USDA 

United States 

Department of 

Agricuiture 

Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection 

Service 

Veterinary Services 

Washington, DC 

20250 

TO: 

FROM: 

VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM NO. 515.2 

Veterinary Services Management Team 

John R. Clifford 

Deputy Administrator APR 2 0 20II 

SUBJECT: Review Procedures for Animal feflport Center Ac^^ies, including 

Veterinary Services Operations at Associated Air and Ocean Ports and 

Privately Owned Animal Quarantine Facilities 

I. PURPOSE 

This memorandum provides guidance and a structured process for the periodic internal 

review ofVeterinary Sei-vices (VS) Animal Import Center (AIC) routine operations. 

Reviewed activities include operations AIC staff perform or oversee at nearby air or 

ocean port facilities and at more remote border crossings. This memorandum also covers 

the review ofany Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-approved 

privately owned facility where animal quarantine seivices maybe performed. Additional 

criteria for monitoring or inspecting those facilities are mentioned in commodity-specific 

VS memorandums (e.g., equine, avian, and ruminant); 

This memorandum does not supersede any existing supervisory or reporting obligations 

for VS employees or the provisions of VS Memorandum 515.1, Guidelines for Veterinary 

Services Program and Station Reviews. This memorandum augments 

VS Memorandum 515.1 by supplying additional criteria for specific reviews of VS AICs 

and related activities. 

II. BACKGROUND 

VS personnel reviewing AICs should use the attached checklist to review the adequacy of 

physical containment, biosecurity provisions, cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) 

procedures, and personnel operations (Attachment 1). The reviewer should also use the 

checklist to evaluate compliance with applicable criteria in other VS memorandums and 

arrangements that may be covered under other types of agreements for services (such as 

compliance agreements, cooperative agreements, and trust iunds) performed by or on 

APHIS' behalf at appUcable facilities. 

Safeguarding American Agriculture 

APHIS is an agency of USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer 

Federal Relay Service 

(Voice/TTY/ASCII/Spanish 

1-800-877-8339 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 2 

III. AIC LOCATIONS 

A. VS currently owns and operates two AICs at the following addresses: 

Miami Animal Import Center 

6300 NW 36 Street 

Miami, FL 33122 

(305) 526-2926 Office 

(305) 526-2929 Fax 

New York Animal Import Center 

200 Drury Lane 

Rock Tavern, NY 12575 

(845) 564-2950 Office 

(845) 564-1075 Fax 

In addition, APHIS operates an import center in Los Angeles, at the address 

below, that provides administrative seivices for animal imports and oversees 

additional animal import quarantine facilities: 

Los Angeles Import Center 

11850 S. La Cienega Boulevard 

Hawthorne, CA 90250 

(310) 725-1970 Office 

(310) 725-9119 Fax 

B. AICs may be associated with specific locations where animal import inspection 

activities or other actions, such as import quarantines, take place. Reviews must 

cover all import-related associated activities at all iocations AIC personnel 

supervise or monitor. 

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF AIC ACTIVITY 

REVIEWS 

A. Each AIC and all associated activities (such as internal activities, port facility 

operations, and oversight of privately owned animal quarantine facilities within 

the AIC director's jurisdiction) will be reviewed at least once every 3 years. 

B. AIC activity reviews may be performed separately or with other scheduled 

activities such as import-export program, port, or station reviews carried out 

under VS Memorandum 515.1. However, all elements pertaining to an individual 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 3 

AIC and its activities as specified in this memorandum should be covered in a 

given review cycle. 

C. The elements of personnel selection, scheduling, travel and other expense 

authorizations, and other administrative oversights for AIC activities reviews 

(such as enti'ance or exit intei*views or reports) will follow the provisions 

established in VS Memorandum 515.1. The review should be carefully planned to 

be as thorough, efficient, and cost-effective as possible. 

D. All administrative costs such as travel, lodging, meals and incidental expenses, 

and salaries for each review will be borne by the local budget covering each 

member ofthe review team (listed in section V.A). Reviews will be canied out 

during normal hours of operation to the extent practical, while still enabling a 

thorough review. 

V. REVIEW TEAM 

A. A review team consisting of at least three of the following will be assembled with 

the help of a designated point of contact (POC) at the National Center for Import 

and Export (NCIE), Riverdale, Maryland: 

1. An AIC director (or designated AIC staff member) 

2. A representative from a VS Area Office 

3. A representative from a VS Regional Office 

4. A representative of APHIS administrative systems 

B. The NCIE POC may also participate in the review. 

C. The team will appoint a leader for coordinating the review and drafting the report. 

VL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

A. Team leaders are responsible for: 

1. Communicating serious deficiencies to the Area Veterinarian in Charge 

(AVIC). 

2. Noting other deficiencies to include a timeline for con-ection. 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 4 

3. Generafing a final report and foi-warding it to the applicable AIC Director, 

AVIC, and Regional Director. 

B. The AVIC ofa State where an AIC is located is responsible for: 

1. Ensuring the review is carried out as directed in this memorandum. 

2. Ensuring any actions that may be needed as a result ofthe review are 

completed. Serious deficiencies must be corrected as soon as possible. 

