APHIS Interim Rule to Impose Restrictions on Live Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes Susceptible to SVC
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued an interim rule that amends 9 CFR Part 93, effective September 29, 2006, to restrict the importation into the U.S. of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of fish species that are susceptible to spring viremia of carp (SVC)1, a serious contagious viral disease of carp.
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According to APHIS, immediate action is necessary to prevent further introductions of SVC into the U.S. APHIS states that despite current SVC-free status, the U.S. remains unprotected from continuing introductions of infected fish, since there are a number of known or suspected SVC-positive countries that export fish to the U.S., and pre-testing of imported SVC is not currently required.
New Regulations on Importation of SVC-Susceptible Species
APHIS is amending 9 CFR Part 93 by adding a new Subpart I, "Aquatic Animal Species" (9 CFR 93.900 through 93.907). These regulations would restrict the importation of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of SVC-susceptible species. The proposed Subpart I would include regulations on, among other things, designated import ports, import permits, health certificates, inspections, user fees, and processed products of SVC-susceptible species.
APHIS states that the importation of live cultures of SVC virus (SVCV), preserved SVCV viral RNA or DNA, tissue samples containing viable SVCV, or other viable SVCV specimens intended for diagnostic or research purposes may be imported only under permit in accordance with 9 CFR Part 122.
1 According to APHIS, species considered susceptible to SVC are: common carp, including koi (Cyprinus carpio), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), Crucian carp (Carassius carassius), goldfish (Carassius auratus), tench (Tinca tinca), and sheatfish (Silurus glanis).
-All comments received on or before October 30, 2006 will be considered
APHIS contact - Peter Merrill (301) 734-7727
APHIS Notice (D/N APHIS-2006-0107, FR Pub 08/30/06) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-14478.pdf
APHIS Press Release (dated 08/29/06) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2006/08/svcrestric.shtml