United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

1

Approval and Oversight of Privately Owned Zoological Quarantine Facilities for the 

Import of Zoo Birds/Zoo Poultry into the United States

1. Purpose and Background

This document outlines procedures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),

Veterinary Service (VS) personnel use to inspect, approve, and provide regulatory 

oversight for U.S. zoological parks to securely quarantine imported zoological birds or 

zoological poultry. Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR) 93.100, contains a 

definition for “zoological park.” This document does not refer to ratites, unless they are 

exporting from a zoo, and will be permanently displayed at a zoo in the United States. 

This document also does not cover procedures or requirements for any birds or poultry 

not imported directly to a zoo.

This guidance document represents the Agency’s position on this topic. It does not 

create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not bind the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) or the public. VS may make the information it contains available to 

the public. While this document provides guidance for users outside VS, VS employees 

may not deviate from the directions provided herein without appropriate justification and 

supervisory concurrence.

2. Document Status

A. Review date: March 1, 2023.

B. This is a new document.

3. Reason for Reissuance 

Not applicable. 

4. Authority and References

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and U.S. Code (U.S.C.)):

7 CFR 371.4

9 CFR 93.101eCFR, et. seq.

9 CFR 93.201, et. seq.

B. Definitions: 

This document follows the definitions of zoological park and zoological bird used at

9 CFR 93.100.
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C. References:

VSG 5510,2, Procedures for Processing Cooperative Service and Other Agreements for 

Privately Owned Quarantine Facilities for Commercial Birds, Poultry, and any Avian 

Eggs for Hatching

VSG 13403.1, Cleaning and Disinfecting Avian Quarantine Facilities Following 

Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, or Other Communicable Avian 

Diseases

5. Audience

VS employees, other Federal and State agencies, and members of the public.

6. Guidance

A. User Fee Account or Cooperative Service Agreement Creation

For VS to approve and support a proposed facility, the facility must first establish a user 

fee account or a cooperative service agreement with the Port Services Director.

B. Application and Initial Inspection

1) Application

Zoos seeking VS approval to become an import quarantine facility must apply in 

writing to the Port Services Director. VS does not have an official form for this 

purpose. VS will consider long-term staffing resources when responding to 

applicants.

The application must include:

a. The zoo’s name and mailing address. 

b. The name and address of the zoo’s point of contact. 

c. The facility operator's name and address, if different.

d. The name of the person authorized to make decisions for the facility, if different 

from the point of contact or the facility operator. 

e. The facility’s street address or other information identifying the facility’s physical 

location. 
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f. Blueprints or detailed drawings of the proposed facility, including the whole zoo 

grounds with the designated quarantine area specially demarked. All areas within 

the zoo containing birds or poultry must be clearly marked with species and 

number of animals. Outdoor spaces that may regularly host large numbers of 

wild migrating birds should also be marked.

g. A description of the financial resources available to build, operate, and maintain 

the facility.

h. The average and maximum number of birds to be quarantined in a defined 

space.

i. The type of birds or poultry the zoo intends to quarantine in the facility.

j. The expected frequency of shipments to the zoo.

k. Route and type of transport from the port of entry to the facility. Birds must be 

transported under USDA seals to the quarantine facility or under direct VS 

supervision.

l. A copy of the zoo’s accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums 

and the last three USDA inspection reports.

m. Applicants can submit the following documents in draft, but must have VS’ final 

approval of them before the first shipment arrives to quarantine:

i. Written biosecurity protocols designed for staff use, including cleaning and 

disinfection, personal protective equipment (PPE), and routine work flow

directions.

ii. Plans for handling, care, and feeding of birds from the port of entry to the 

quarantine facility.

• The plan should include sealing of secure containers from the port of 

entry to the zoo.

• Birds should enter the zoo grounds and quarantine facility through a 

secure dedicated entrance and must not travel through areas used by the 

general public. 

