250-RICR-40-05-1
250-RICR-40-05-1. Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (version Technical Revision, 10/08/2015 to 10/08/2015)
250-RICR-40-05-1
TITLE 250 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 40 - AGRICULTURE AND RESOURCE MARKETING
SUBCHAPTER 05 - ANIMAL HEALTH
PART 1 – Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals
1.1
Purpose
The purpose of these rules and regulations is to permit the importation into the State of
Rhode Island of only those domestic animals which are disease free or which originate
from sources that have qualified as disease free according to State or Federal
Standards.
1.2
Authority
These rules and regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-
17.1, Environmental Management, § 4-4-23 and Chapter 42-35, Administrative
Procedures.
1.3
Administrative Findings
Animals harboring infectious diseases present a health threat to the domestic animals,
native wildlife and human populations of Rhode Island. Many infectious, contagious
diseases of animals are not readily detected through physical examination and
anamnesis, but require the application of approved laboratory diagnostic procedures by
professionally trained and supervised personnel. Therefore, only animals that have
been tested and found to be disease free or originate from qualified disease free
sources may be allowed entry into Rhode Island. It is necessary that any animal testing
positive for certain diseases pursuant to such procedures may be denied entrance into
Rhode Island.
1.4
Application
The terms and provisions of these rules and regulations shall be liberally construed to
permit the Department to effectuate the purpose of state law, goals, and policies. These
Regulations shall apply to any person importing domestic animals into the State of
Rhode Island. The importation of wild animals is not addressed in this document.
1.5
Definitions
For the purpose of these regulations, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
A.
“Accredited veterinarian” means a veterinarian approved by the Administrator of
the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), to perform functions required by animal
disease control and eradication programs.
B.
“Animal broker” means any third party who arranges, delivers, or otherwise
facilitates transfer of ownership of animal(s), through adoption or fostering, from
one-party to another, whether or not the party receives a fee for providing that
service and whether or not the party takes physical possession of the animal(s)
at any point.
C.
“Approved feeder pig market” means any facility as defined in the most current
USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for Pseudorabies.
D.
“Approved slaughter market” means any facility as defined in the most current
USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for Pseudorabies.
E.
“Breeding swine” means any sexually mature and sexually intact commercial
swine.
F.
“Camelids” means those ruminant animals used as beasts of burden or source of
wool, milk, or meat, including, but not limited to camels, llamas, and alpacas.
G.
“Carrier” means the operator of any airline, railroad, motor carrier, shipping line,
or other enterprise, which is engaged in the business of transporting any animals
for hire.
H.
“Class a, b, c” means those grades as delineated in the most current USDA
APHIS Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules.
I.
“Commercial swine” means swine of any age that is raised for the production of
meat including breeding swine whose progeny will be used for the production of
meat. Research swine that can be demonstrated as being specific pathogen free
are considered commercial swine for the purposes of these regulations.
J.
“Certificate of veterinary inspection” or “CVI” means an official document that is
required for the lawful interstate movement of animals, unless exempted. This
document must meet all of the provisions set forth in § 1.7 (B) of this Part.
K.
“Dairy cattle” means any individual animal, regardless of gender, of a breed of
cattle that is primarily used for the production of milk, including but not limited to
the following breeds and crosses: Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn,
Guernsey, and Brown Swiss.
L.
“Department” means the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management or any employee thereof.
M.
“Domestic animal” means any animal, which through extremely long association
with humans, have been bred to a degree that has resulted in genetic changes
affecting the temperament, color, conformation, or other attributes of the species
to an extent that makes them unique and distinguishable from wild individuals of
their species. Such animals may include but are not limited to:
1.
“Domestic dog” (Canis familiaris) excluding hybrids with wild canids
2.
“Domestic cat” (Felis catus) excluding hybrids with wild felines
3.
“Domestic equines” (Equus caballus, Equus asinus) including hybrids
thereof
4.
“Domestic cattle” (Bos taurus and Bos indicus)
5.
“Domestic swine” (Sus scrofa domestica)
6.
“Domestic sheep” (Ovis aries)
7.
“Domestic goat” (Capra hircus)
8.
“Llama” (Lama glama)
9.
“Alpaca” (Lama pacos)
10.
“Dromedary” (Camelus dromedarius)
11.
“Domestic water buffalo” (Bubalis bubalis)
12.
“Domestic yak” (Bos grunniens)
13.
“Domestic hamster” derived from Mesocricetus auratus and Phodopus sp.
14.
“Mongolian gerbil” (Meriones unguiculatus)
15.
“Laboratory rat”, including breeds, varieties, and strains derived from the
Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)
16.
“Laboratory mouse”, including breeds, varieties, and strains derived from
the house mouse (Mus musculus)
17.
“Guinea pig” (Cavia porcellus)
18.
“Domestic rabbit”, including breeds, varieties, and strains derived from the
European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) but not including the European
rabbit (Ferae naturae) and not including the so-called "San Juan" rabbit.
