U.S.DEPARTMENTOFAGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

Digitally signed by ADIS DIJAB ADIS DIJAB Date: 2021.06.23 11:49:38 -04'00' 

Procedures for Handling Pet and Performing Bird Importations (Excluding Ratites 

and Hatching Eggs of Ratites) 

1. PurposeandBackground

This document outlines the procedures and responsibilities of Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) and Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel for handling legally and illegally 

imported pet and performing birds arriving via passenger baggage or cargo. This document 

also discusses the interaction between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and VS 

regarding bird imports at U.S. ports of entry; a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 

between those two agencies provides guidance on that working relationship. 

This guidance covers (1) VS’ responsibility for the import of live birds, (2) CBP handling of 

birds until VS arrives at the port of entry, (3) VS and CBP responsibility for bird handling 

supplies at the port of entry, and (4) FWS and VS interaction at ports of entry regarding the 

import of birds subject to this document. 

VS has formal relationships with FWS and CBP pertinent to handling birds at U.S. ports of 

entry. VS communicates policy and directions to CBP to handle birds in the absence of VS 

personnel at the time birds present at the port of entry. VS recognizes that FWS has 

separate authority over the import of various avian types, including those species 

protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). 

This guidance document represents the Agency’s position on this topic and is intended 

solely as guidance. It does not have the force and effect of law, 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. Language suggesting that this guidance is mandatory (e.g., “shall,” 

“must,” “required”, or “requirement”) should not be construed as binding unless the terms 

quote from a statutory or regulatory requirement. The information this document contains 

may be made 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. 

Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.), the Office of 

Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this [action] as a non-major rule, as defined 

by 5 U.S.C. § 804(2).

2. DocumentStatus

A. Review date: 06/15/2024. 

B. This document replaces Veterinary Ser1 vices Guidance 13417.1. 

3. ReasonforReissuance 

VS is reissuing this guidance to reflect changes in procedure and structure. 
 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

4. Authority and References 

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)): 

x 7 CFR 371.4 

x 9 CFR 93.100 – 93.102 

B. References: 

x VS-CBP memorandum of agreement 

x Import Procedures for a Pet Bird Entering (U.S. Origin) the United States 

x Protocol for Bird Carriers used at U.S. Ports of Entry 

x VS Form 10-4, Specimen Submission 

x VS Form 17-8, Agreement of Pet Bird Owner 

C. Definitions: 

The following avian type classifications apply for the purposes of this guidance document: 

1. Pet bird: Birds imported for the personal pleasure of their individual owners, in 

shipments of five (5) or fewer birds, and not intended for resale. VS recognizes U.S. 

origin status when a U.S. accredited veterinarian issues a U.S. export health certificate 

for a bird departing from the United States. 

2. Performing or theatrical birds/poultry: Birds and poultry (including pigeons and 

doves) intended for use by their owners in shows, theatrical acts, or performances. 

VS recognizes U.S. origin status when a U.S. accredited veterinarian issues a U.S. 

export health certificate for a bird departing from the United States. 

3. Smuggled birds: Any bird brought to the United States contrary to Federal law or 

regulation and not declared to CBP officials at the port of entry. 

4. Noncompliant and declared birds: Any bird brought to the United States contrary to 

Federal law or regulation and declared to CBP officials but determined not to follow 

Federal law or regulation. 

5. Abandoned birds: Any bird declared to CBP for which the owner gives up ownership 

or for which CBP cannot find the owner. 