3. Consulting with VS Regional and NCIE personnel. 

4. Delegating the responsibilities to an assistant AVIC, as needed. 

C. AIC directors are responsible for: 

1. Maintaining adequate staffing, including veterinary medical officers, 

quarantine enforcement officers (QEOs), animal health technicians (AHTs), 

contract or temporary employees, or others as applicable, to perform duties at 

AIC facilifies and all applicable associated port and privately owned facilities 

within the director's jurisdiction. 

2. Giving contract or temporary employees a compliance agi'eement outlining 

the duties and responsibilities for animal handling. A template that may be 

used for such compliance agreements is included as Attachment 2. 

3. Reviewing, distributing, and coordinating the implementation of applicable 

VS regulations and guidelines (as set forth in VS memorandums, import 

alerts, standard operafing procedures (SOPs), or technical documents) 

provided by VS Area, Regional, or headquarters staff for the operation or 

oversight of AICs, port operations, or privately owned animal quarantine 

facilities. 

4. Immediately reporting to the applicable AVIC any serious security or 

biosecurity deficiencies or other issues at an AIC or any of its associated 

facilities. Serious deficiencies include: 

a. Security breaches resulting in the unauthorized entry or exit of personnel 

or animals 

b. Natural disasters 

c. Compromises in biosecurity procedures that could introduce or 

disseminate communicable diseases 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 5 

d. Detections of notifiable animal pathogens or disease outbreaks that occur 

in quarantined animals 

e. Zoonotic diseases of concern found in either animals or humans at an AIC 

or associated facility 

5. Conecting serious deficiencies as quickly as possible and addressing other 

deficiencies as necessary or as directed. 

6. Documenting actions taken to address deficiencies as described in 

secfion VI.C.4 above. 

7. Arranging and coordinating with VS Area and Regional management a joint 

review of AIC and associated facility activities at least once every 3 years. 

8. Maintaining records in accordance with section VII ofthis memorandum. 

D. NCIE is responsible for: 

1. Providing, clarifying, or interpreting all applicable VS import regulations, 

policies, and guidelines (as set forth in VS memorandum, import alerts, SOPs, 

or technical documents) to Regional, Area, and AIC personnel, regarding the 

operation or oversight of AICs, associated port operations, and privately 

owned animal quarantine facilities. 

2. Consulting as needed with applicable VS AICs, Area Offices, or Regional 

management contacts for mitigation ofany serious security or biosecurity 

deficiencies or other issues at an AIC or any of its associated operations. 

Serious deficiencies are described in section VI.C.3 ofthis memorandum. 

3. Coordinating the assembly ofan AIC activities review team at least once 

every 3 years for each AIC and its associated operations. 

4. Participating on request with applicable AIC, Ai-ea Office, or Regional 

management personnel in a joint review of AIC and associated facility 

activities at least once every 3 years. 

5. Maintaining records as outlined in section VIII ofthis memorandum. 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 6 

VII. REVIEW CRITERIA 

A. AIC facilities 

1. Physical security and biosecurity protocols 

a. AICs must meet the criteria ofthe attached checklist for security and 

biosecurity standards. The criteria are the minimum standards needed to 

prevent the introduction or spread of animal or zoonofic diseases, or to 

minimize disease outbreaks. They are designed to prevent exposure of 

quarantined animals to other animals and humans. Facilities may use 

additional security or biosecurity criteria if needed or desired. 

b. The team will review the AIC for compliance with security and 

biosecurity standards. Communication of deficiencies and supervision and 

documentation of compliance for any outstanding issues will follow the 

process for roles and responsibilities as listed in section VI. 

2. Operating procedures 

a. AICs will keep operating protocols for the range of semces provided at a 

facility (and any associated port operations) on file for review under the 

criteria ofthis memorandum. The AIC director will review these protocols 

at least once every 3 years for relevance and update them if new services 

are provided or others are discontinued. 

b. The team will review the facility's operational processes. The review team 

should examine a sufficient number of daily AIC operations on a 

scheduled or unscheduled basis to achieve a thorough review ofall major 

activities. Examples of activities to review include: 

(1) Animal handling activities (including any contracted services) 

(2) Activities associated with imports, transits, or transfers of APHISregulated animal commodities 

(3) Disease management 

(4) Mortality handling 

(5) C&D activities 

(6) PeiTnit processing 

(7) Use of informafion technology (IT) systems 

(8) Approvals and reviews of any privately owned animal quarantine 

centers under the AICs jurisdiction, 

(9) Recordkeeping 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page? 

c. Communication of deficiencies and supervision and documentation of 

compliance for any outstanding issues will follow the process for roles and 

responsibilities as listed in section VI. 

3. Documents 

The review team will examine a sufficient number of import permits and other 

documents (such as visitor logs, mortality logs, and biosecurity and C&D 

logs) to determine compliance with any VS guidance issued to AICs (such as 

import alerts and VS memorandums and notices). The team will randomly 

select and examine at least one permit per month for the peiiod under review 

(maximum 36 months) to determine compliance with any applicable importer transit-related criteria for the commodity. 