19.
“Domestic geese” derived from the greylag goose (Anser anser),
including, but not restricted to, Emden goose, Gray African goose, Pilgrim
goose, Sebastopol goose, and Toulouse goose, derived from the swan
goose (Anser cygnoides), including, but not restricted to, the African
goose and the Chinese goose, derived from the Egyptian goose
(Alopochen aegyptiaca).
20.
“Domestic ducks” derived from the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos),
including, but not restricted to, Aylesbury duck, Blue Swedish duck, Buff
duck, Cayuga duck, Crested White duck, English call duck, Indian runner
duck, Pekin duck, and Roen duck, derived from the Muscovy duck
(Cairina moschata).
21.
“Common coturnix” (Coturnix or C. japonica).
22.
“Domestic chicken” (Gallus "domesticus") derived from the red junglefowl
(Gallus gallus).
23.
“Peafowl” (blue peafowl) (Pavo cristatus).
24.
“Domestic guineafowl” derived from the helmet guineafowl (Numida
meleagris). “Domestic Turkey” derived from the wild turkey (Meleagris
gallopavo) and including breeds and varieties recognized by the American
Poultry Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but not
including the wild turkey (Ferae naturae) and captive or captive-bred
individuals thereof and not including the pen-raised or game-farm non-
standard variety "Wild Turkey".
25.
“Common pigeon” (rock dove) derived from the blue rock pigeon
(Columba livia). “Ratites” including but not limited to ostriches, emu, rheas,
and kiwi.
N.
“Equidae” means those members of the family of animals including but not
limited to horses, mules, and burros.
O.
“Feeder pigs” means any commercial pig weighing twenty (20) pounds to one-
hundred (100) pounds inclusive.
P.
“Feeder pig monitored herd” means such animals as defined in the most current
USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for Pseudorabies.
Q.
“Finish swine” or “Commercial finish swine” means any commercial pig that is
imported for the purpose of slaughter.
R.
“Game birds” means any bird hunted for food or sport, including but not limited to
pheasant, grouse, quail, and chukars.
S.
“Immediate slaughter” or “Immediately slaughtered” means consignment to an
approved slaughter market or direct shipment to a state or federally inspected
slaughter plant, with slaughter occurring within seventy-two (72) hours of such
consignment or direct shipment.
T.
“Mexican origin cattle” means any cattle that were imported into the United
States from Mexico at any time in their lives. This shall include cattle that were
imported from Mexico into another state at any time prior to their importation into
RI. Cattle that are branded with an “M” or “MX,” or that have any other
identification indicating that they were in Mexico will be sufficient evidence of
Mexican origin.
U.
“NPIP” means the National Poultry Improvement Plan.
V.
“Non-commercial swine” means any animal of the genus and species Sus scrofa
that is being kept for a primary purpose other than for conventional slaughter for
meat. Such purposes may include, but are not limited to, swine that are kept as
pets, companion animals, or game animals.
W.
“Official identification” means any state or federally required unique and
permanent method of identification that specifically identifies individual animals,
incompliance with all applicable state and federal animal identification laws and
regulations. Forms of identification include but are not limited to ear tags,
brands, bands, tattoos, microchips, and physical description of natural and or
acquired markings unique to an individual animal. Physical description is only an
acceptable means of identification for dogs, cats, and equines.
X.
“Owner shipper statement” means a document that can be used in lieu of a
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection only for animals that are being moved
interstate directly to an approved slaughter market or to a state or federally
inspected slaughter plant.
Y.
“Person" or "importer” means any person, firm, association, organization,
partnership, business trust, corporation, or company, including but not limited to
educational and research institutions, zoological gardens, schools, pet stores,
and laboratories.
Z.
“Poultry” means any fowl raised for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes
including, but not limited to, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.
AA.
“Qualified pseudorabies negative herd” means such creatures as defined in the
most current USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for
Pseudorabies.
BB.
“Ratites” means those fowl with a flat breast bone and small or non-existent
wings, included but not limited to ostriches, emu, rheas and kiwi.
CC.
“Record” or “Records” means information that is kept in a paper or electronic
format that is consistent with the information that is required to be kept for
animals. The information must be kept in a format that is readily able to be
inspected by anyone authorized to conduct an inspection. All information must
be kept in or translated into English prior to being presented to inspectors.
DD.
“Remote sale” means the retail purchase of any animal without first having the
opportunity to physically observe or handle the animal, as commonly occurs in
internet sales or phone order sales of animals.
EE.
“Recognized slaughter establishment” means any facility as defined in the most
current USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for
Pseudorabies.
FF.
“Stage I, II, III, IV, V” means those grades as delineated in the most current
USDA APHIS State-Federal-Industry Program Standards for Pseudorabies.
GG.
