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Importing Ratites and Hatching Eggs

of Ratites into the United States

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Ratites are defined as cassowaries, emus, kiwis, ostriches, and rheas.

The USDA regulates the importation of all avian species including ratites and

hatching eggs of ratites into the United States. These regulations were developed to
prevent the introduction of highly contagious diseases of poultry such as highly

pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease. A current list of countries

considered affected can be found at Animal Health Status of Regions

Requirements

Import Requirements for Ratites (live birds, for all countries except Canada)

Must be identified using a microchip.

Ratite shipments must be accompanied by a USDA import permit (application

to obtain a permit is form: VS Form17-129). Processing time for the application

is approximately 7 – 10 business days. Applications should be received no less

than this time prior to shipment of birds. There is a processing fee which can be

paid by check, money order, charge card or by providing a USDA user fee

account. For an additional fee, the permit can be amended after issuance by

request.

Importers may submit an online application for an import or transit permit for

APHIS-regulated live animals and their reproductive tissue (genetic resources)

using the VS Form 17-129 through the APHIS eFile system

Download the import application or contact Strategies & Policies, Live Animal

Import Team: VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov

A health certificate, issued within 30 days of leaving the country of export,

must accompany all ratite shipments. A full-time salaried veterinarian of the

veterinary competent authority, located in the exporting country, must endorse

the health certificate, with English translation. 

Live Ratites: Exporting countries can use the model health certificate (430.26

KB) provided or use their own document which carries the following U.S. health

certificate requirements:

1. All ratites covered under this health certificate were inspected by the

veterinarian issuing the health certificate.

2. Birds were produced by a pen-raised flock.

3. The birds were shipped from a farm that was inspected and approved by a

USDA official during the past 12 months.

4. Ratites were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian

influenza.

5. The ratites have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian

paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not
contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus OR ratites have

not been vaccinated against Newcastle disease.

6. There was no evidence of avian communicable disease found among the

ratites being shipped.

7. The premises where the ratites were exported from were not adjacent to

any areas under quarantine during the 90 days preceding the exportation.

8. Ratites covered by this certificate do not originate from flocks nor have

had contact with any birds or poultry originating in a control zone

established by state/provincial/federal animal health authorities due to

outbreaks of Newcastle disease or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

(HPAI)

9. The ratites were treated at least 3 days but not more than 14 days before

being loaded for shipment to the United States with a pesticide sufficient

to kill ectoparasites on the ratites.

1. Name of pesticide

2. Dosage and delivery method

10. The pesticide was applied to all body surfaces of the ratites under the

supervision of the veterinarian issuing the health certificate.

11. The ratites are placed in new or appropriately sanitized containers at the

premises where the flock of origin was kept.

A USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry must inspect birds

(unless stated differently on the import permit). The importer must arrange for

this inspection by a USDA port veterinarian at least 3 business days in advance

by contacting the USDA port veterinarian at the telephone number listed on the

import permit.

At U.S. arrival, ratites are required to proceed immediately into 30 day

quarantine.

The importer should retain the services of a customs broker to facilitate the

importation and, in some cases, the transport of birds from the port of entry to

the USDA Animal Import Center. The importer can contact the Import Center for

a list of customs brokers to provide this service.

Import Requirements for Hatching Eggs of Ratites (for all countries except Canada)

Must have an approved form of identification. 

Produced by a pen-raised flock.

Accompanied by an import permit issued in advance of shipment  (VS Form 17-

129 (73.07 KB))
Registry certificate for premises for egg origin. 

Brooded in a hatchery that has been approved in advance by USDA and under

the direct supervision of the Service Center Director in the State of destination

Quarantined within the hatchery for the full incubation period, plus an

additional 30 days after hatching.

Note: Chicks hatched during quarantine will be tested for communicable

diseases of poultry.

A health certificate, issued within 30 days of leaving the country of export,

must accompany all ratite hatching egg shipments. A full-time salaried

veterinarian of the veterinary competent authority, located in the exporting

country, must endorse the health certificate, with English translation. 

Hatching Eggs of Ratites: Exporting countries can use the model health

certificate (516.96 KB) provided or use their own document which carries the

following U.S. health certificate requirements:

1.  The flock of origin for the hatching eggs covered under this health

certificate were inspected by the veterinarian issuing the health

certificate.

2. The flock of origin for the hatching eggs were not vaccinated against any

H5 or H7 subtype of avian influenza.

3. The flock of origin for the hatching eggs have been vaccinated against

Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export,

using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle

disease virus OR have not been vaccinated against Newcastle disease

(strike out which does not apply).

