New European Restrictions

[PeterIMA]

I am being told that the European Union is now requiring that aquarium fish (freshwater and marine) must be quarantined for 60 to 90 days in the exporting countries and have fish health certificates (stating they are free of pathogenic viruses and bacteria), before they can be imported to the European Union. Does anyone have more information about this?

Peter Rubec

 

[PeterIMA]

There is a series of regulations involved. I was only aware of regulations pertaining to Koi and Carp viruses. I understand that Ornamental Fish International (OFI) got some exceptions for ornamental fish that would not be released or escape to the wild. I an embedding a posting by Dr. Hoffman that gives some background, but there are more recentl amendments to the regulations that also need to be considered.

Peter

The fish health regulation of the EU and its effect on the sector

Click below to see presentation

[Click here to see presentation] In 1991 the EEC provided a new policy for the regulation and control of fish diseases through the directive 91/67/EEC. All members of the Community had to adapt their national legislation to guarantee the same procedures for detection and control of serious notifiable fish diseases. Directive 93/53/EEC gave the framework for free movement of goods and live animals. Both of these Directives and their amendments have given the basis for the control of aquaculture animal diseases.

The rules regulate the exact diagnostic procedures and methods for serious notifiable diseases, for the approval of disease-free farms and geographic zones, for transport of live fish and the import of fish into the Community from third countries. Having the status of an approved area gives some advantages to the free movement of fish, whereas fish from non-approved farms have not be introduced to them. Notifiable diseases are classified into 3 lists as an annex. List I (strongest rules for eradication of diseases exotic to the Community) comprise only Infectious Salmon Anemia –ISA, list II (the same regulations have to be used in all countries for economically important diseases). Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) are in list II, whereas in list III diseases can, but do not have to be regulated, in the individual Member States. In the last one, Spring viremia of carp SVC, furunculosis, IPN, BKD, ERM, Gyrodactylus salaris and Crayfish plague are listed.

In the past, salmonid diseases have had the primary role in the regulations reflecting the higher economical importance of salmon and trout farming in the “old” EU. In May 2004, new members will enhance the importance of carp farming, a position which is not yet reflected in legislation.

The effects of the Directives are impressive. The number of farms and zones approved to be free of list II (salmonid) diseases has been increasing enormously, especially in areas having relatively short river systems. However, the number of approved zones is steadily increasing even in central continental Europe ,. Regarding the aquaculture of carp, only in the UK has a programme for the control of SVC been developed. In May 2004, Directive 2003/858/EEC, as a revised regulation for import of live fish and eggs, will start listing both the countries allowed to import into the EU and the diseases having to be controlled. However, as a special current problem, Koi Herpes Virus Infection (KHV) is not listed in any of the EU Directives. This disease was regarded as a problem limited to the ornamental carp by the Commission. However, the latest developments have shown that the disease can induce mass mortality in common carp, both farmed and wild, in the UK, Germany and especially in Japan and Indonesia . KHV could be a real threat to the carp industry in European countries, especially in the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The unregulated movement of KHV-harbouring Kois, including the so-called immunized carp, could destroy traditional carp culture . Therefore, recognition of the danger of this disease should be accounted for and added to the appropriate Directive so as to prevent a catastrophe for carp farmers.

Rudolf W. Hoffmann :Institute for Zoology, Fish Biology and Fish Diseases, Veterinary Faculty of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

Contact details: [email protected]

 

[Anonymous]

So they in a way got a modified HR 669 but geared towards disease, not non native release? Time to go hunt some info down on this, thanks Peter

I fully expect something along those line here shortly.

 

[PeterIMA]