“Sub-registrant” as used in § 1.8 of this Part shall mean any unregistered entity
that is performing an activity that is regulated under § 1.8 of this Part and is doing
so by, or on behalf of, a registered entity.
1.6
General Requirements and General Exemptions
A.
No person shall import, or cause to be imported into the state, any domestic
animal, including but not limited to goats, cattle, swine, sheep, equines, camelids,
dogs, cats, poultry, or ratites unless such animal(s) is accompanied by a
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Import Permit pursuant to Chapter 4-5 of
the R.I. Gen. Laws, or an Owner Shipper Statement as these regulations require.
B.
No person shall import, or cause to be imported into the state, any animal(s) or
bird(s) which originates from any state or region that is under any state or federal
quarantine that has been issued due to the presence or suspected presence of a
contagious disease unless approved, in writing, by the Rhode Island State
Veterinarian.
C.
No person shall import, or cause to be imported into the state, any animal(s) or
bird(s) that is affected with, or has been exposed to any contagious disease
unless approved, in writing, by the Rhode Island State Veterinarian.
D.
Any person required to keep records pursuant to these regulations and who
receives a records request from any agent duly authorized in this document to
request records, must produce those records within 24 hours of the request
being made. Such request may be made by phone, facsimile, email, text
message, or other generally used means of communications.
E.
Import permits are required for the importation of cattle pursuant to Chapter 4-5
of the R.I. Gen. Laws. Import Permits are valid for ten (10) days from the date of
issuance. The completed, signed Import Permit must be submitted to the Rhode
Island State Veterinarian along with a copy of all required testing results and a
valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within forty-eight (48) hours of the arrival
of the animal(s) into the state.
F.
Official identification of each animal as required by state and federal animal
identification laws and regulations to include, but not be limited to, any required
permanent and unique identification such as official ear tags, brands, bands,
registration tattoos when accompanied by breed registration papers, microchips,
or other forms of identification as accepted by the Department.
G.
Exemptions from permits and specific requirements for individual species may be
provided for the purpose of fair, show, and exhibition as deemed appropriate by
the Rhode Island State Veterinarian. The Rhode Island State Veterinarian will
make a compilation of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of
Animals, as they pertain to fair, show, and exhibition, available annually. Current
fair, show, and exhibition rules will be posted at
http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/agric/fairshow.pdf .
H.
Exemptions from individual animal identification and the requirement for a
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection will be made for hatching eggs and day old
chicks shipped from NPIP enrolled flocks that are certified pullorum free.
I.
Exemptions from certain pre-importation testing requirements may be made on a
case-by-case basis. Anyone seeking relief from pre-importation testing
requirements must receive prior written approval from the Rhode Island State
Veterinarian. The Rhode Island State Veterinarian reserves the right to require in
lieu of pre-importation testing requirements any post importation testing,
quarantine, and/or examinations that he/she feels is as protective as the pre-
importation testing. The cost of such testing, quarantine, and examination is the
financial responsibility of the entity that owns/receives the animals that were
imported. Any damages that result from the failure to properly test or quarantine
said animals are the financial liability of the entity that owns/receives the animals.
1.7
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and Owner Shipper
Statements
A.
No person shall import, or cause to be imported, any domestic animal unless
such animal is accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
issued no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the importation of said animal. The
Certificate of Veterinary inspection must be signed by a veterinarian who is
licensed and federally accredited in the state of origin. The animals for which the
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is issued must bear a form of identification
that is compliant with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. One
copy of the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be reviewed by the state
animal health official in the state of origin.
B.
The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection shall:
1.
Be on official forms of the state of origin or on suitable forms available
through USDA/APHIS.
2.
State that all animals listed on the form have been inspected and found
free of signs of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease.
3.
Contain the date of the veterinary inspection as well as the dates of all
required tests and the results of those tests.
4.
Describe the animal(s) by species, breed, age, and sex, and record all
official identification ,i.e., ear tag, registration tattoo, leg band, microchip,
physical description (for dogs, cats, and equines only) or any other form of
identification that may be approved by the Department.
5.
Contain the data for all required tests and vaccinations, including the date,
result(s) of test(s), and the name and address of the laboratory that
performed the test(s). All tests reported for import purposes must be
USDA officially recognized tests approved by the Department and the
tests must be conducted at a state or federally approved laboratory.
6.
Have complete name and address, both mailing and physical address, of
the consignor and consignee. Postal Boxes or PO Boxes without a
physical address are not acceptable.
7.
Contain the signature of the inspecting federally accredited veterinarian.
8.
Contain an import permit number for all shipments of animals that require
an import permit.
C.
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection may be disapproved by the Rhode Island
State Veterinarian if they are incomplete or otherwise do not satisfy the
requirements delineated in § 1.7 (B) of this Part. Importation of such animals
may result in a violation as delineated under § 1.20 of this Part.
D.
