Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 12/8/14

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection has issued a final rule amending regulations for importation of poultry and poultry products from regions with highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI).

The final rule amends an interim rule published in 2011 to allow importation of live AI-vaccinated zoological birds and poultry, as well as HPAI-resistant pigeons, doves and other Columbiform species under certain specific conditions to minimize risk. It also addresses avian carcasses imported as trophies.

The interim rule prohibited imports of live birds, poultry and hatching eggs, as well as poultry/bird products from any region where HPAI is considered to exist. It also restricted imports of live birds and poultry transported through HPAI regions, and birds and poultry vaccinated for AI.

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