5. Audience 

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

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

6. Guidance 

Avian Type (below) 

Returning from (across) 

HPAI-Free 

Country (except 

Canada) 

Canada HPAI Country 

U.S. Origin Pet Birds Section 6.A.1 Section 6.A.4 

U.S. Origin Performing or Theatrical 

Birds/Poultry Section 6.A.2 

Section 6.A.3 

Section 6.A.5 

Non-U.S. Origin Pet Birds Section 6.A.6 Section 6.A.6 

Non-U.S. Origin Performing Birds 

A. APHIS Entry Requirements 

1) U.S. origin pet birds returning from countries recognized by the United States as 

having a highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) free status (known hereafter as a 

non-HPAI country), except Canada, are subject to the following requirements: 

a. The owner must obtain a U.S. Permit to Import (VS Form 17-135) for entry and 

home quarantine of the bird. See instructions for completing the application 

form, VS Form 17-129, here. 

b. The bird must arrive with a veterinary health certificate issued by the country 

of export within thirty (30) days of travel to the United States. VS posts the 

veterinary health certificate criteria on the Returning U.S. Pet Birds website. 

c. A VS veterinarian visually inspects the bird when it arrives at the first U.S. port 

of entry. Birds exhibiting clinical signs of disease are subject to Section 6.C of 

this document. 

d. The owner must complete and sign VS Form 17-8, Agreement of Pet Bird 

Owner, at the time of arrival at the first port of entry in the United States, for 

VS approval to quarantine the bird in the owner’s home. By signing VS Form 17-

8, Section A, the owner agrees to isolate the bird for at least thirty (30) days in 

his or her home and make the bird available for VS personnel to inspect and 

collect samples seven (7) to fourteen (14) days post entry. 

e. VS collects samples from the bird twice, using either a cloacal or fresh fecal 

swab, for Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) testing. VS personnel 

take the first swab at the time of arrival at the first port of entry in the United 

States, and the second at the home quarantine seven (7) to fourteen (14) days 

later. VS submits both swabs to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories 

(NVSL) using VS Form 10-4, according to sample submission instructions 

accompanying the form. 

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.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

f. After thirty (30) days, if the bird remains clinically healthy and NVSL confirms 

both sets of samples are negative, the case manager assigned to the import 

notifies the importer via email or official letter stating that VS will release the 

bird from home quarantine. 

2) U.S. origin performing or theatrical birds/poultry returning from non-HPAI 

countries, except Canada, are subject to the same requirements as U.S. origin pet 

birds in Section 6.A.(1), with the exception that a foreign health certificate is not 

required. 

3) Birds entering from Canada – including pet birds and performing of theatrical 

birds/poultry of any origin – are subject to the following requirements: 

a. If entering through an air or seaport, the importer must obtain a U.S. Permit to 

Import (VS Form 17-135). If entering by a land border crossing, no import 

permit is required. No Canadian health certificate is required. 

b. A VS veterinarian completes a visual veterinary health inspection of the bird 

when it arrives at the first U.S. port of entry. Birds exhibiting clinical signs of 

disease are subject to Section 6.C. of this document. 

c. The owner must complete VS Form 17-8, including a signature from the owner 

in box B certifying that the bird has been in his or her possession for at least 

ninety (90) days, is healthy, and has not been exposed to birds outside those in 

the shipment. 

d. Quarantine is not required. 

4) Declared pet birds at the southern land border between the United States and 

Mexico: 

a. CBP will automatically turn around declared pet birds presented at land 

crossings along the U.S. border with Mexico. VS does not need to be called, 

unless the owner of the bird has questions about U.S. return/import 

procedures. 

b. CBP should give the importer/owner VS Form 17-8, stating the pet birds were 

refused entry. 

5) U.S. origin pet birds returning from countries the United States recognizes as an 

HPAI risk (known hereafter as HPAI countries) are subject to the following 

requirements: 

a. The owner must obtain a VS Form 17-135 for entry. 