Owner Shipper Statements may be used in lieu of a Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection only for animals that are shipped for immediate slaughter. Animals
imported on an Owner Shipper Statement must either: not be commingled with
other animals; or, if commingled, those animals that they were commingled with
must also be slaughtered at a state or federally inspected slaughter plant within
seventy-two (72) hours of commingling.
E.
Owner Shipper Statements must contain the following information (Owner
Shipper Statements can be downloaded at the following URL
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/ownrship.pdf)
1.
The date of movement.
2.
The street address from which the animals are moved (Postal [P.O.]
Boxes are not acceptable).
3.
The street address of the destination (Postal [P.O.] Boxes are not
acceptable).
4.
The business type of the destination such as “livestock market,” “slaughter
plant,” etc.
5.
Name and address including both mailing address and physical address if
different, of the consignor or shipper.
6.
List of the quantity of each species on the shipment.
7.
Signature of the owner and/or shipper if different than the owner of the
animals.
8.
Record of all official identification in compliance with all State and Federal
identification requirements.
F.
Owner Shipper Statements shall be retained by the approved slaughter market or
the state or federally inspected slaughter plant that received the animal for a
period of ten (10) years from the day of the receipt of the animal. These
documents are to be provided within 24 hours of the request of state or federal
animal health officials.
G.
Any party that is in possession of an animal that was imported on an Owner
Shipper Statement, but that does not cause that animal to be immediately
slaughtered, is subject to penalty as defined in § 1.20 of this Part.
1.8
Importation of Dogs and Cats for the Purpose of Rescue,
Shelter, Foster Care, Adoption, Brokering, or Remote Sale
A.
Any entities that import a dog or cat for rescue, adoption, foster care, brokering,
and/or remote sales must register with the Department via the submittal of an
application form provided by the Department. The application can be found at
the RI DEM Division of Agriculture / Animal Health website.
B.
No entity may import any dog or cat for rescue, adoption, foster care, brokering,
or remote sales until the entity is in possession of a valid registration certificate
issued by the Department.
C.
No entity may transport any dog or cat for rescue, adoption, foster care,
brokering, or remote sales into the state for that purpose until the carrier has
registered with the Department as a carrier and is in possession of a valid
registration certificate issued by the Department. The application can be found at
the RI DEM Division of Agriculture / Animal Health website.
D.
General Requirements of all entities and carriers:
1.
Must register with the Department and hold a valid certificate of
registration issued by the Department.
2.
Must keep complete records on forms issued by the Department.
3.
Must make records available to inspectors from the Department.
4.
Must identify a point of contact who resides within the State of Rhode
Island who will be responsible for producing all records that the
Department may lawfully request. A copy of all records must be kept by
the designated point of contact.
5.
Must notify the Department of all expected shipments of dogs or cats
being imported into the state as to the time and location of the arrival of
the shipments. Notification must be received by the Department no less
than 24 hours prior to arrival of the shipment. Notification may be in the
form of email, phone call, voice mail, or written letter. The Department
reserves the right to inspect any or all shipments to verify compliance with
importation regulations and to verify the health of the animals being
imported. It is the responsibility of the entity to notify the Department of
the shipment.
6.
All animals being imported must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of
Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and be currently vaccinated against rabies if
age eligible.
E.
Requirements of Category A entities: Those entities that import dogs or cats for
rescue, adoption, foster care, brokering, or remote sales will be classified as
Category A entities if they meet all of the General Requirements enumerated in
§ 1.8 (D) of this Part, in addition to the following:
1.
The entity has a detailed pre-import animal processing plan that has been
reviewed and approved by the Department.
a.
The pre-import processing plan must reference, in detail, the
housing conditions, any isolation procedures, any vaccination
procedures, any health screenings, and any disease
testing/treatment/or preventative measures that have been or will
be taken prior to the animal(s) being transported into Rhode Island.
b.
The Department will review the plan and will approve it if the plan is
determined to be acceptable.
2.
All dogs or cats being imported must be accompanied by a CVI that was
issued within 10 days of the importation.
3.
The animals are brought into the state via a USDA licensed carrier. The
USDA licensed carrier may be classified as a “carrier,” “contract carrier,”
or “intermediate handler” as defined under the Animal Welfare Act and the
USDA licensed transporter must be registered with the Department.
4.
Entities that are seeking a Category A registration, but that are not
intending on using a USDA licensed transporter as in § 1.8 (E)(3) of this
Part are required to submit the following:
a.
A detailed transportation plan to include make and model of the
vehicle being used for conveyance,
b.
Features of the vehicle that will ensure adequate climate control in
the animal compartment, and
c.
Sanitation protocols for the conveyance.
d.
The Department will review the plan defined in § 1.8 (E)(4)(a)
through (c) of this Part, and if approved will issue a Category A
registration.
e.
Entities that are seeking a Category A registration but that are not
intending on using a USDA licensed transporter as in § 1.8 (E)(3) of
this Part are required to keep all records as defined in § 1.8 (H)(2)
of this Part.
