[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45551-45552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21636]


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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

[[Page 45552]]

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