4. The flock of origin for the hatching eggs presented no evidence of avian

communicable disease within the 30 days prior to the hatching of the first

egg laid for this shipment.

5. The hatching eggs were exported from an area that was not adjacent to

any areas under quarantine during the 90 days preceding the exportation.

6. Ratites hatching eggs covered by this certificate do not originate from

flocks nor have had contact with any birds or poultry originating in a

control zone established by state/provincial/federal animal health

authorities due to outbreaks of Newcastle disease or Highly Pathogenic

Avian Influenza (HPAI)

7. The ratites in the flock of origin for the hatching eggs were either born in

Canada; or were legally imported and then have resided in Canada for at

least 90 consecutive days prior to collecting eggs to comprise the
shipment.

8. The hatching eggs were placed in new or appropriately sanitized

packaging for shipment to the United States at the premises where the

flock of origin was kept.

Shipments must fly direct to an approved U.S. port of entry. A USDA port

veterinarian at the port of entry must inspect birds (unless stated differently on

the import permit). The importer must arrange for this inspection by a USDA

port veterinarian at least 3 business days in advance by contacting the USDA

port veterinarian at the telephone number listed on the import permit.

The importer should retain the services of a customs broker to facilitate the

importation and, in some cases, the transport of birds from the port of entry to

the USDA Animal Import Center. The importer can contact the Import Center for

a list of customs brokers to provide this service.

Import Requirements for Ratites (live birds) and Hatching Eggs of Ratites from Canada

Ratites that were hatched and raised in Canada OR were legally imported upon

arrival in Canada, underwent 28 days of Canadian quarantine and remained in

Canada for an additional 60 days following completion of quarantine. Must fulfill the

following importation requirements:

Not required to be quarantined

If the poultry enters the United States through an air or sea port, an import

permit is required.

The application for an import permit is VS Form 17-129 (73.07 KB).

However, an import permit is not required for ratites imported from

Canada through a U.S. - Canadian land border port.

Ratites must have a veterinary health certificate, endorsed by the Canadian

government (CFAI) and issued within 30 days of import.  

Live Ratites: A sample health certificate template with U.S. import

requirements from Canada (484.01 KB) is provided and must certify the

following requirements:

1. All ratites covered under this health certificate were inspected by the

veterinarian issuing the health certificate.

2. Ratites were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian

influenza.
3. The ratites have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease or at least 21

days prior to export, using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic

strains of Newcastle disease virus OR ratites have not been vaccinated

against Newcastle disease.

4. Canada is recognized by the United States as free from Newcastle disease.

5. There was no evidence of avian communicable disease found among the

ratites being shipped.

6. The premises where the ratites were exported from were not adjacent to

any areas under quarantine during the 90 days preceding the exportation.

7. Ratites covered by this certificate do not originate from flocks not have

had contact with any birds or poultry originating in a control zone

established by the federal animal health authorities due to outbreaks of

Newcastle disease or HPAI.

8. The ratites were treated at least 3 days but not more than 14 days before

being loaded for shipment to the United States with a pesticide sufficient

to kill ectoparasites in the ratites (specify name of pesticide, dosage, and

delivery method).

9. The pesticide was applied to all body surfaces of the ratites under the

supervision of the veterinarian issuing the health certificate.

10. Ratites were either born in Canada; or legally imported and then have

reside in Canada for at least 90 consecutive days.

11. The ratites were placed in new or appropriately sanitized bedding for

shipment to the United States at the premised where the flock of origin

was kept.

Hatching Eggs of Ratites: A sample health certificate template with U.S.

import requirements from Canada (79.28 KB) is provided and must certify the

following requirements:

1. Have been treated with a pesticide of sufficient strength to rid live birds of

all external parasites not more than 14 days nor less than 3 days prior to

shipping.

2. Are either born in Canada or legally imported and have resided in Canada

for at least 90 consecutive days.

3. Have not been vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian

influenza.

4. Ratites covered by this certificate do not originate from flocks nor had

contact with any birds or poultry originating in a control zone established

by state/provincial/federal animal health authorities due to outbreaks of
Newcastle disease or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

5. Were vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus) at least

21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic

strains of Newcastle disease virus OR have not been vaccinated against

Newcastle disease (health certificate must specify).

6. Are shipped in a new or appropriately sanitized container according to

USDA standards.

The Canadian land border ports that may be able to accept imports of ratites

are:

Idaho: Eastport

Maine: Houlton

Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron

Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass

New York: Alexandria Bay, Niagara Falls

North Dakota: Dunseith, Pembina, Portal

Vermont: Highgate Springs

Washington: Oroville, Sumas

Note: it is the responsibility of the importer to confirm availability at the listed ports.