• Non-quarantine supplies must be housed separately from those to be 

used by the quarantine.

iii. Plan for the necropsy and disposal of birds (and their eggs, if applicable) held 

in the facility that may die or be euthanized. This must include criteria for 

euthanasia as well as protocols for animal necropsy and disposal. The plan

must also include a standard operating procedure for disease sampling and 

sample submission protocol. VS must be notified immediately of unexpected 

deaths.
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2) Application Review

a. The Port Services Director assigns a local VS office to service and manage the 

quarantine.

b. VS, through the Port Services Director, reviews the application and determines if 

sufficient resources exist to adequately oversee the proposed facility.

c. VS informs the applicant in writing of the review result. If VS finds the application 

complete and has sufficient resources to oversee the facility, the Port Services 

Director gives the applicant an estimate of cooperative service costs or user fees 

the facility may incur.

d. If the application is in order, the applicant either opens a user fee account or 

completes a cooperative services agreement as set forth in VS Guidance 5510.2.

e. VS staff schedules and performs a preapproval inspection as set forth below.

i. If the facility meets the criteria listed in the attached checklist, VS (through the 

Port Services Director) and the applicant/cooperator must sign the 

cooperative services agreement before the facility can be used. The original 

signed agreement should remain with VS with copies sent to the cooperator.

ii. If the facility does not meet the criteria listed on the checklist, VS advises 

cooperators in writing of any violations or other compliance issues noted 

during the inspection that block VS approval. VS also tells the cooperator 

how long he or she has to correct the violations or noncompliance issues 

noted during the inspection.

f. VS reinspects the facility after the allotted time. If the cooperator has not 

corrected the noncompliance issues, VS will not approve the facility and will not 

issue import permits for animals to be quarantined at the facility.

g. If the preapproval inspection is satisfactory the inspector forwards the report to 

the VS office assigned to manage the quarantine.

h. On VS approval, VS lists the facility as an approved quarantine facility for the 

specific types of birds indicated in the cooperative services agreement. The 

facility can then begin operation as specified in the cooperative services 

agreement.

i. VS will assess appropriate fees monthly.
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3) Inspection Process

A facility must meet the criteria listed in the following sections and as referenced in 

the attached checklist.

a. Physical facilities requirements:

i. The facility must be located within the immediate metropolitan area of the 

following U.S. ports of entry: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 

California; John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), New York; Miami International 

Airport (MIA), Florida; or Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), Illinois.

ii. The facility must not be located within a 1⁄2 mile radius of a commercial poultry 

operation.

b. Construction of quarantine housing

i. The facility must be composed of a self-contained building or buildings in 

good repair. Floors and ceilings must be of solid construction materials. 

Surfaces in containment areas should be smooth, nonporous, durable, 

impervious to fluids, and able to withstand repeated cleaning and disinfection.

ii. The quarantine containment area must be of sufficient size to prevent 

overcrowding. Overcrowding will be determined by the birds’ ability to sit, 

stand, and lie without compromising their health. Room capacity numbers will 

change with the type of birds to be housed. 

iii. There must be an adequate water supply to the quarantine containment area 

to support all quarantine functions. 

iv. Wastewater or other liquid wastes must drain to a municipal or septic waste 

treatment system and may not be discharged untreated to the exterior of the 

quarantine facility.

v. All openings to the outside or to non-quarantine areas accessible to birds

within the quarantine facility must have a form of secondary containment. 

Secondary containment can include measures such as paned or screened 

windows, or a set of two doors leading to the outside that cannot open at the 

same time. Exterior doors and doors leading to bird containment areas must 

have tamperproof hasps and door hinges in which the pins cannot be 

removed.

vi. Quarantine areas must have separate air handling systems from personnel or 

other non-quarantine areas within the facility. Birds may be contained in 

individual isolettes that use a standalone air handling system. Use and 

change clean and appropriately sized high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or 
 United States Department of Agriculture

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antibacterial filters based on manufacturer’s recommendations. Use isolettes 

in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. 

Indoor heating and ventilation systems should control the ambient 

temperature, humidity, and odors at levels that do not injure the birds or 

personnel. Use industry standards for the desired type of birds. The facility 

can consult the following web links for recommendations on animal 

husbandry for birds held in quarantine: Association of Avian VeterinariansBasic Bird Care or Avian Scientific Advisory Group-Species Fact Sheets.