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.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

b. The owner must fly directly to a port associated with Federal quarantine. Birds 

exporting from Asia may use either the Los Angeles, California airport or the 

San Diego, California port as a transit to ports at John F. Kennedy Airport, New 

York, or the port at Miami, Florida. If using the California ports, VS will seal the 

pet bird carriers upon exit from California and VS will unseal at the destination 

Federal quarantine. 

c. The birds must arrive with a veterinary health certificate issued by the country 

of export within thirty (30) days of travel to the United States. VS posts the 

criteria for this veterinary health certificate on the Returning U.S. Pet Birds 

website. 

d. A VS veterinarian visually inspects the bird when it arrives at the first U.S. port 

of entry. Birds exhibiting clinical signs of disease are subject to Section 6.C of 

this document. 

e. The bird must complete a thirty (30)-day quarantine at a USDA Animal Import 

Center (AIC), as noted in 6. 5) b. above. 

f. VS collects a cloacal swab sample from the birds, before day seven (7) of the 

quarantine, for ND and AI testing at NVSL. 

g. After completion of the thirty- (30-)day quarantine, if the bird remains clinically 

healthy and NVSL confirms negative test results, VS releases the bird from 

quarantine. 

6) U.S. origin performing or theatrical birds/poultry returning from HPAI countries are 

subject to the requirements listed in Section 6.A.(4), with the exception that a 

health certificate is not required. 

7) Non-U.S. origin pet birds or performing/theatrical birds/poultry entering from any 

country (non-HPAI or HPAI), except Canada, are subject to the following 

requirements: 

a. The owner must obtain a VS Form 17-135. 

b. The bird must arrive with a veterinary health certificate issued by the country 

of export within thirty (30) days of travel to the United States. VS posts the 

criteria for this veterinary health certificate on the Returning U.S. Pet Birds Web 

site. 

c. A VS veterinarian visually inspects the bird when it arrives at the first U.S. port 

of entry. Birds exhibiting clinical signs of disease are subject to Section 6.C of 

this document. 

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Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

d. The bird must complete a thirty (30) day quarantine at a USDA AIC or VSapproved avian quarantine facility 

e. VS collects a swab sample from the bird, before day seven (7) of the quarantine, 

for ND and AI testing at NVSL. 

f. After completion of the thirty- (30)-day quarantine, if the bird remains clinically 

healthy and NVSL confirms negative test results, VS releases the bird from 

quarantine. 

B. Smuggled/Non-Compliant Birds 

The section below provides a brief overview of VS procedures for smuggled/noncompliant birds arriving at U.S. ports: 

1) Noncompliant but declared bird/poultry at a point of entry: 

a. When a bird is presented without the required import documents (e.g., a VSissued import permit) but is declared to CBP, it becomes an illegal entry bird, 

and the owner may choose to: 

1. Abandon the bird to APHIS and sign box D of the VS Form 17-8. 

2. Return the bird to the country of export, if that country will accept it, and 

sign box C of the VS Form 17-8. 

3. Send the bird to a USDA AIC or VS-approved avian quarantine facility for a 

thirty (30)-day quarantine. All costs associated with transport, quarantine, 

and testing are the owner’s responsibility. 

4. VS responds to the CBP notification as soon as the call is noted. CBP 

proceeds down a VS contact list until VS responds to a bird notification. CBP 

maintains the birds in approved cages/carriers properly fitted with highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters until VS arrival. 

b. If VS determines birds/poultry must be euthanized, VS performs the euthanasia 

and works with CBP for proper carcass disposal. NOTE: VS can only perform 

euthanasia following consultation with FWS to confirm the bird is not CITESprotected. 

2) Smuggled (e.g., not declared by the owner) bird/poultry at a point of entry: 

a. VS responds to the CBP notification as soon as the call or email is noted. 

b. CBP must refuse the bird entry to the United States. CBP cannot return the 

bird/poultry to the owner/transporter, and the bird/poultry becomes VS 

property. 

