Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS # 60962501 - Importing H5 Avian Influenza Samples

On behalf of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Import Permit Program, the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) is sharing the below message regarding importations of H5 Avian Influenza Virus:

For the duration of the H5 Avian Influenza Virus exemption, the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), Organisms and Vectors (OV) Permitting Unit will issue permits for importation and interstate transportation of all H5 avian influenza viruses pursuant to 9 C.F.R. Part 122.

The APHIS, VS, OV Permitting Unit can be contacted by email at: apie@usda.gov.

An import permit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Import Permit Program will be required for all H5 Avian Influenza variants that are known or suspected to cause human disease. If any imported agent is determined to not cause disease in humans (e.g., attenuated strains that are no longer infectious), then an importer certification statement should be included to avoid potential shipping delays.

The Import Permit Program can be contacted by email at: importpermit@cdc.gov.

For questions regarding this message, contact APHIS/DASAT at 301-851-2070 or DASAT@usda.gov.

For the procedures and requirements to appropriately import shipments of biological materials please review CSMS # 55083113.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encourages travelers arriving at airports and transporting biological materials to schedule an appointment for inspection utilizing the CBP One application - Traveler feature.