Cooperators should follow recommendations while observing any changes in 

behaviors and looking for signs of disease. On noticing harmful changes the 

cooperator should notify an accredited veterinarian specializing in avian 

medicine to provide professional assistance. The cooperator should also 

notify VS of any such changes and ask the managing office to authorize 

access to the facility.

vii. Lighting must be adequate for optimal avian health and for VS inspections.

viii. The facility must comply with local emergency exit ordinances.

ix. The facility must contain a necropsy room and a storage space for 

refrigerated carcasses. 

x. If the facility does not have dedicated restroom/changing areas for quarantine 

personnel, personnel must don PPE before entering the facility to perform 

their daily activities. They must dispose of PPE appropriately before returning 

to employee common areas. 

c. Facility housing design

i. Individual shipments must be biologically separated from each other so that 

birds, debris, animal waste, and water from one shipment do not come in 

contact with birds, debris, waste, or water from another shipment. Waste from 

birds that appear sick or have positive test results should be handled last.

These birds should also be cleaned last.

ii. If secure rooms are used to quarantine a shipment of birds, each room 

should have a secondary containment system (double doors, etc.) to prevent 

the birds’ escape.

iii. The facility should have variously sized isolation enclosures (isolettes, rooms 

with individual air handling systems) to accommodate the space and 

biological needs of different species of birds and poultry.

iv. If housed within isolettes in the same room, birds should be housed only in 

proximity with birds or poultry of compatible species. For example, seedeating birds may not be housed next to birds of prey.
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v. The feed and bedding storage area must be a secure, indoor space that is 

vermin and moisture free. Do not repurpose unused feed or bedding for use 

outside the quarantine facility.

vi. Designate space using a unique numbering system to simplify inspection 

approval and recognition. 

vii. Clearly delineate barriers or signage between the quarantine facility and 

public areas.

d. Biosecurity

i. The facility must provide a biosecurity protocol for review on VS’ request.

ii. VS personnel will evaluate routine biosecurity practices during inspections.

iii. The facility must have adequate equipment and supplies to maintain a clean 

and sanitary condition and to control pests.

iv. The facility must maintain a sufficient stock of disinfectant authorized in 9 

CFR 71.10 (or otherwise authorized by APHIS) to disinfect the entire facility.

v. The facility must have a separate area for washing equipment.

vi. Personnel must wear PPE sufficient to prevent cross contamination between 

shipments, and appropriate for the type of isolation unit and activity 

performed. Personnel must change PPE before working with each different 

shipment. 

vii. Personnel must don and doff PPE in a manner to minimize cross 

contamination between “clean” and “dirty” areas. 

viii. Care for healthy birds before ill and untested birds to minimize disease 

spread.

ix. The facility must have dedicated staff. Dedicated quarantine staff must not 

handle birds other than those residing within the quarantine facility for the 

duration of the quarantine period.

x. A showering and changing area for personnel must be located at the

entrance to quarantine containment areas. Clothes storage and changing 

areas must be located at each shower area. A receptacle to collect clothing 

worn in any containment area must be present on the containment side of the 

showers. Keep showers clean. Employees must shower out of the facility as 

part of the biosecurity protocol and must have designated clothing for use in 

the quarantine area.
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xi. Staff should wear only dedicated clothing in the quarantine areas. Launder 

and sanitize clothing after use.

xii. The water supply to quarantine containment areas must be adequate to 

support life and for cleaning and maintenance. An emergency water supply 

must be available.

xiii. Dispose of quarantine waste in a manner to prevent release of pathogens to 

the environment, such as incineration or other VS-approved method. Do not 

remove waste from the premises while the quarantine is in effect.

xiv. Birds to be quarantined must enter the facility through a secure, dedicated 

entrance and must not travel through areas accessed by the general public.

xv. Quarantine area staff must have documented training on using the 

biosecurity protocol.

e. Security

i. Keep the facility locked. Apply USDA seals on doors to active quarantine 

rooms, or take equivalent, alternative measures to control access and 

maintain biosecurity at all times when VS personnel are not onsite.

ii. The facility must display visible Quarantine Area signs prohibiting visitors.

iii. Each isolette or room that represents a “quarantine time frame” must have an 

identification card/reference listed on the cage that states when the 

quarantine began and is due to end.

