U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a press release reminding all travelers that dogs crossing from Mexico into the United States—including U.S.-origin dogs returning from travel—must meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All dogs entering or returning to the United States must be accompanied by proof of the CDC Dog Import Form; they must appear healthy (free of injuries or wounds), be at least six months old, and have an implanted microchip. This is according to a document issued from Washington but released by the CBP El Paso office, which also “strongly recommends that travelers carry recent veterinary records demonstrating their animal’s good health.”
“Dogs may enter the United States if they appear healthy and are accompanied by a certificate issued by a full-time, salaried government veterinarian from the region of origin. The certificate must state that the dog was inspected for screwworms within five days prior to shipment to the United States and was found to be free of screwworms, or—if previously infested—was quarantined and treated until free of the parasite before leaving the region,” the statement notes.
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The U.S. government explains that there are ongoing efforts to protect animal and public health from the threat of the New World screwworm; Timothy Lacasse, Acting Director of Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison, stated that “protecting animal and public health is a top priority for CBP.”
“By enforcing these requirements, we help prevent the introduction and spread of dangerous pests and diseases, thereby ensuring the safety of our communities and livestock,” the U.S. official added.
Source: diario