B. Air and ocean port facilities 

1. Physical security and biosecurity protocols 

APHIS personnel operating at port facilities under the jurisdiction ofan AIC 

must maintain updated port-specific security, biosecurity, or operating 

protocols, or as otherwise referenced in section VILA. 1. 

2. Operating procedures 

The team will review the port facility's operational processes. The review 

team will examine a sufficient number of daily port-associated operations on a 

scheduled or unscheduled basis to achieve a thorough review ofall major 

activities. Examples of activities to review include; 

a. Animal handling activities (including any contracted services) 

b. Disease management 

c. Mortality handling 

d. Routine C&D activities 

e. Permit processing 

f Use of IT systems 

g. Recordkeeping. 

3. Documents 

The team will review any port-specific records to determine compliance with 

any applicable VS guidance provided to the facility. 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Pages 

C. Privately owned animal quarantine facilities 

1. Physical security and biosecurity protocols 

VS personnel operating at or supervising port facilities under the jurisdiction 

ofan AIC must maintain copies of updated security infoiTnafion for privately 

owned quarantine facilities, biosecurity or operating protocols, or as otherwise 

referenced in VILA. 1. The review team leader must report any serious 

deficiencies the team observes to the applicable AVIC. These deficiencies 

must be conected as soon as possible. 

2. Operating procedures 

The review team will examine a sufficient number of daily operations at 

privately owned animal quarantine facilities on a scheduled or unscheduled 

basis to achieve a thorough review ofall major activities. Examples of 

activities to review include: 

a. Animal handling activities 

b. Transits or transfers of APHIS-regulated animal commodities 

c. Disease management 

d. Mortality handling 

e. Routine C&D activities 

f Permit processing 

g. Use of IT systems 

h. Recordkeeping 

3. Documents 

The team will review random quaranfine-specific records to determine 

compliance with any applicable VS guidance provided to the facility. Most 

privately owned animal quarantine facilities (equine, ruminant, avian, zoo 

animal, etc.) will be operating under the provisions ofa separate VS 

memorandum for the type of commodity involved. The team will consult 

these to determine ifthe facility is in compliance with the memorandum. 

VIIL REPORTS, RECORDKEEPING, AND FOLLOWUP 

A. The review team will compile a report summarizing their findings following the 

fimelines indicated in Attachment 1 to VS Memorandum 515.1. The AIC director 

will retain copies of AIC security, biosecurity, and operational reviews covered 
VETEREsiARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 9 

under this memorandum. Copies may be made and distributed to any relevant 

APHIS or non-APHIS personnel who are part ofthe activities being reviewed. 

B. The team leader will send a final report to the applicable AIC Director, AVIC, 

and Regional Director. When supervising and documenting the compliance ofthe 

recommendations in the review team's report, VS personnel will follow 

sections IX. A and B of VS Memorandum 515.1. 

Attachment 1: Minimum Biosecurity Standards and Review Checklist for AIC Activities 

Attachment 2: Compliance agreement template (animal handling services) 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 10 

Attachment 1 

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Audit Review Team Checklist with 

Minimum Biosecurity Standards for Animal Import Quarantine Facilities 

Including Port-associated Activities and 

Privately Owned Animal Import Quarantine FaciUties 

This document contains the minimum acceptable biosecurity requirements for Animal 

Import Centers (AICs), associated port facilities, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS)-approved privately owned quarantine facilities. It supplements existing 

standard operafing procedures at these facilities. 

Instructions for APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) Personnel 

Complete this checklist during reviews ofthese facilities and for approval and reapproval 

of privately owned animal quarantine facilities. Identify areas of noncompliance noted 

during reviews, and follow the instructions for notification of discrepancies in sections IV 

and VI, VII, and VIII ofthis memorandum. Complete only the applicable sections as not 

all sections ofthe checklist will apply to all types of operations or facilities. 

I. CONTROLLED MOVEMENTS FROM PORT OF ARRIVAL TO AN ANIMAL 

QUARANTINE FACILITY 

A. Port of arrival activities performed or overseen by APHIS personnel 

1. Any required seals accompanying a consignment of live animals going to a 

quarantine facility are verified as intact. Shipments without intact seals are 

refiised entry. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

2. Accompanying documentation is reviewed to determine compliance with 

APHIS import requirements and to determine eligibility for further movement 

within or through the United States (as applicable). 

DYes DNo DNot apphcable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Pageil 

3. Animals that are distressed, ill, recumbent, dead, or that APHIS deems 

otherwise not fit for further travel are handled or disposed of under conditions 

ofthe import permit or under the criteria of VS Memorandum 592.110, 

Oversight of Transit Shipments of Regulated Live Animal Commodities, as 

applicable. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

4. APHIS personnel either clean and disinfect conveyances arriving with live 

animal commodities for which quarantine is required or supervise activities 

that a contractor performs under a valid compliance agreement (see 

Attachment 2, compliance agreement template). 

DYes DNo DNot appiicable 

Comments: 

5. Personnel wear disposable clothing (boots, hats, gloves, coveralls) or reusable 

clothing that is cleaned and sanitized between uses when handling animals 

moving to a required quarantine or while cleaning and disinfecting (C&D). 

