07 ANPRM - Animal Importation - AVMA Comment

American Veterinary Medical AssociationA V M A®November 30, 20071931 N. Meacham Rd.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSuite 100Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSchaumburg, ILDivision of Global Migration and Quarantine60173-4360 ATTN: Animal Importation Regulations1600 Clifton Road, NE., (E03), Atlanta, GA 30333phone 847.925.8070800.248.2862 Re: Docket [RIN 0920-AA03] Foreign Quarantine Regulations, Proposed Revision offax 847.925.1329 HHS/CDC Animal – Importation Regulationswww.avma.orgDear Sir/ Madam:The AVMA is pleased to provide comments on this ANPRM. The AVMA recognizes therisks that importation of animals can present to human, animal and ecosystem health, as wellas to the welfare of the imported animals. These risks are increased by many characteristicsof the today’s world, such as newly emerging or re-emerging diseases, increasing animal-human-environmental interfaces, globalization of commerce (including animals), andinternational transportation efficiencies that can result in movement of an animal from originto destination while carrying or incubating a high-risk disease. The AVMA has expertise andresources to assist with the proposed rulemaking process, including specific councils andcommittees, and also has a number of established policies on relevant issues (referenced atthe end of this letter). The AVMA advocated for, and participated in, the May 2006 meetingin Atlanta that began addressing importation and national ...