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Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

c. CBP or VS personnel complete blocks 1-5 of VS Form 17-8, and obtain the 

signature of the owner/transporter in box D, denoting the abandonment of the 

bird to VS. If Importer refuses to abandon the bird to VS, FWS may seize the 

bird, if the bird is covered under their authority and regulations. If the bird is 

not covered under their regulations, the importer cannot proceed into the 

United States with the bird. 

d. If CBP obtains the bird outside VS presence, CBP provides VS the original signed 

VS Form 17-8 and copies of any other paperwork that CBP may require to 

document the bird’s chain of custody. 

e. VS must contact FWS for species identification and disposition consultation. If 

FWS takes ownership of the bird, VS arranges to transport the bird to the 

nearest USDA AIC for quarantine and further FWS disposition. 

C. Birds Refused Entry Due to Evidence of Disease 

Birds exhibiting clinical signs of disease at the port of entry are not eligible for entry 

into the United States. 

1) If birds are destined for home quarantine, the VS veterinarian should contact Port 

Services for guidance. Port Services notifies Live Animal Import (LAI) of the decision 

to refuse entry, and LAI follows up as the situation dictates. 

2) If birds are allowed to go into Federal quarantine at a USDA AIC quarantine facility, 

the AIC Director notifies LAI of the entry refusal. LAI follows up as the situation 

dictates. 

The USDA AIC locations include: 

Miami Animal Import Center (MAIC) New York Animal Import Center (NYAIC) 

USDA-APHIS-VS USDA-APHIS-VS 

6300 NW 36 Street 474 International Boulevard 

Miami, FL 33122 Rock Tavern, NY 1257 

vspsmia@aphis.usda.gov vspsnic@aphis.usda.gov 

D. VS Unit Responsibilities 

1) Live Animal Import: 

a. Develops and distributes standard operating procedures (SOPs), based on 

MOUs, which further define duties at the ports of entry. 

b. Serves as the point of contact (POC) for issues of disease concern related to 

avian entry, working directly with FWS. 

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Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

c. Serves as consultant on issues around HEPA filters. 

2) Port Services: 

a. Ensures all birds approved for home quarantine complete the home quarantine 

and manages the VS process once the birds arrive at the U.S. port of entry. 

b. Serves as the CBP POC for HEPA filter requests. Birds sent to a Federal 

quarantine are placed into cardboard boxes with cutout sections covered by 

HEPA filters supplied by the VS port office. CBP currently supplies carriers and 

cardboard boxes. 

c. Assigns the case manager function to a port veterinarian for each pet bird in 

home quarantine. Details are contained in a separate internal SOP. 

d. Serves as the POC when issues requiring resolution arise, including but not 

limited to changes in route, changes in personnel, any noncompliance or nonnegative birds, or retest requests. 

e. Develops and distributes SOPs so Port Services personnel can implement this 

guidance document. 

f. Initiates an Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES) investigation when VS 

is unable to locate an owner who agreed to home quarantine. 

g. Ensures that bird handling equipment is returned to CBP offices as follows: 

1. If the VS port veterinarian uses bird handling equipment, VS cleans and 

disinfects the cages/carriers and returns them to the CBP port of entry 

facility after use. 

2. For carriers that contained birds sent to a USDA AIC or VS-approved avian 

quarantine facility, the AIC cleans and disinfects the carrier and returns it to 

the original port of entry CBP office. VS charges the shipping costs to the 

entity that paid for transporting the bird to the quarantine center (either 

FWS or the bird owner). 

3) Animal Import Centers and VS-Approved Avian Quarantine Facilities: 

a. Serve as quarantine locations for birds not destined for home quarantine. 

b. Coordinate inspection at the first point of entry, as needed. 

4) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL): 

a. Uses virus isolation to test samples for ND and AI. 

b. Requests additional sample submissions at its discretion. 

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13417.2 

c. Processes test samples and provides results per internal SOPs. 

d. Provides guidance on collecting samples and sample submission, as needed. 

7. Inquiries 

Please direct any inquiries regarding this guidance to: 

USDA APHIS Veterinary Services 

Strategy and Policy 

Live Animal Import and Export 

Phone: (301) 851-3300, option 2 

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

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