Personal protection equipment (PPE) is adequately disposed ofor cleaned and 

disinfected between uses. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

6. Before unloading or transferring to another conveyance, organic material 

contaminating imported animal consignments and the adjacent cargo areas 

must be cleaned and disinfected. Transport boxes, loose bedding, feed, and 

animal and other wastes are incinerated (or disposed of by another means as 

directed by APHIS) at the port or securely bagged for incineration offsite (or 

for disposal offsite by another means as directed by APHIS). The bags are 

leak-proof 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

7. After animal consignments are unloaded, conveyances, cargo areas, and 

transpoit equipment are cleaned and disinfected. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 12 

All C&D disinfectants are APHIS-approved for the purpose intended and 

meet aircraft criteria for use, as applicable. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

9. A VS form 1-86 is issued for all applicable surfaces after adequate C&D. 

(APHIS retains copies for 3 years.) 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

10. APHIS approved, in advance, any contingency space used for temporary 

holding or monitoring duiing a transit or transfer through an air or sea port 

facility. The space meets the criteria in VS Memorandum 592.110. 

DYes DNo DNot apphcable 

Comments: 

11. Import and export consignments moving through the same port facility on the 

same day are adequately separated at all times. (If necessary, APHIS will 

stipulate additional restrictions to contracted anima! handlers for such 

movements.) 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

B. Transport fi'om an air or sea port facility to a local APHIS-operated or APHISapproved privately owned animal quarantine facility 

1. Monitoring and related procedures for animal shipments that are either 

transiting the United States to a third country or are transferring from one U.S. 

port to a nonlocal quarantine facility are performed as indicated under 

VS Memorandum 592.110. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 13 

2. During transfer to a local receiving quarantine facility, animals are not 

removed from any containers in which they arrive at a port, unless specified 

by APHIS. 

DYes DNo DNot apphcable 

Comments: 

3. When in the facility itself, animal handlers, gi-ooms, and transporters 

accompanying live animals to a local receiving quarantine facility wear 

disposable clothing (and PPE, as applicable), which minimally includes 

disposable coveralls, gloves, and boot covers. Hand sanitizers are used after 

handling animals. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

4. After clearance by Customs and Border Protection and APHIS for offloading, 

contractors transporting animals fi'om an air or sea port directly to an APHISoperated quarantine facility (or a privately owned quarantine facility located 

in the immediate port area) meet APHIS personnel at a specified location and 

time, using either a specified route or the most direct route without stopping. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

5. If animals are transported by a contractor to an APHIS-approved privately 

owned quarantine facility that is not located in the immediate port area, the 

consignment leaves the port under U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) 

seal (recorded on VS form 17-30 or VS form 1-27, as applicable). APHIS 

personnel escort these shipments. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

6. Bedding, feed, and equipment accompanying live animals to a required 

quarantine or other desfination is securely enclosed within a conveyance to 

prevent leaking of waste or other materials. (Also see VS Memorandum 

593.10, Importation of Hay, Straw, Grasses, and Similar Materials.) 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERESIARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 14 

C. Entry into an animal quarantine facility 

1. The movement of uncaged animals from conveyances to a receiving facility 

takes place in areas that preclude escape of animals (e.g., within an enclosed 

dock area ofthe facility, thi-ough an enclosed chute or alleyway, or the 

opening ofthe transporting vehicle that leads directly into the facility). 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

2. Loading docks are dedicated for single-purpose use (i.e., either entrance or 

exit) or are cleaned and disinfected between multiple-purpose uses. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

3. Vehicles entering any part ofa fenced-in quarantine facility are adequately 

cleaned and disinfected before leaving the perimeter. 

DYes D No D Not applicable 

Comments: 

4. Cages holding animals or birds are offloaded directly into a quarantine 

confinement area. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

5. Sealed consignments are reviewed at the time consignments enter a receiving 

quarantine facility to ensure that any required seals are intact upon arrival. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

6. Receiving personnel compare and reconcile intake records listing numbers of 

animals in the consignment with the numbers of live or dead animals received 

at the animal quarantine facility. Receiving personnel also compare and 

reconcile the numbers listed on invoices and export health cerfificates, USDA 

import permits, or other accompanying documents. They also list animals that 

have died before arrival at the facility. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 15 

7. Footbaths filled with APHIS-approved disinfectants are present at all points of 

entry and exits to a receiving facility. Entering and exiting personnel use the 

footbaths to disinfect their footwear (see also section ILF). Signs indicating 

the date ofthe most recent change of disinfectant are posted near each 

footbath. (Ifthis is not pracfical, a disinfectant change log may be kept 

instead.) 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

Waste materials and disposable clothing accompanying conveyances are 

offloaded with animals and disposed of through incineration, or alternatively, 

are securely bagged and held until quarantine is complete, when they can be 

disposed of normally. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

9. APHIS has supplied door seals for overnight use at APHIS-approved privately 

owned facilities. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

IL BIOSECURITY MEASURES FOR ANIMAL QUARANTESiE FACILITY 

PERSONNEL (EMPLOYEES AND VISITORS) 