5.
Animals imported by a Category A entity are not required to undergo any
further isolation or health verification before being offered for adoption,
placed into foster care, or otherwise transferred.
F.
Requirements of Category B entities: Those entities that import animals for
rescue, adoption, foster care, brokering, and remote sales will be classified as a
Category B entity if they meet the General Requirements enumerated in § 1.8 (D)
of this Part but fail to meet all of the requirements of § 1.8 (E) of this Part.
1.
All animals imported by Category B entities must be held at an isolation
facility approved by the Department for five consecutive days commencing
immediately upon entry into the state. All animals imported by Category B
entities must be brought directly to the isolation facility without
commingling with any animals that are not destined for isolation.
2.
Upon completion of the five day isolation, all animals imported by
Category B entities must be examined by a licensed veterinarian for the
presence of infectious diseases or other conditions that may render the
animal unsuitable for adoption, foster, or sale. A copy of the results of all
examinations must be kept as part of the animal’s adoption records and
must be available for inspection under § 1.8 (I) of this Part.
3.
Any animal that is determined to be suitable for adoption, foster, or sale
may be transferred upon completion of this examination.
4.
Any animal that is determined to be unsuitable for adoption, foster, or sale
must be held in isolation until a veterinarian is able to determine that the
animal is suitable.
G.
Changes in classification:
1.
Category A entities may be downgraded to Category B if after an
investigation it is demonstrated that procedures approved by the
Department or any of the provisions of §§ 1.8 (D) and 1.8 (E) of this Part
are not being adhered to or that in spite of adherence to procedures
thought to be protective, animals are being imported by the entity that are
found to be afflicted with infectious diseases.
2.
Category B entities may be upgraded to Category A if, after a certificate of
registration was granted, that entity is now able to meet the requirements
of § 1.8 (E) of this Part, thus allowing classification as a Category A entity.
3.
Certificates of registration for Category A and/or Category B entities may
be revoked pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-8.
H.
Record Keeping:
1.
Access to records: All entities, carriers, and sub-registrants are required to
maintain and provide any records requested by the Department upon the
request of the Department.
2.
Transport/Carrier
a.
The carrier must have a valid CVI for every animal in transport and
if transporting animals for a Category A entity, all CVIs must be
issued no greater than 10 days prior to arrival into Rhode Island.
b.
The carrier must keep a complete manifest to include the following:
Name of all entities supplying animals on this shipment, name of all
entities that received animals on the shipment, the physical and
mailing addresses of all entities supplying and receiving animals,
the telephone numbers of all entities supplying and receiving
animals on the transport, the identification of all animals on the
shipment, all locations where animals are put onto the conveyance
and the ID of those animals, all locations where animals are
removed from the conveyance and the ID of those animals. The
Department will supply all forms for carrier record keeping and the
carrier must complete all forms in full and present those forms to
the Department upon request.
3.
Category A and B entities must provide and maintain records of:
a.
The name, mailing address, physical address, and phone number
of the registered entity and all sub-registrants acting as foster
homes.
b.
Animal ID to include clear digital photos of the animal taken from
the left and right sides and from the front in a manner that will
demonstrate all unique markings and identifying features, or,
microchip number, and the animal’s name, approximate age,
gender, predominate color, and predominate breed.
c.
The source of the animal and the contact information of the source,
where known, including the name, physical address, mailing
address, and phone number.
d.
The disposition of the animal by adoption to include the adopter’s
name, mailing address, physical address, and phone number.
e.
The disposition of the animal by foster care, the name, physical
address, mailing address, and phone number of the foster home.
f.
For Category A entities, the name, address, phone number and
state registration number of the carrier (unless exempt under
conditions of § 1.8 (E)(4) of this Part).
g.
The Department will supply forms to be fully completed by the
entity. The entity must make all forms available for review at the
request of the Department.
h.
All records are required to be maintained for a period of three years
after the importation of the animal.
I.
Inspections: All entities, carriers, and sub-registrants are subject to inspection by
the Department, at reasonable times, for enforcement and verification of the
provisions of these regulations.
1.9
Dogs and Cats
A.
Identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are required for the
importation of all dogs and cats that are imported into the State of Rhode Island.
B.
Rabies: All dogs and cats three (3) months of age or older imported into Rhode
Island must be accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination. Pursuant to 250-
RICR-40-05-2, Rules and Regulations Governing the Prevention, Control, and
Suppression of Rabies within the State of Rhode Island, the only acceptable
proof of rabies vaccination is a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rabies
vaccination must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian. Adult
animals six (6) months of age or older that have received only an initial or first
time documented vaccination must have been vaccinated at least thirty (30) days
prior to entry into the state. Puppies and kittens three (3) to six (6) months of age
that have received initial rabies vaccination are eligible for immediate entry into
the State without waiting thirty (30) days.