iv. The operator must provide VS with a phone number for a contact person who 

can be reached at any time.

v. The facility must have a security system (e.g., fences, guards, video 

cameras, locks) adequate to prevent unauthorized entry and the escape of 

quarantined birds.

vi. The VS managing office will assign a veterinary medical officer or other VS 

personnel to monitor facility activities. VS will apply, break, and record seals 

used at all entrances. 

vii. The facility must have a working television/surveillance monitoring system 

that can view each containment area in use for quarantine of any bird at any 

time. 

viii. The cooperator must immediately report any actual or suspected security 

breaks to the designated VS personnel. The cooperator must also 
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immediately report any birds that escape from the facility. VS will supervise 

all entries and exits of birds housed within the quarantine facility. 

ix. Record all bird deaths and report immediately to VS. All birds comprising a 

shipment must be accounted for before the end of a quarantine period.

C. VS Oversight of Daily Operations

1) VS will perform or view the following quarantine activities: 

a. The intake and discharge of each bird quarantined at the facility.

b. Inspection of birds for overall health status (note: Does not take the place of onstaff veterinary care).

c. Sampling for testing.

d. Verification of identification on accompanying import documentation.

e. Monitoring morbidity or mortality, including completing necropsies on dead birds.

f. Initiating disease investigations.

g. Monitoring use of standard operating procedures for routine maintenance, 

veterinary care, and biosecurity protocols for facility operations.

h. Reviewing daily log sheets/operational records.

i. Approving isolettes or rooms receiving new bird shipments.

2) VS minimum visits per shipment:

a. Daily visits, which include day of arrival and date of release. 

b. VS will discuss visits beyond the minimum per shipment with the cooperator. VS 

will base these on the needs of the birds in quarantine. 

c. VS personnel must be present when facility personnel are in the quarantine. 

Access to any facility will be available only when VS personnel are present.

D. Personnel

1) Visitors may not access the quarantine containment area unless VS approves the 

visit. The facility must follow VS’ policy on visitors to a Federal or a federally 

approved private quarantine.
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2) All personnel with access must sign an agreement stipulating they will follow the 

terms set in the cooperative services agreement between VS and the cooperator, as 

well as any VS quarantine operation instructions.

3) All approved personnel, except veterinary practitioners providing emergency care, 

must sign an affidavit (separate from the agreement referenced above) before 

entering the quarantine area stating they will not provide care for other birds or 

poultry outside the quarantine facility for the 72 hours immediately after exiting 

quarantine. Visitors must adhere to all biosecurity standards in effect when entering 

and leaving the facility.

4) Training: The operator must document biosecurity and quarantine protocol training 

for personnel responsible for the quarantined areas or for handling any bird going 

into the quarantine.

a. Quarantine area staff involved in cleaning or maintaining the facility must have 

documented training on use of the following protocols:

• Biosecurity

• Sanitation and PPE

b. Quarantine area staff involved in animal handling must, in addition to the above 

protocols, have documented training on:

• Bird handling

• Contingency planning 

E. Sanitary Practices

1) All equipment must be dedicated to the quarantine. Sanitize equipment used per 

room/space before using between birds. 

2) Clean and disinfect all facility equipment after use on birds representing different 

shipments. 

3) Clean and disinfect any area that has held quarantined birds after use and allow it to 

fully dry before placing a new shipment of birds in the area. This includes areas used 

to usher birds into the facility and the quarantine space. The protocol for cleaning 

and disinfecting these areas should be available for review. 

4) The disinfectant solution labels must bear the solution’s name, when the solution 

was first opened for use, and use instructions. Provide Material Safety Data Sheets 

(MSDS) for employee and visitor review. Use and care of all chemicals must follow 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.

5) The cooperator must provide clean protective clothing and footwear for anyone 

granted access to the facility before they enter the quarantine area.
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6) The cooperator must properly clean and dispose of soiled and contaminated clothing 

used in the facility. 

7) Disinfect rooms and isolettes used to contain individual shipments after releasing the 

shipment from quarantine. Disinfect all items, including food bowls and enrichment 

items in the isolettes, before reuse. Discard items that cannot be appropriately

cleaned and disinfected.