A. Animal quarantine facilifies maintain cunent and updated copies ofany specific 

biosecurity protocols in accordance with VS memorandums governing their 

approval or reapproval and make these available to APHIS on request. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

B. To enter animal confinement areas, visitors (with the exception of attending 

veterinary practitioners called for emergency treatments) are approved in advance 

by VS. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 16 

C. Animal quarantine facilities retain for 3 years statements signed by visitors or 

employees agreeing to refrain from contact with other animal species as stipulated 

in the statement. The faciUties will make these statements available to APHIS on 

request. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 

D. All employees or visitors wear government- or facility-issued coveralls and boots 

dedicated to a quarantine containment area. Gloves are worn whenever possible. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

E. Animal quarantine facility employees and visitors shower before entering and 

exifing a quarantine containment area or as stipulated in facility-specific protocols 

approved by APHIS. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

F. Footbaths and hand sanitizers are available and used at each entry and exit of 

quarantine containment areas. Footbaths contain enough liquid to immerse the 

bottom ofthe boot. Brushes are provided and used on other areas of boots. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments; 

G. Footbath disinfectants are changed at least daily or as fi*equenfiy as necessary 

according to manufacturer's instmctions and based on organic matter load. 

Clipboards or signs are posted near each footbath with the most recent date of 

disinfectant change. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 17 

H. In lieu of footbaths, disinfecting mats are used when they provide adequate 

immersion and disinfection of footwear. Before using such mats, an APHIS 

quarantine enforcement officer or other APHIS personnel overseeing a quarantine 

facility has approved their use. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

I. Attending veterinary practitioners do not use personal equipment unless it is 

cleaned and disinfected. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

III. PHYSICAL SECURITY 

A. The quarantine facility has visible signs indicating that it is a quarantine facility 

and prohibits entry by unauthorized personnel. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

B. Any required fencing or other perimeter security equipment specific for the type 

of animal being quarantined is in place and functional. Access to fenced-in 

perimeters is limited to authorized personnel entering at a single point of access or 

exit. Gates are kept locked at all times and access is guarded by security 

personnel. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

C. The facility is of sound constmction using solid materials. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

D. With the exception ofan entry door leading to a central reception area that is not 

directly connected to an animal quarantine containment area, all exterior doors are 

locked on the outside at all times (subject to local codes for emergency exits). 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 18 

E. The pins on the hinges of exterior doors cannot be removed. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

F. If exterior locks are used on entry and exit doors, hasps are tamper-proof 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

G. All window openings to the outside are double screened. Interior screens are 

metal or nylon mesh and are intact. Exterior screens are metal and are separated 

from interior screens by at least 3 inches. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

H. Access to animal quarantine containment areas is from within the building. 

Containment areas are not directly connected to any areas exterior to the building. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

I. Quarantine containment areas are large enough to prevent overcrowding. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

J. The water supply to quarantine containment areas is adequate for cleaning and 

animal maintenance. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 

K. Indoor heating and ventilation systems control the ambient temperature, humidity, 

and odors at levels that are not injurious to animals or APHIS personnel. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 19 

L. Separate space in the facility is designated as an office for recordkeeping. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

M. The facility contains a necropsy and sample collection area that has an autoclave, 

freezer, hot and cold mnning water, drainage, adequate storage for equipment, 

and the means for adequate C&D ofthe area. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

N. A separate room is available with refrigerated storage space for carcasses retained 

for laboratory or other examination. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

O. A hood for collecting samples or performing necropsies is installed and 

functional. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

P. Lighting is adequate thi'oughout the facility for visual inspection ofthe animals. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

Q. A fire alarm and voice communication system are in both the quarantine and 

nonquarantine areas. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

R. Either a television monitoring system or sufficient windows provide a full view of 

all lots in the quarantine area. This does not include the changing rooms or 

showers. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 20 

S. Each quarantine contaimnent area has separate storage space for equipment 

dedicated to that area. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

T. Showers are located at the entrance to each quarantine containment area and to 

the necropsy area. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

U. Permanent restrooms are in both the nonquarantine and quarantine areas ofthe 

facility. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 

V. The facUity has an area for breaks and meals in the quarantine area. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

W. The facility has a laundry area inside the quarantine facility. 

•Yes DNo DNot appiicable 

Comments; 

IV. EQUIPMENT USED DURING QUARANTINES 

A. All equipment is dedicated to the animal quarantine facility or to a specific 

quarantine containment area within the facility. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

B. The facility provides disposable or clean and sanitized reusable clothing and 

footwear for anyone who has been granted access to the facility, before they enter 

any quarantine contaimnent areas. 

•Yes DNo QNot applicable 

Comments; 
VETERESFARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 21 

V. CLEANING AND DISESfFECTESFG 

A. All constmction materials in contact with animals can withstand continued C&D. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 

B. All equipment within the facility is cleaned and disinfected before use. 

DYes DNo DNot appiicabie 

Comments; 

C. Vehicles, including tires, are cleaned and disinfected before entering or leaving 

the quarantined area. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

D, The facility operator is responsible for the proper cleaning or disposal of soiled or 

contaminated clothing used in the facility. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

E. Any area that has held quarantined animals and all equipment used within that 

area is cleaned and disinfected after each use. This is done under a VS 

representative's supeivision after each shipment completes its quarantine period 

and before a new shipment is aUowed to enter the area. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

VI. DISEASE MANAGEMENT WITHIN QUARANTE^E CONTAE^MENT 

AREAS 

A. Each lot or consignment of animals in a quarantine containment area is adequately 

separated to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases within or fi'om the 

facility. 