1.10 Cattle
A.
Official Identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Rabies: All cattle three months of age or older imported into Rhode Island for
exhibition, show, competition, or public display purposes must be accompanied
by proof of rabies vaccination not more than one (1) year, nor less than thirty (30)
days prior to entry into Rhode Island. Calves that are between three (3) and six
(6) months of age may enter Rhode Island immediately after receiving primary
immunization without being required to wait thirty (30) days after vaccine
administration. The rabies vaccination must be administered by a licensed
veterinarian and pursuant to 250-RICR-40-05-2, Rules and Regulations
Governing the Prevention, Control, and Suppression of Rabies within the State of
Rhode Island. The only acceptable proof of rabies vaccination is a valid rabies
vaccination certificate.
C.
Tuberculosis: All dairy cattle, Mexican origin beef cattle, and exhibition cattle
must test negative pursuant to a USDA officially recognized tuberculosis test
within sixty (60) days immediately prior to entry into Rhode Island. Negative
tuberculosis tests are not required for domestic origin beef cattle. Negative
tuberculosis tests are not required for dairy cattle, Mexican origin beef cattle or
exhibition cattle that are identified as a member of a herd that has been certified
tuberculosis free and that herd originating in a tuberculosis accredited free state.
Such tuberculosis free certification must have been performed within 12 months
prior to entry into Rhode Island by a veterinarian licensed and accredited in the
state of origin of the animals and the certification test must include all test eligible
animals within the herd. The animals to be imported must have been included in
the herd test.
1.11 Swine
A.
Official identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required for all
swine except where noted under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Brucellosis:
1.
Commercial Swine to be eligible for importation into Rhode Island must
either:
a.
Originate from a brucellosis validated free herd, or;
b.
Originate from a non-quarantined herd in a validated swine
brucellosis free state, or;
c.
If over four (4) months of age, test negative to a USDA officially
recognized brucellosis test no more than thirty (30) days
immediately prior to entry into Rhode Island.
2.
Non-commercial swine to be eligible for importation into Rhode Island
must either:
a.
Originate from a brucellosis validated free herd, or;
b.
If over four (4) months of age, test negative to a USDA officially
recognized brucellosis test no more than thirty (30) days
immediately prior to entry into Rhode Island.
C.
Pseudorabies:
1.
Commercial finish swine must qualify for importation pursuant to any one
of or more of the following:
a.
Infected or exposed commercial finish swine may only be shipped
into Rhode Island under a permit issued by the Rhode Island State
Veterinarian. The permit will allow entry directly to a recognized
slaughter establishment or an approved slaughter market.
b.
Commercial finish swine being imported from a state or area that is
classified with a program status Stage III or higher are allowed
entry without prior permit as long as they are shipped immediately
to a recognized slaughter establishment or approved slaughter
market.
2.
Commercial breeding swine must qualify for importation pursuant to any
one of or more of the following:
a.
Direct shipment without individual animal testing from a Stage IV or
Stage V state or area, or;
b.
Direct shipment without individual animal testing from a qualified
pseudorabies negative herd in any state or area, or;
c.
If the animals are unable to qualify pursuant to either § 1.11
(C)(2)(a) or § 1.11 (C)(2)(b) of this Part, individual animals must
test negative to an official pseudorabies serological test no more
than thirty (30) days prior to shipment with quarantine, isolation,
and re-testing, at owner's expense, at destination. The testing is to
be conducted between thirty (30) and sixty (60) days following
importation, while under quarantine. Quarantine and isolation are
to be maintained until the result of this testing is reported to the
Rhode Island State Veterinarian and the Rhode Island State
Veterinarian authorizes release of the quarantine.
3.
Commercial feeder pigs must qualify for importation pursuant to anyone of
or more of the following:
a.
Direct shipment without individual animal testing from a farm of
origin or a market in a Stage IV or Stage V state or area, or;
b.
Direct shipment without individual animal testing from a qualified
pseudorabies negative herd, or;
c.
Entry without individual animal testing is allowed into Rhode Island
from feeder pig monitored herds originating in Stage II or Stage III
states or areas only if the swine originate from an approved feeder
pig market or direct from a qualified negative(QN) herd or a feeder
pig monitored herd;
d.
Vaccination is not permitted except by permit from the Rhode
Island State Veterinarian.
4.
Non-commercial swine: individual animals must test negative to an official
pseudorabies test no more than thirty (30) days prior to shipment.
1.12 Sheep
A.
Official identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection must
contain a “Scrapie Statement” by an accredited veterinarian stating that to the
best of his/her knowledge the sheep listed on the certificate do not have
symptoms of Scrapie, have no known exposure to Scrapie infected animals, and,
are not the progeny of Scrapie infected animals.
B.
Scrapie: No sheep affected with Scrapie or originating from a flock quarantined
or epidemiologically linked to a flock quarantined for Scrapie shall be imported
into Rhode Island.
