Currently, CDC restricts birds from countries where highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is present in poultry, in order to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) implements regulations regarding the importation of birds. To import a pet bird of non-U.S.

We recommend that all new birds be examined by an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will ask you questions about where you acquired the bird, what you are feeding it, if you have other birds, if you have noticed anything that concerns you, and so on in order to help you and your new companion get a good start on a long term relationship. The veterinarian will observe your bird's attitude and energy level, and then perform a thorough physical examination.

Yes, avian influenza viruses are found in wild bird populations in North America and occasionally infect domestic poultry. For example, in 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza in U.S. poultry occurred in the New England states and Texas, and were traced to birds from live bird markets. These outbreaks were not caused by the same "bird flu" virus (H5N1) that is currently circulating in Asia. The U.S. outbreaks were quickly contained and there was no impact on human health.

There are no CDC regulations regarding the importation of live fish. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service might have requirements, especially if an endangered or injurious species is involved. The National Marine Fisheries Service may also have regulations.

a letter from a doctor in the U.S. authorizing treatment and specifying all costs of the medical care.

Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is no evidence that anyone has been infected with H5N1 influenza or other bird flu viruses by eating properly cooked poultry or poultry products (e.g., eggs) derived from infected birds. Cooking food thoroughly will kill bird flu virus and other infectious agents if they are present. No. Although fleas can transmit some diseases, such as bubonic plague, they are not part of the lifecycle of influenza viruses.

The current risk to Americans from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia is low. The strain of H5N1 virus found in Asia and Europe has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from affected countries in Asia could be infected if they were exposed to the virus. Since February 2004, medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to find any such cases.

No. Public health departments and the US Department of Agriculture are monitoring the situation in the United States , in humans and birds, as well as other animals. To date, avian (bird) flu has not been found in the United States.

A pet bird would have to come in contact with a wild or domesticated bird with avian flu to become infected. Most human cases probably came from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. Follow good health habits when cleaning your bird’s cage, and wash your hands frequently. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S.

If the horse is not known to carry any diseases transmissible to humans, no CDC regulations would apply. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires various periods of quarantine depending on the country of origin of the horse. In countries with prevalent screwworm, the quarantine period is 60 days. USDA regulations for importing equines can be found on their Veterinary Services, Import/Export website.

Swamp eels were first introduced to the United States in Hawaii some time around 1900. It was first identified as being present in the continental United States in 1994 based on specimens collected in ponds at the Chattahoochee Nature Center north of Atlanta, Georgia.

A health certificate is required to bring a dog or cat from the U.K. into the U.S. Such a certificate is usually required by the airlines and the airlines should be contacted concerning any time limitations or other details. The U.K. is a rabies-free area, so the pet will not be quarantined and will not need a rabies vaccination unless required by the state or local authorities at your final destination. Read more...

The current risk for people in the United States from avian flu is low. The risk is low because of two factors. First, we do not have any birds that we know of in the United States at this time with the H5N1 flu strain. Second, because H5N1 is almost never transmitted from human to human at this time, it is not able to spread to large numbers of people. top

The current risk to Americans from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia is low. The strain of H5N1 virus found in Asia has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from affected countries in Asia could be infected. Since February 2004, medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to find any such cases.

No. These territories are a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

After 48 hours in Canada - $400 U.S. worth of merchandise duty free every 30 days. Families may combine their $400 exemptions. Less than 48 hours, or if the $400 allowance or part of it has been used within the previous 30 days - an exemption of $200 U.S. is allowed.

We can prepare your cape and horns for shipment back to the U.S. We will crate and ship your trophy to your taxidermist . Call Rick at 888-850-HUNT for details.

Yes. You are allowed to bring back up to 50 pounds of meat. The meat can be cut, frozen and packaged in an ice chest and prepared for delivery. It is possible that the meat may not make it thru customs depending on 'Mad Cow' concerns at the time. We do not recommend that you try and bring back any meat from NZ.

Yes. Since September 11, the customs and immigration officials are very vigilant. You should receive customs information on your outbound flight. If you do not, please ask a flight attendant or immigration officer for information on US cutoms regulations so that you can plan for your return. Review this information carefully, both for departure and reentry into the United States. Allow adequate time for checking in at the airport, both while leaving and returning.

A legal immigrant is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. If your parent is outside the United States, your parent will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa. If your parent is legally inside the U.S., he or she may apply to adjust his or her status to that of a lawful permanent resident using the Form I-485.

You are allowed to bring back into the United States a maximum of 1 carton of cigarettes, 1 Liter of liquor and absolutely no food at all. The duty free exemption is USD800 per person. Any and all purchases above USD800 are subject to a tax on these imported goods.

There is no limit on the amount of money which may be taken in or out of the United States. However, any amount in excess of $10,000 in currency, travelers checks or negotiable instruments, must be declared to the United States Customs at the time of arrival in or departure from the United States. Read more... The amount of money which may be taken out of the United Kingdom is a matter under the jurisdiction of the British Government.

Yes, you can bring your legal spouse and children below 21 years of age. However, All fees involved for the processing of their immigrant visas and deployment travel to the U.S. are not included in the program. Each nurse is expected to provide financing for their dependents.

If your fianc? is not a citizen of the United States and you plan to get married in the United States, then you must file a petition with INS on behalf of your fianc?. After the petition is approved, your fianc? must obtain a visa issued at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. The marriage must take place within 90 days of your fianc? entering the United States. If the marriage does not take place within 90 days or your fianc? marries someone other than you (the U.S.

Please visit the information on Bringing a Spouse or Children to the United States, which explains the process in detail.

Besides your immigration documents, you will need to bring some money with you to pay for some initial expenses. If you bring a check or draft to cover payment of your tuition and fees. please make it payable to Case Western Reserve University in U.S. dollars. You may contact the Bursar's Office for payment options.

In addition to wild and domestic birds and poultry, humans, domestic cats, and dogs, we know that pigs, palm civets, cynomolgus macaques, New Zealand white rabbits, stone martens, tigers, leopards, ferrets and rats can become infected with the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It's possible that other mammals may also be susceptible to H5N1 HPAI infection.

a letter from a doctor in the U.S. authorizing treatment and specifying all costs of the medical care.