APHIS Reschedules Riverdale, MD Stakeholder Meeting on Live Animal Quarantine Centers and Services

APHIS Reschedules Riverdale, MD Stakeholder Meeting on Live Animal Quarantine Centers and Services

 

APHIS has rescheduled the Riverdale, MD, live animal quarantine center stakeholder meeting that was cancelled earlier this week due to inclement weather. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday, March 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is one of six stakeholder meetings scheduled across the country to discuss the current and future capacity for live animal import quarantine centers and services.

 

In addition to the Riverdale meeting, a session is also scheduled to be held in Miami, FL, on March, 11. Four other meetings in Los Angeles, Louisville, Chicago and New York have already taken place.

 

APHIS currently operates three Federal quarantine facilities and can also approve privately owned facilities to provide quarantine services. However, APHIS oversight and monitoring is still required at privately owned facilities. During the meeting, we will be asking stakeholders a series of questions to gather feedback, such as:

• What factors do you consider when preparing to import animals requiring quarantine?
• What factors do you consider when choosing locations for animal quarantines?
• How can e-commerce enhance the importation process?
• What are your experiences with quarantine facilities in other countries?
• How do you see your need for quarantine services changing over the next 5 to 10 years?
• What other options, ideas or topics should VS consider relevant to current animal import quarantine processes?  

 

Meeting registration will take place on-site and will begin at 7:30 a.m. the day of each meeting. Written statements may be filed up to five days before each meeting, at the meetings or after the meetings through May 12, 2014. For more information, please contact Erich Kestler, Chief of Staff for VS’ National Import Export Services at 301-851-3454.

 

Meeting Location Information:

 

Miami, FL—March 11, 2014

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Miami Airport South (Phone: 305-642-8200)

1201 NW LeJeune Road, Miami FL 33126

 

Riverdale, MD—March 25, 2014

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

APHIS headquarters (Phone: 301-851-3454)

4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737

Please note: This is a federal building and attendees will need a valid photo ID to enter. No firearms or knives of any type are permitted in the building. This building is accessible via the University of Maryland shuttle bus, Route 109 from the College Park Metro station, and has parking available at $5 per day payable by credit card or cash.