•Yes •No DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 22 

B. Individual animals are inspected for signs of disease on a scheduled basis, and 

adequate records regarding these examinations are kept for each animal or gi"oup 

of animals housed in one enclosure, as applicable. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

C. Sick animals are adequately isolated from the rest ofthe lot or consignment (and 

all other animals at a quarantine facility) and placed in areas that allow supportive 

therapy. Only facility employees and attending veterinarians have access to sick 

animals. Staff handling sick animals does so after giving care to healthy animals 

in the same shipment. Staff attending sick animals changes clothing after handling 

sick animals and before attending to healthy animals. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

D. Adequate preparations are made in advance to notify APHIS when a suspicion or 

diagnosis of applicable communicable diseases has been made in an animal 

quarantine facility. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Conmients: 

E. A DaUy Log (VS Form 17-12 or equivalent, as approved by an APHIS 

representative) is maintained. Any mortalities, hatchings, etc., are accounted for 

using this form. All laboratory specimens removed fi"om the facility are listed on 

the reverse side of VS Form 17-12 or approved equivalent. Records are kept for a 

minimum of 3 years after the date they were issued. 

• Yes •No DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 23 

VIL FEED AND LITTER MANAGEMENT 

A. Feed supplies are stored in the barn or confinement area of need, but away from 

animal sources of contamination. Any manure that is not incinerated remains on 

the premises, is securely bagged, and is not removed untU the end ofthe 

quarantine period. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

B. Feed and bedding storage areas are vermin and moisture free. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

VIII. VECTOR CONTROLS 

A. Arriving animals are treated with appropriate insecticides upon entering the 

facility. The products are used in accordance with title 9, Code of Federal 

Regulations, section 72.13. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

B. The facility uses effecfive methods for rodent and insect removal to prevent feeds 

from being infested or contaminated. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

C. Documentation is kept (and made available to VS on request) for any facilitylevel treatments for infestations of insects or other vectors. 

•Yes •No DNot applicable 

Comments; 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 24 

IX. WASTE MANAGEMENT 

A. A functional and effective incinerator is present; or ifthe facility uses an offsite 

incinerator, materials for incineration are transported under seal and VS 

supeivision. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments: 

B. Wastewater or other liquid wastes drain to a municipal or septic waste treatment 

system and are not discharged untreated from quarantine containment areas or 

other sections ofthe facility. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

X. RECORDKEEPLNG 

A. Visitor logs are maintained for 3 years and are made available to APHIS on 

request for review. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

B. Records of disinfectant changing are maintained for 3 years and are made 

available to APHIS on request for review. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

C. Import permits and other import-related documents (health certificates, laboratory 

tests, etc.) are maintained for 3 years and are made avaUable on request to APHIS 

for review. 

DYes DNo DNot appUcable 

Comments; 

D. Equipment maintenance records are maintained (as applicable) for 3 years and 

made available to APHIS on request for review. 

•Yes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 25 

E. Medical treatment records are maintained for 3 years and are made available to 

APHIS on request for review. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

F. Mortality records (and other population reconciliations, such as entry and exit 

counts, escaped or otherwise unaccounted-for animals) are maintained for 3 years 

and are made available to APHIS on request for review. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments; 

G. Disease management records (if applicable) are maintained for 3 years and are 

made available to APHIS on request for review. 

DYes DNo DNot applicable 

Comments: 

DATE: 

Reviewer(s) Printed Name(s); 

Reviewer(s) Signature(s) 
VETEREvFARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 26 

The completed and signed original checklist must be submitted to the Assistant Director, 

Live Animal Imports (National Center for Import and Export) 

Copies must be submitted to: 

The VS Area Veterinarian in Charge from the applicable State 

The VS Regional Import Export Coordinator in the applicable region 

The VS AIC director 

The owner or operator of a privately owned APHIS-approved quarantine facility if 

applicable 
VETERESFARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 27 

Attachment 2 

Compliance Agreement Template Between Contractors and 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for 

Regulated Animal and Other Cargo Handling Services 

This compliance agreement lists duties and responsibiUties ofthe contractor providing 

animal or other cargo handling services to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS). Contractors cany out these responsibilities 

when operating at [list airport or other port or facility name] and other extended facilities 

at [list airport or other port or facility name]. The contractor follows these requirements 

to ensure safe, effective, and efficient operations at port facilities involving the 

movements of APHIS regulated animals and other APHIS-regulated cargo and provides 

quality seivice to VS clients, animals, and cargo that are being handled. 

I. GENERAL 

A. The contractor provides personnel to adequately assist in animal restraint, perform 

routine animal husbandry activities (removal of equine leg wraps, feeding, 

watering, etc.), and assist in animal processing per the appropriate procedures. 