C.
Psoroptic Scabies: No sheep affected or exposed to psoroptic scabies shall be
imported into Rhode Island.
D.
Rabies: All sheep three (3) months of age or older imported into Rhode Island for
exhibition, show, competition, or public display purposes must be accompanied
by proof of rabies vaccination not more than one (1) year, nor less than thirty (30)
days prior to entry into Rhode Island. Lambs that are between three (3) and six
(6)months of age may enter Rhode Island immediately after receiving primary
immunization without being required to wait thirty (30) days after vaccine
administration. The rabies vaccination must be administered by a licensed
veterinarian and pursuant to 250-RICR-40-05-2, Rules and Regulations
Governing the Prevention, Control, and Suppression of Rabies within the State of
Rhode Island. The only acceptable proof of rabies vaccination is a valid rabies
vaccination certificate.
1.13 Goats
A.
Official Identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part, Certificates of Veterinary Inspection must
contain a “Scrapie Statement” by the accredited veterinarian stating that to the
best of his/her knowledge the goats listed on the certificate do not have
symptoms of Scrapie, have no known exposure to Scrapie infected animals, and,
are not the progeny of Scrapie infected animals.
B.
Tuberculosis: All goats must be individually tested and found negative for
tuberculosis by a USDA officially recognized test no more than sixty (60) days
prior to entry into Rhode Island.
C.
Brucellosis: All goats must be individually tested and found negative to a USDA
officially recognized Brucellosis test no more than thirty (30) days immediately
prior to entry into Rhode Island. Exception: unweaned kids are not required to be
individually tested for Brucellosis if they are accompanied by their dam and the
dam has been tested and found negative pursuant to a USDA officially
recognized Brucellosis test no more than thirty (30) days immediately prior to
entry into Rhode Island.
D.
Scrapie: No goat affected with Scrapie or originating from a herd quarantined or
epidemiologically linked to a herd quarantined for Scrapie shall be imported into
Rhode Island.
1.14 Poultry, Ratites, and Game Birds
A.
Official Identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, or other federally
recognized certification of disease free status are required, except where noted
under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Salmonella Pullorum: All poultry, ratites, and game birds five (5) months of age or
more, and hatching eggs imported for the purposes of breeding or egg
production, must originate from a flock designated “Pullorum Free” under the
supervision of the poultry disease control officials of the state of origin, or,
individually tested and found to be negative for the disease pursuant to an
agglutination test, or other recognized test, for Salmonella Pullorum no more than
thirty (30) days prior to entry into the state. All poultry less than five (5) months
of age and all hatching eggs imported into the state must originate from a flock
designated as “Pullorum Free” under the supervision of the poultry disease
control officials in the state of origin.
C.
Avian Influenza: All poultry, ratites, and game birds of any age, that originates in
any zone under control for avian influenza must be tested and found to be
negative for avian influenza, or originate from an avian influenza tested negative
flock. All hatching eggs that originate in any zone under control for avian
influenza must be derived from parent flocks that have been tested and found to
be negative for avian influenza. Testing for Avian Influenza must be performed
no more than ten (10) days prior to entry into the state. The method of testing
must be consistent with current approved serological and/or viral screening
methods as approved by the Rhode Island State Veterinarian. Avian Influenza
testing may be required at any time as prescribed by R.I. Gen. Laws, Chapter 4-
4, under authority of the Director of the Department of Environmental
Management.
1.15 Equidae
A.
Official identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Equine Infectious Anemia: All Equidae imported must be accompanied by proof
on an official negative serological test for Equine Infectious Anemia or (EIA)
conducted no more than twelve (12) months prior to entry into the state. All
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection must include the following: the date and
result of EIA testing; the name of the testing laboratory, and; the laboratory
accession number. Exception: no test is required for foals under six (6) months of
age when the foal is accompanied by its dam and the dam is accompanied by
proof of a negative official EIA test conducted no more than twelve (12) months
prior to entry into the state.
C.
Rabies: All Equidae three (3) months of age or older imported into Rhode Island
for exhibition, show, competition, or public display purposes must be
accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination not more than one (1) year, nor less
than thirty (30) days prior to entry into Rhode Island. Foals that are between
three (3) and six (6) months of age may enter Rhode Island immediately after
receiving primary immunization without being required to wait thirty (30) days
after vaccine administration. The rabies vaccination must be administered by a
licensed veterinarian and pursuant to 250-RICR-40-05-2, Rules and Regulations
Governing the Prevention, Control, and Suppression of Rabies within the State of
Rhode Island. The only acceptable proof of rabies vaccination is a valid rabies
vaccination certificate.
1.16 Camelids
A.
Official identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Tuberculosis: All camelids must be individually tested and found to be negative
for tuberculosis by a USDA officially recognized test no more than sixty (60) days
prior to entry into Rhode Island.
