This summary is based on recent (November 2011) discussions with CDC personnel in charge of importation issues and permits. It is relevant only to importation of specimens of CDC-regulated animals to museums for research purposes, not to live animals. It refers to specimens, and parts thereof, that will be used for research in museums.
There are two programs at CDC that are responsible for the importation of mammal specimens. The Etiologic Agent Import Program (EAIPP) deals with nonhuman primate and bat specimens and all other specimens that are from animals known or suspected to contain etiologic agents. Importation of all primate and bat specimens requires a CDC permit unless the material is rendered noninfectious by thermal, chemical (e.g., formalin-fixed) or irradiation treatment. Preservation in ethanol, most buffers, and liquid nitrogen does not render specimens noninfectious. If you have any question about your method of preservation, you should contact the EAIPP office (e-mail below). All untreated or inadequately treated bat or nonhuman primate material requires a permit from EAIPP. A detailed guidance document, permit applications, and additional information are available at:
Permit applications: http://www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/importApplicationForms.htm
More about primates: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/monkeys.html
More about bats: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/bats.html
General information: http://www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/
EAIPP e-mail contact: importpermit@cdc.gov
More about primates: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/monkeys.html
More about bats: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/bats.html
General information: http://www.cdc.gov/od/eaipp/
EAIPP e-mail contact: importpermit@cdc.gov
The CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ) handles importation of all viverrid species (civets and their relatives) and any rodents imported from Africa. The importation of these specimens, except for those fixed in formalin or treated in other ways that render them noninfectious (see above), requires an authorization letter from the DGMQ. Additional information is available at:
To obtain an authorization letter for importation of any viverrid species or any rodent imported from Africa, send an e-mail request to Dr. Robert Mullan (rjm1@cdc.gov) or Dr. Gale Galland (ggg0@cdc.gov), who will request additional information from you, including the nature of the samples and whether any pre-treatment has been performed, the origin of samples (species, geographic locale), how/when/to whom samples will be shipped to the United States and on what conveyance, the exact nature of scientific studies to be performed, complete information concerning recipient and receiving institution, and possible additional information.
Both offices require 15 business days to process permit/authorization letter applications, although both are sometimes able to respond more quickly. Both offices welcome questions regarding specific issues. It is best to contact them well in advance of the planned date of importation, especially the first time you handle a given type of imported material.
Other groups of mammals are not currently regulated by CDC unless they are known or suspected to contain etiologic agents. For instance, if specimens are being imported from a region where a known outbreak of a disease is currently occurring in that species, a permit may be required. If you have any questions, please contact Drs. Galland or Mullan. Note that "large mammals" (defined to include nearly all relatives of domestic livestock) are regulated by USDA, not the CDC.
When importing mammal specimens that do not require a permit from CDC, you should include a letter in the package (if shipping specimens) that lists the specimens being imported (at least to family) and your signature. Researchers should check relevant CDC websites (see above) frequently because regulations may evolve as pathogens are discovered in new groups of mammals.