B. Seivices that may be provided to VS include: 

1. Transporting imported live APHIS-regulated animals to U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA)-operated quarantine facilities, APHIS-approved privately 

owned quarantine facUities, or other locations specified by APHIS. 

2. Assisting with services, such as cleaning and disinfecting (C&D), related to 

imports of live APHIS-regulated animals. 

3. Assisting with other services related to handling live animals, as specified by 

APHIS and with the contractor's agreement. 

C. Contractor personnel must have knowledge of and demonsfi'ate competency in 

arumal restraint and in other prescribed duties in accordance with the training 

requirements of section V. 

D. The contractor must provide APHIS with a telephone, cell phone, or other contact 

number and respond to calls within 30 minutes. 

E. Vehicles that the contractor uses to haul Uvestock must be currently licensed and 

registered with the appropriate authorities for the types of transport services 

provided. 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 28 

F. Contractor personnel driving vehicles used for livestock transportation must have 

a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle used. 

G. All vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected before transporting livestock. When 

other subcontracted commercial transport companies are used, the contractor will 

coordinate with the company representative to ensure conveyances are cleaned 

and disinfected under the supervision of an accredited veterinarian before the 

conveyances arrive, or will ascertain that the conveyances are clean and ready for 

disinfection when they arrive at the contractor's facility. 

H. The contractor's personnel will meet clothing, equipment, and other biosecurityrelated requirements per the appropriate procedures. Personnel must change into 

clean coveralls and boots to enter an APHIS-operated or supervised animal 

quarantine facility. Personnel must also shower per instmctions posted at the 

facility. 

I. At APHIS discretion, the contractor may be directed to provide dedicated 

persoimel and eqxupment to accommodate multiple sequential imports or transits 

or to accommodate simultaneous imports and transits of APHIS-regulated live 

animal consignments. 

J. In some cases, APHIS will specify that the contractor's persoimel may not make 

contact with other shipments on the same day or for another time. APHIS may 

provide specific C&D instmctions for these personnel. 

K. Before disinfecting any surfaces or materials, the contractor must thoroughly 

clean the items to remove all organic materials using steam, high pressure, 

detergents, or other specific techniques as directed by the APHIS quarantine 

enforcement officer (QEO) or other APHIS personnel. 

L. Only a licensed veterinary private practitioner, the ovraer, and (if applicable) a 

team veterinarian traveling with team animals are authorized to administer 

medication, either by injection or orally, to any animal in APHIS' care. The 

contractor must coordinate the administration of any medications provided by 

such personnel under this section with the QEO or an animal health technician 

(AHT). 

M. Any accounts payable to the USDA must be kept cunent. An account that is 

30 days past due will require payment in full in advance of further participation in 

Federal import and export activities. 
VETERE^ARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 29 

N. The contractor must make advanced anangements for the adequate containment 

and disposal of wastewater from C&D procedures, ifthe contractor is to provide 

these services. Such liquid will either be directed into a municipal or private 

sewage system (e.g., sewers or septic system) that is treated with chlorine or other 

means to neutralize pathogens such as vimses or bacteria. Altematively, and 

subject to applicable Federal, State, or local ordinances, C&D wastewater may be 

suctioned or otherwise directed into portable containers and disinfected in situ. 

O. Contractor personnel who may be traveling with animals cannot park their 

vehicles overnight or for extended periods at Federal facilities. Personal or 

transport vehicles may be removed from govemment property at the owner's 

expense. 

P. The contractor must exercise ongoing quality control over the contractor's 

personnel practices to ensure expertise in animal handling in an efficient, 

effective, safe, and humane maimer and to ensure cooperation with APHIS port 

veterinarians and AIC staff and their designated representatives (see section V on 

training). 

II. IMPORTS 

As mutually agreed by the contractor and APHIS, the contractor will; 

A. Provide an adequate number of personnel to; 

1. Transport imported live APHIS-regulated animals as directed by APHIS 

2. Service regulated animal waste material; aircraft or other conveyances; stalls, 

pens, gates, coops, and other equipment used in hauling animals 

B. Clean and disinfect aircraft arriving with aiumals or aircraft waiting to load 

animals as directed by the QEO, AHT, or other APHIS representative supervising 

this process. 

C. Inimediately bag all manure and waste material taken from regulated 

conveyances, or from an APHIS or privately owned animal quarantine facility, as 

applicable, in sealed leak-proof plastic bags. Transport the bags to the directed 

disposal site (incinerator, USDA AIC, etc.). Ensure the waste material remains in 

the bags until disposed of appropriately. 

D. After animals are removed from the transport vehicle, transport any accumulated 

animal wastes, dirt, feed, bedding, other organic materials, and disposable canier 

materials to an incinerator. Transport stalls, gates, reusable pens and crates, and 

other applicable equipment to a designated location (such as a dedicated vehicle 
VETEIONARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 30 

wash area) for C&D. The QEO or AHT will supervise this procedure. If C&D is 

performed at an AIC, do not remove drain covers in the C&D area, unless 

specified by the QEO. 

E. Immediately after the QEO or AHT issues the C&D certificate (VS Form 1 -86), 

remove stalls, gates, pens, and equipment from the designated cleaning location. 