C.
Brucellosis: All camelids must be individually tested and found to be negative
pursuant to a USDA officially recognized Brucellosis test no more than thirty (30)
days immediately prior to entry into Rhode Island. Exception: unweaned crias
are not required to be individually tested for Brucellosis if they are accompanied
by their dam and the dam has been tested and found to be negative pursuant to
a USDA officially recognized Brucellosis test no more than thirty (30) days
immediately prior to entry into Rhode Island.
1.17 Miscellaneous Species: Domestic species not specifically
addressed above
A.
Official Identification and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection are required except
where noted under § 1.6 of this Part.
B.
Contact the Rhode Island State Veterinarian for additional requirements. (401)
222-2781 by phone, (401) 222-6047 by fax, or postal at RIDEM/Division of
Agriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908.
1.18 Emergency Restrictions for Emerging Disease Risks
A.
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-4-19, Orders prohibiting importation of animals;
The Director has broad powers to prohibit the importation of any animal into the
state.
B.
Pursuant to Chapter 42-35 of the R.I. Gen. Laws, the Department may issue
emergency regulations as deemed necessary that restrict the importation of
animals by imposing safeguards that will protect the health, safety and welfare of
the citizens of the state, their livestock, and pets.
1.19 Record Keeping for Auctions, Sales, and Dealers
A.
All auctions, sales, and dealers must keep records and make those records
available upon the request of an authorized inspector from the Department or
from the USDA.
B.
All records must be kept on the premises of the auction or sale, or at the address
of the licensed dealer, or if not kept at the premises, must be able to be accessed
remotely from that premises.
C.
All records are to be maintained for a period of not less than five years from the
date of the auction or sale.
D.
Records are to include the following:
1.
Source information for the animal: date the animal was brought to the
auction, sale, or purchased by dealer; name of owner or seller; mailing
and physical address of owner or seller; phone number of owner or seller;
species of animal(s) sold or consigned by owner or seller; breed of
animal(s) sold or consigned by owner or seller; age of animal(s) sold or
consigned by owner or seller; sex of animal(s) sold or consigned by seller;
any non-official identification that was applied to the animal(s) sold or
consigned by the seller; and, any official identification numbers that were
applied to the animal(s) sold or consigned by the seller.
2.
Buyer information to include the following: date of purchase; name of
buyer; mailing and physical address of buyer; phone number of buyer;
number of animal(s) purchased by buyer; species of animal(s) purchased
by buyer; age of animal(s) purchased by buyer; sex of animal(s)
purchased by buyer; location where the animals that were purchased will
be kept or held; any non-official identification that was applied to the sold
animal; and any official identification numbers that were applied to the sold
animal.
3.
For animals that are sold to Rhode Island based entities, the following
must also be kept: a log book, signed by the Rhode Island based
buyer/importer, acknowledging that the premises where the animals are to
be kept is subject to inspection by inspectors from the Department or
USDA for the purpose of ensuring compliance with these regulations.
1.20 Violations
The Director of the Department of Environmental Management may make all necessary
regulations for the prevention, treatment, cure and extirpation of such disease; and
every person who shall fail to comply with any regulation so made shall be fined not
exceeding three hundred dollars ($300) or be imprisoned not exceeding one (1) year.
Each and every occurrence and/or day during which the violation or failure to comply is
repeated shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. Every person who shall fail to
comply with any regulation so made shall be responsible for all costs and fees
associated with any quarantine, examination and testing required by the State
Veterinarians Office, and subject to forfeiture of the imported animals. Every person
who fails to comply with any order of quarantine or ordered examination or testing shall
be in violation. Each and every condition of quarantine and/or day during which there is
a failure to comply with said order shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
1.21 Administrative Appeals
A.
Denial of a license or certificate of registration: Persons denied the issuance or
renewal of a license or certificate of registration or the reissuance of a license or
certificate of registration to operate an animal care facility may request an appeal
as provided by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.7 and pursuant to DEM’s
“Administrative Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Administrative
Adjudication Division for Environmental Matters,” by presenting a written request
for a hearing within thirty (30) days of the applicant’s receipt of the denial. The
written request must be presented to the clerk of the Administrative Adjudication
Division, One Capitol Hill, Fourth Floor, Providence, RI 02908.
B.
Enforcement Action: Any person adversely affected by a decision of the Director
for an enforcement action pursuant to these regulations may file and appeal in
accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.7 and DEM’s Administrative
Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Administrative Adjudication Division for
Environmental Matters by presenting a written request for a hearing within twenty
(20) days of the applicant’s receipt of the notice of the enforcement action. The
written request must be presented to the clerk of the Administrative Adjudication
Division, One Capitol Hill, Fourth Floor, Providence, RI 02908.
1.22 Severability
If any provision of these Rules and Regulations, or the application thereof to any person
or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the
remainder of the Rules and Regulations shall not be affected.