Import Requirements for Ratites (live birds) from Canada for Immediate Slaughter

Ratites from Canada can be imported without quarantine.

An import permit is not required when entering the US via a land border port.

Confirmation of availability at the port of entry should be discussed with APHIS

VS port veterinarian 3 business days prior to arrival at the port of entry.

Identification and Documentation:

Identification is not needed for ratites from Canada.

Two copies of a declaration is required. The declaration must list: port of

entry, name and address of importer, name and address of the broker,

origin of the ratites, number and type of birds, purpose of the import, and

location of slaughter establishment.

Accompanied by a veterinary health certificate with specific certification

statements (452.97 KB), issued by a Canadian practicing veterinarian and

endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) within 30 days if

importation, must certify the following:

1. Ratites covered under this health certificate were inspected by the

veterinarian issuing the certificate.
2. Ratites were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian

influenza.

3.  The ratites have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian

paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not

contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus OR Ratites have

not been vaccinated against Newcastle disease.

There was no evidence of avian communicable disease found among the

ratites being shipped.

4. The premises where the ratites were exported from were not adjacent to

any areas under quarantine during the 88 days preceding the exportation.

5. Ratites were either hatched in Canada; or legally imported and then have

resided in Canada for at least 88 consecutive days.

6. The ratites were placed in new or appropriately sanitized bedding for

shipment to the United States at the premises where the flock of origin

was kept.

Inspection at the port of entry:

If all of the requirements for entry have been met, the port veterinarian

will seal the shipment with APHIS seals and issue a completed VS Form 17-

30, ‘Report of Animals, Poultry or Eggs Offered for Importation’. The port

veterinarian will also seal conveyances and issue a completed VS Form 17-

33 (two copies) ‘Animals Imported for Immediate Slaughter’. The U.S. seal

numbers will be written on the VS Form 17-33.

The ratites for immediate slaughter must be imported to a slaughtering

establishment approved by APHIS VS to receive these kinds of animals.

The establishment should be approved by FSIS to receive animals that are

imported direct to slaughter along an APHIS- approved route of

transportation. The port vet should relay information about the shipment

to the USDA representative at the receiving slaughter establishment and

request follow up to the VS Form 17-33.

The lead vehicle in a convoy of the same animals must have an original signed

document for the animals in the entire convoy. Each vehicle following the lead

vehicle in the convoy with ratites for immediate slaughter must have separate

signed copies of the documentation for animals on those vehicles.

If any emergencies occur during transportation that would entail a delay in

delivery or diversion from the specified route, the driver must notify APHIS VS

port personnel using the phone number listed on the import permit (VS-1733)

for further instructions.
Information on Quarantine Requirements

Note: An import permit will not be issued until quarantine arrangements have been

finalized.

Ratite (live bird) quarantines must take place at one of the USDA facilities listed

below or private quarantine may occur in an APHIS approved facility.

Hatching eggs of ratites may only be quarantined in an APHIS approved private

facility. 

Miami Animal Import Center

USDA-APHIS-VS

6300 NW 36 Street

Miami, FL 33122

(305) 876-2200 (phone)

(305) 876-2201 (fax)

NotifyMAIC@usda.gov

New York Animal Import Center

USDA, APHIS, VS

474 International Boulevard

Rock Tavern, NY 12575

(845) 838-5500 (phone)

(845) 838-5575 (fax)

VSPSNIC@usda.gov

Importers must obtain the approval for a private facility to be used as

quarantine prior to applying for an import permit. Information and guidance on

obtaining that approval can be obtained from the Strategy & Policy, Live Animal

Import Team

During the quarantine period, all avians are tested in quarantine to determine if

they are free of certain communicable diseases. The cost of diagnostic testing

is separate from the quarantine fee.

The USDA Animal Import Center will provide the total fee for services for the

inspection and quarantine. Estimates of quarantine costs can be found at VS

Import/Export User Fees
View VS Guidance and Other Documents for Avian Importation

Questions?

Live Animal Import Permit Team

Contact APHIS' Live Animal Import Permit team if you have questions before you

apply for a permit.

For questions about import permits or permit applications:

Live Animal Import Permit Team

Email: laipermits@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3000

APHIS Port Services

For questions about import inspections at a port of entry, quarantine of animals

arriving from a foreign country, or requesting approval as a private animal import

quarantine facility, contact APHIS Port Services.

- Select a State - ▾

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Live Animal Import and Export

Contact APHIS' Live Animal Import and Export team for questions about current

trade restrictions, or other questions not related to permits.

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export
Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300

All Contacts