Retum equipment not owned by APHIS to airlines or other conveyance owners, 

F. Ensure the tmcks used to transport dirty stalls, equipment, and animal waste 

materials are bird proof and cleaned and disinfected immediately under the 

supervision ofa QEO or AHT. Remove the tmcks to the import center 

immediately after cleaning. Clean and disinfect the tmcks at the approved drain at 

the import tmck wash. Do not remove drain covers under any circumstances. 

G. Urdess otherwise specified by APHIS, disinfect aircraft surfaces with a 4 percent 

carbonate and 0.1 percent sodium silicate solution, regardless ofthe animal 

commodity involved. This is the only permitted disinfectant for this use. 

H. Disinfect nonafrcraft surfaces with One Stroke Environ, Virkon S, or other 

APHIS-approved disinfectant. Follow the manufacturer's instmctions for 

disinfecting nonaircraft surfaces. 

IIL CONSIGNMENTS TRANSITING OR TRANSFERRING THROUGH U.S. 

PORTS 

As mutually agreed by the contractor and APHIS, the contractor will; 

A. Notify APHIS personnel in a timely manner ofany change in loading or 

departure schedules when becoming aware ofsuch changes. Monitor aircraft and 

crew activities for readiness to load on schedule. 

B. Provide other supportive duties (in coordination with APHIS personnel) that may 

inelude the procurement of auxiliary ground air conditioning equipment^ the 

design and deployment of adequate temporary penning systems for the loading 

plan, or will provide other equipment that may be required by the shipper (or 

designated representative) or APHIS. 

C. Coordinate the C&D status of aircraft to be used for transporting livestock and 

ascertain the carrier has been cleaned and disinfected before setting up temporary 

penning systems. 

D. Provide personnel and services for proper C&D of aircraft that are used for 
VETERESFARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 31 

livestock transports transiting the United States to foreign destinations. Ensure 

C&D is supervised by APHIS or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) personnel. 

E. Unless otherwise specified by APHIS, disinfect aircraft surfaces with a 4 percent 

carbonate and 0.1 percent sodium silicate solution, regardless ofthe animal 

commodity involved. This is the only permitted disinfectant for this use. 

F. Disinfect nonaircraft surfaces with One Stroke Environ, Virkon S, or other 

disinfectants approved by APHIS. Follow the manufacturer's instmctions. 

IV. VERIFICATION 

A. VS will monitor all conveyances or equipment that are cleaned and disinfected 

within the port operational areas. When the conveyance and equipment are 

adequately cleaned and disinfected, VS will issue VS Form 1-86. The contractor 

is required to retain this record for 3 years. 

B. The contractor must maintain a log to record treatments performed on 

contaminated conveyances and equipment. The log will include the flight or tmck 

number, equipment treated, type of disinfectant used, and the date treatments were 

performed. The log will be made available to VS for review on request. 

C. VS personnel will periodically take and test samples from disinfectant solutions to 

ensure that the contractor is using a solution of 4 percent carbonate and 

0.1 percent sodium silicate. 

V. TRAINESFG 

A. The contractor will present a training program consisting ofa minimum of 1 hour 

of classroom instmction and 4 hours of job training provided or supervised by 

APHIS and CBP personnel, before new employees may be permitted to handle 

materials arriving with international flights. 

B. The contractor will give previously trained employees at least 1 hour of review 

training annually. 

C. The training program must be presented in English and any other applicable 

languages for the contractor's employees and cover the following; 

1. Humane and effective animal handling and restraint techniques 

2. An explanation of USDA's 28-hour mle for feeding, watering, and resting 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 32 

transported animals 

3. Basics of C&D 

4. Definitions of regulated garbage 

5. Explanations ofthe applicable regulations for handling regulated and other 

types of garbage 

6. Inclusion of film, slides, or other training aids on foreign animal and plant 

diseases 

7. Specific step-by-step outlines, by text, illustration, or pictures, ofthe proper 

foreign garbage handling procedures, from cleaning and disinfecting aircraft 

to disposal for that facility 

D. Documents showing proof of training, signed by a providing or supervising CBP 

officer or APHIS representative, must be provided to the AIC Director before 

implementing this agreement or as requested. 

VI. TERMINATION 

A. VS can terminate this agreement at any time ifthe contractor is judged to not be 

in compliance with all applicable terms as described above. 

B. APHIS or the contractor can terminate this agreement if discontinuation is 

mutually agreeable. 

C. If terminated at the contractor's request, the contractor will give sufficient 

advance notice to APHIS to allow for continuity of animal or cargo handling 

services at facilities APHIS oversees. 
VETERINARY SERVICES MEMORANDUM 515.2 

Page 33 

I, the contractor (or designated legal representative), have reviewed this agreement and 

agree to provide services and maintain quality control to ensure that these duties, 

requirements, and restrictions are met. I agree to cooperate with any other dfrection 

provided by APHIS relating to import and export operations that are to be carried out in 

accordance with established regulations, policies, and directives. 

Contractor or Company Name: 

Represented by (print name):__ 

S ignature; 

Date: 

For VS (print name and title): 

Date: