

    A hedgehog or tenrec may not be imported into the United States 
unless accompanied by a health certificate either issued by a full-time 
salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the exporting 
country, or issued by a veterinarian authorized or accredited by the 
national government of the exporting country and endorsed by a full-
time salaried veterinary officer of the national government of that 
country. The health certificate must contain the names and street 
addresses of the consignor and consignee and must state:
    (a) That the hedgehog or tenrec originated in a country that has 
been recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease by the USDA;
    (b) That the hedgehog or tenrec has never been in a country where 
foot-and-mouth disease exists;
    (c) That the hedgehog or tenrec has not been commingled with any 
other hedgehog or tenrec that originated in or has ever been in a 
country where foot-and-mouth disease exists;
    (d) That the hedgehog or tenrec was inspected by the individual 
issuing the health certificate and was found free of any ectoparasites 
not more than 72 hours before being loaded on the means of conveyance 
which transported the animal to the United States;
    (e) That all body surfaces of the hedgehog or tenrec were treated 
for ectoparasites under the supervision of the veterinarian issuing the 
health certificate at least 3 days but not more than 14 days before 
being loaded on the means of conveyance that transported the animal to 
the United States;
    (f) That the pesticide and the concentration used was adequate to 
kill the types of ectoparasites likely to infest the animal to be 
imported;

    (g) That the hedgehog or tenrec, after being treated for 
ectoparasites in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this 
section, had physical contact only with, or shared a pen or bedding 
materials only with, treated hedgehogs or tenrecs in the same shipment 
to the United States; and

    (h) The name and concentration of the pesticide used to treat the 
hedgehog or tenrec.

Sec. 92.706  Notification of arrival.

    Upon the arrival of a hedgehog or tenrec at the port of first 
arrival in the United States, the importer or his or her agent must 
present the import permits and health certificates required by this 
subpart to the collector of customs for the use of the inspector at 
that port.

Sec. 92.707  Inspection at the port of first arrival.

    (a) A hedgehog or tenrec from any part of the world must be 
inspected by an APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival. Subject 
to the other provisions in this subpart, a shipment of hedgehogs or 
tenrecs may enter into the United States only if each hedgehog or 
tenrec in the shipment is found free of ectoparasites and any clinical 
signs of communicable diseases.

    (b) If any hedgehog or tenrec in a shipment is found to be infested 
with ectoparasites or demonstrates any clinical signs of communicable 
diseases, then the entire shipment will be refused entry. The importer 
will be given the following options:

    (1) Remove the shipment from the United States; or

    (2) Release the shipment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 
Administrator will destroy or otherwise dispose of the shipment as 
necessary to prevent the possible introduction into the United States 
of communicable animal diseases.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 27th day of April 1995.

Lonnie J. King,

Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

[FR Doc. 95-11374 Filed 5-8-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P