F. Handling of Birds in Quarantine

1) Place each shipment in biological isolation from all other shipments.

2) Accurately reconcile all birds entering and leaving the quarantine facility. Alert VS 

immediately to any sick or dead birds. 

3) All bird shipments must be accounted to the satisfaction of the managing office (or 

delegated supervising VS personnel) before the end of a quarantine period.

4) The facility must provide sufficient and vermin-free bedding and feed.

5) Carcasses of birds that die en route from the port of arrival, or die in the facility, must 

be refrigerated and made available for VS staff examination and determination of the 

cause of mortality.

6) VS requires testing of all quarantined birds (at the importer’s expense) as it deems

necessary to determine their health status.

7) VS may extend a quarantine period as needed to determine the health status of birds 

held under quarantine. VS may hold birds longer in quarantine if birds become ill 

from diseases communicable to poultry.

8) If a shipment has experienced an outbreak of an infectious disease, the facility may 

depopulate affected animals. VS personnel will clean and disinfect the shipment area 

as described in VSG 13403.1, Cleaning and Disinfecting Avian Quarantine Facilities 

Following Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, or Other Communicable 

Avian Diseases. If more than one shipment is involved, VS may require additional 

biosecurity measures that impact all shipments in a given room/section of the 

quarantine facility. The operator must notify importers of all aspects of quarantine 

activities that affect their shipment.

9) All birds in the same shipment within a housing unit (isolette, room etc.) are to exit 

quarantine at the same time (“all in, all out” by shipment).

G. Recordkeeping

1) A facility record includes:
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a. A copy of the import permit and export health certificate for each shipment.

b. Copies of daily health records on each quarantine space, with individual animals 

identified if they become ill. Records cover the whole quarantine period and 

include animals contained together for that quarantine period.

c. Daily log of personnel entering and exiting the facility.

d. Daily log of facility deaths (not just death within one shipment). Maintain a

completed VS Form 17-12 or VS-approved equivalent. Account for any 

mortalities and morbidities and shipments/birds identified using this form. List all 

laboratory specimens removed from the facility on the back of VS Form 17-12 or 

approved equivalent.

e. Importer name, address, and contact information.

f. Exporter name, address, and contact information.

g. Dates of quarantine.

2) The cooperator must keep all records related to the quarantine for at least 12 months

after the release of the birds.

3) The cooperator must make these records available to VS on request.

4) Birds may be identified by physical description. Birds should be appropriately 

identified in records and on isolettes/rooms.

5) Maintain a room cleaning and disinfection log. Post the log outside each room that 

contains quarantined birds of any type.

6) Record significant adverse or unexpected events (such as isolation unit escapes, 

unexplained mortalities, major biosecurity breaches etc.) as “special incidences” as 

they occur. Report them to VS immediately.

7) Facility required documents include:

a. Written biosecurity protocols for staff use, including cleaning and disinfection,

PPE, and work flow behavior protocols.

b. Plans for handling, care, and feeding of birds from the port-of-entry to the 

quarantine facility. Plans should also include transportation route and type.

c. Plan for the necropsy and disposal of birds (and their eggs, if applicable) in the 

facility that die or are euthanized. This must include euthanasia criteria and a 

necropsy and disposal protocol as well as a standard operating procedure for 
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disease sampling and sample submission protocol. VS submits tissue or other 

samples at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)’ direction. VS 

performs or supervises performance of necropsies. VS charges user fees for 

services performed and for submitting samples to NVSL. Notify VS immediately if 

a bird dies unexpectedly. 

H. Communications

1) VS will:

a. Inform the cooperator by email or letter of inspection results and any deficiencies 

within 5 business days.

b. Provide the operator a phone number for current use to support the quarantine.

c. Schedule re-inspection of revoked approvals as soon as services become 

available.

d. Confer approval by email or letter (if merited) to the operator within 5 business 

days of inspection.

e. Issue import permits for applications received from the approved facility within 10 

days of receipt.

f. Provide VS inspectors when the facility notifies VS of new birds in quarantine and 

provide unscheduled inspections for all other bird quarantines throughout the 

quarantine period.

g. Maintain a list of quarantine facilities on its USDA website.

2) The cooperator will:

a. Apply for an import permit for clients within 10 days of proposed U.S. arrival. 

b. Notify the VS managing office by phone or email when re-inspection of 

quarantine space is requested. 

c. Keep VS informed of changes in permitted arrival dates as soon as the operator 

learns of the changes.

I. Facility Repproval Inspections

1) VS, through the managing office, must re-inspect approved facilities at least 

annually. VS will revoke approval for bird quarantine sections of the facility if VS 

discovers non-compliance with any items in the attached checklist.

2) The managing office will determine the facility’s fitness to support a quarantine.
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3) The managing office submits any compliance issues found during the inspection to 

the Port Services Director for further direction and resolution. 

4) Zoo re-inspections should include an inspection at the permit application stage for 

each shipment.

5) Before each shipment, the VS managing office should complete the pre-shipment 

checklist to ensure facility compliance.

6) Compliant facilities

VS approves fully compliant facilities to receive zoo bird shipments for 1 year before 

the facility needs a formal re-inspection. The cooperater emails or writes to the 

approving VS office to reapply for another year; a full application is not required. The 

cooperator must fully fund the facility user fee account, based on the average funds 

used the previous year.

7) Noncompliant facilities

a. Any item on the checklist that is marked “unacceptable” is a noncompliant item.

b. The facility or building within a noncompliant facility may not receive additional 

zoo imports until it has corrected all noncompliant items. VS will not issue import 

permits for the use of the affected facility or building.

If a facility is found noncompliant during an approved quarantine, VS will provide 

additional oversight. VS may require birds to be moved to a Federal facility if the 

noncompliant facility cannot immediately correct its deficiencies. 

c. The inspector assigns correction dates. VS will revoke the facility’s approval if it 

fails to correct items by the specified dates. Revoked facilities wishing to receive 

zoo bird imports in the future must re-apply for approval by contacting the Port 

Services Director. The facility must submit a complete application package when 

re-applying.

J. Suspension or Revocation of VS Approval

1) VS may suspend or revoke its approval until the facility has corrected any 

deficiencies if: 

a. A previously approved facility does not comply with the criteria for approval.

b. The facility fails to prevent, contain, or eliminate an outbreak of a communicable 

disease.
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2) The managing office will consult with the Port Services Director on noncompliance 

issues.

3) VS coordinates suspension or revocation of approval for existing facilities.

4) VS documents all suspensions or revocations of facility approval in writing.

5) Before VS denies or withdraws facility approval, VS will inform the operator in writing 

(or verbally, followed by a written communication) of the reasons for the proposed 

action. If the operator disagrees with the proposed action, he or she can request a 

hearing to contest the matter.

6) VS may withdraw facility approval at any time before a final determination in a 

hearing if VS determines the action is necessary to protect bird or public health. This 

withdrawal will continue pending completion of the hearing and any judicial review, 

unless VS orders otherwise.

7) In addition to withdrawing approval as stated in this section, VS will automatically 

withdraw approval when the operator of any approved facility notifies the Port 

Services Director in writing that the facility is no longer operating.

K. Variances 

1) If quarantine applicants/cooperators want a variance to the requirements set forth in 

this guidance, they must ask the Port Services Director in writing at least 30 days 

before the facility opens for use by any shipment.

2) VS intends this guidance to describe the required security measures in place at 

privately owned bird import quarantine facilities during normal operating conditions. 

When emergencies such as power outages or natural disasters occur, VS may, at its 

discretion, grant the importer permission to break intact USDA seals and enter the 

facility. However, even under these circumstances, the operator may not remove 

quarantined birds from the facility during a quarantine unless VS specifically 

approves. VS will make every effort to have an inspector present during 

emergencies.

7. Inquiries

Please contact the following offices with any questions related to this document:

Strategy and Policy, Animal Permitting and Negotiation Services

Avian Import Staff Veterinary Medical Officer

Riverdale, Maryland

301-851-3300, Option 2 

vs.live.animal.import.export@usda.gov
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Port Services Director 

4700 River Road

Office 5B-02c

Riverdale, Maryland

301-851-3408

Attachments:

Quarantine Facility Checklist Report – Annual Inspections for Zoo Facilities

Checklist for Privately Owned Avian Quarantine Facilities
 United States Department of Agriculture

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Quarantine Facility Checklist Report – Annual Inspections for Zoo Facilities

1.Name and Business Address of Facility Operator (include 

Zip Code)

2.Name and Business Address of Facility (if different from 

Box 1)

Please complete each item:

Task/area inspected Acceptable/ 

Unacceptable

Mark ”A” or 

“UA”

Remarks/corrections

Location

3. Facility location is preapproved by Port 

Services Director or designee

4. There is no commercial poultry operation 

within a 1⁄2 mile radius

Construction

5. Facility is self-contained building in good

repair

6. Constructed with materials that can 

withstand continued cleaning and 

disinfection

7. Rooms are constructed to prevent birds 

from escaping –e.g., double doors, 

entrances, double windows 

8. All openings to the outside are impervious 

to vermin or wild bird entry

9. Bird holding areas are of various sizes and 

appropriate to handle multiple bird

shipments. 

10. Indoor heating and ventilation systems 

control the ambient temperature, humidity 

and odors to acceptable levels for the birds

11 Caging and bird containers are 

constructed well with no obvious defective 

parts

12. Feed and bedding storage area is vermin 

and moisture free

13. There is a designated office for VS use

14. Emergency exit signs present

15. Lighting adequate

16. Room available for cold storage of 

carcasses

Sanitation

17. There is authorized, unexpired 

disinfectant of sufficient quantity and 

properly stored

18. Area for washing equipment

19. Separate showering area for personnel 

with room for change of clothes.
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

18

20. Storage available for clean PPE gear, 

located on the “clean” side of the facility

21. Water supply to animal holding area is 

adequate for both animal maintenance and 

for cleaning

22. Review plan for incineration - acceptable 

by incinerator on the premises or facility 

provides holding area until end of 

quarantine 

23. Area to dispose of PPE upon exit of 

necropsy area - clean PPE available

Security

24. Facility is locked at all times

25. Facility displays visible signs of 

quarantine status, quarantine dates, and 

prohibits entry of public and visitors not 

approved by VS

26. Operator provides VS with contact 

phone number and emergency contact

List Phone #:

27. Daily log available of mortalities and 

morbidities

28. Each room/Isolette has number that 

identifies its location within the quarantine -

visible and legible on the outside of the 

door/cage/unit

29. Acceptable security system

Name the system in use System Name: 

Personnel

30. Documented statement from authorized 

employees on 3 days no contact with birds

post quarantine

31. Review signed agreements by authorized 

personnel to follow cooperative services 

agreement

Sanitary Practices

32. All equipment used in quarantine 

dedicated to only that use

33. Bird holding area cleaned and 

disinfected before arrival of new shipment 

of birds

34. Clean protective clothing is available for 

use for all who need to enter the 

quarantined area

36. Employees handling birds wear 

protective clothing and gloves for sick birds.

PPE is to be removed before exiting the 

facility.

37. Opened disinfectant is: Labeled with 

name, date when opened, and instructions 

for use on the container

38. Area to clean feeding dishes is clean and 

appears to be in use
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

19

Handling of Birds

39. Animal holding area and litter should be 

vermin-free

40. Inspect dead bird handling procedures

Recordkeeping

41. Inspect daily log sign in sheets for 

personnel

42. All birds identified and accounted for in 

daily log and on enclosure

43. Necropsy records complete for all 

animals that have died at the facility

43. Proof of training of personnel in facility 

protocols, includes annual refresher course

44. Records kept on all shipments held for 

12 months - see guidance criteria. This 

includes medical/treatment records, test 

results, import permits, necropsy results, 

name and address of owner or address post 

quarantine.

45. Each room has a cleaning and 

disinfection log sheet 

46. Review the following protocols:

*Cleaning and disinfection

* Handling and feeding 

* Review route of travel from port of entry

to the facility

* Euthanasia and dead bird disposal 

Approval Disapproval of Facility

Based on my inspection, I recommend ( ) approved ( ) not approved

47. Signature of Inspector 48.Title 49.Date

USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services

_______________________________________________________________________

Print Name and Office Location
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

20

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Inspection Report

I hereby acknowledge receipt of this inspection report on the below listed date.

50.Signature of responsible official 51. Title 52. Date
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

21

Quarantine Facility Checklist Report – Pre-Shipment Inspections for Zoo 

Facilities

1.Name and Business Address of Facility Operator (include 

Zip Code)

2.Name and Business Address of Facility (if different from 

Box 1)

Please complete each item:

Task/area inspected: Acceptable/ 

Unacceptable

Mark ”A” or 

“UA”

Remarks/corrections

Location

3. There are no birds/poultry found on the 

outside of the approved facility

Construction

4. Evidence of continued cleaning 

5. Rooms are constructed to prevent birds 

from escaping –e.g., double doors, 

entrances, double windows 

6. All openings to the outside are impervious 

to vermin or wild bird entry

7. Bird holding areas are of various sizes and 

appropriate to handle multiple bird 

shipments

8. Indoor heating and ventilation systems 

control the ambient temperature, humidity,

and odors to acceptable levels for the birds

9. Caging and bird containers are 

constructed well with no obvious defective 

parts 

10. Feed and bedding storage area is vermin 

and moisture free

11. There is a designated office for VS use

12. Emergency exit signs present

13. Lighting adequate

14. Room available for cold storage of 

carcasses

Sanitation

15. There is authorized, unexpired 

disinfectant of sufficient quantity and 

properly stored

16. Area for washing equipment

17. Separate showering area for personnel 

with room for change of clothes

18. Storage available for clean PPE gear, 

located on the “clean” side of the facility
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

22

19. Water supply to animal holding area is 

adequate for both animal maintenance and 

for cleaning

20. Review plan for incineration - acceptable 

by incinerator on the premises or facility 

provides holding area until end of 

quarantine 

21. Area to dispose of PPE upon exit of 

necropsy area - clean PPE available

Security

22. Facility is locked at all times

23. Facility displays visible signs of 

quarantine status, quarantine dates, and 

prohibits entry of public and visitors not 

approved by VS

24. VS calls contact phone number and 

emergency contact to determine if effective

List Phone #:

25. Review daily log of mortalities and 

morbidities

26. Each room has number that identifies its 

location within the quarantine - visible and 

legible on the outside of the door/cage/unit

27. Acceptable security system

Name the system in use System Name: 

Personnel

28. Documented statement from authorized 

employees on 3 days no-contact with avians, 

post quarantine

29. Review signed agreements by authorized 

personnel to follow cooperative services

agreement

Sanitary Practices – Observed

30. All equipment used in quarantine 

dedicated only to that use

31. Bird holding area cleaned and 

disinfected before arrival of new shipment 

32. Clean protective clothing is available for 

all who need to enter the quarantined area

33. Employees handling animals wear 

protective clothing and gloves for sick 

animals. PPE is to be removed before exiting 

the facility.

34. Opened disinfectant is: Labeled with 

name, date when opened, and instructions 

for use on the container

35. Area to clean feeding dishes is clean and 

appears to be in use

Handling of Birds

36. Animal holding area and litter should be 

vermin-free

37. Inspect dead bird handling procedures
 United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

 Veterinary Services

 VS Guidance 13420.1

23

Recordkeeping-review from 

previous shipments

38. Inspect daily log sign in sheets for 

personnel

39. Review previous daily logs 

40. Review necropsy records for previous 

shipments 

43. Proof of training of personnel of facility 

protocols, includes annual refresher course

44. Records kept on all shipments held for 2

years- see guidance criteria. This includes 

medical/treatment records, test results, 

import permits, necropsy results, name and 

address of owner or address post 

quarantine.

45. Each room has cleaning and disinfection 

log sheet 

46. Review the following protocols:

*Cleaning and disinfection

* Handling and feeding 

* Review route of travel from port of entry 

to the facility

* Euthanasia and dead animal disposal 

Approval/Disapproval of Facility

Based on my inspection, I recommend ( ) approved ( ) not approved

47. Signature of Inspector 48.Title 49.Date

USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services 

_______________________________________________________________________

Print Name and Office Location

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Inspection Report

I hereby acknowledge receipt of this inspection report on the below listed date.

50.Signature of responsible official 51. Title 52. Date