Title and reference
2006/656/EC: Commission Decision of 20 September 2006 laying down the animal health conditions and certification requirements for imports of fish for ornamental purpose (notified under document number C(2006) 4149) (Text with EEA relevance)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 91/67/EEC of 28 January 1991 concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products [1], and in particular Article 19(3), Article 20(3) and Article 21(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) A list of third countries or parts thereof from which Member States are authorised to import live fish, their eggs and gametes for farming in the Community and the animal health conditions and certification requirements for such consignments are established by Commission Decision 2003/858/EC of 21 November 2003 laying down the animal health conditions and certification requirements for imports of live fish, their eggs and gametes intended for farming, and live fish of aquaculture origin and products thereof intended for human consumption [2].
(2) Decision 2003/858/EC does not apply to tropical ornamental fish kept permanently in aquaria, and consequently the animal health conditions and certification requirements for tropical ornamental fish are not harmonised at Community level.
(3) There is a significant trade in ornamental fish with third countries and concerns have been raised with regard to the application of Decision 2003/858/EC with respect to ornamental fish.
(4) Certain third countries were included in Annex I to Decision 2003/858/EC for the purpose of export of cold-water ornamentals only. These countries should therefore appear in Annex I to this Decision.
(5) Currently, 14 Member States have drawn up national animal health certificates with different animal health conditions for ornamental fish. For the sake of simplification, for the Community Border inspection posts, for European ornamental fish industry, as well as for third country trading partners, those animal health conditions and model certificates should be harmonised.
(6) The specific animal health conditions and model certificates for ornamental fish, should be drawn up in line with the conditions and certificates laid down in Decision 2003/858/EC, taking into account the specific use of these animals in the Community, and animal health situation of the third country concerned, in order to prevent the introduction of disease that could cause significant impact to the farmed and wild fish stock in the Community if introduced and allowed to spread.
(7) Council Directive 96/93/EC of 17 December 1996 on the certification of animals and animal products [3] lays down standards of certification. The rules and principles applied by third-country certifying officers should provide guarantees which are equivalent to those laid down in that Directive.
(8) This Decision should apply without prejudice to Community or national provision on the conservation of species.
(9) The Member States and Third countries need some time to adapt to the new import certification requirements. This Decision should therefore not be applicable immediately.
(10) This Decision has been notified to Third countries for comments in accordance with the WTO agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
(11) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Scope
1. This Decision establishes harmonised animal health rules for imports of ornamental fish into the Community.
2. This Decision shall apply to:
(a) fish caught in the wild, imported for the purpose of being used as ornamental fish,
(b) ornamental fish imported by transshippers and wholesalers,
(c) ornamental fish imported into pet shops, garden centres, garden ponds, exhibition aquaria and similar businesses without direct contact with Community waters.
Article 2
Definitions
For the purposes of this Decision, in addition to the definitions in Article 2 of Directive 91/67/EEC, the following definitions shall apply:
"ornamental fish" means fish which are kept, reared, or placed on the market for ornamental purposes only;
"cold-water ornamental fish" means ornamental fish of species susceptible to one or more of the following diseases: epizootic haematopoietic necrosis (EHN), infectious salmon anaemia (ISA), viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS), infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN), spring viraemia of carp (SVC), bacterial kidney disease (BKD), infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), Koi herpes virus (KHV) and infection with Gyrodactylus salaris;
"tropical ornamental fish" means ornamental fish other than cold-water ornamental fish;
"transshippers" means companies or persons which supply ornamental fish to a number of retailers or wholesalers, by importing the consignments on their behalf, and deliver the separate orders directly to the customers in the Community.
Article 3
Conditions for imports of cold-water ornamental fish
Member States shall authorise imports of cold-water ornamental fish into their territory only if:
(a) the fish originate from a country listed in:
(i) Annex I to Decision 2003/858/EC; or
(ii) Part I of Annex I to this Decision;
(b) the consignment complies with the guarantees, including those for packaging and labelling and the appropriate specific additional requirements laid down in the animal health certificate, drawn up in conformity with the model in Annex II, taking into account the explanatory notes in Annex III; and
(c) the fish have been transported under conditions that do not alter their health status.
Article 4
Conditions for imports of tropical ornamental fish
Member States shall authorise imports of tropical ornamental fish into their territory only if:
(a) the fish originate from a country listed in Part II of Annex I to this Decision;
(b) the consignment complies with the guarantees, including those for packaging and labelling and the appropriate specific additional requirements, as laid down in the animal health certificate, drawn up in conformity with the model in Annex IV, taking into account the explanatory notes in Annex III; and
(c) the fish have been transported under conditions that do not alter their health status.
Article 5
Control procedures
Ornamental fish imported from third countries shall be subject to veterinary checks at the border inspection post in the Member State of arrival in accordance with Article 8 of Council Directive 91/496/EEC [4] and the common veterinary entry document provided for in Commission Regulation (EC) No 282/2004 [5] shall be completed accordingly.
Article 6
Preventing contamination of natural waters
1. Ornamental fish imported under this Decision shall not be released into fish farms, or other premises from which they could escape into, or otherwise contaminate, natural waters in the Community.
2. Transport water from imported consignments shall be handled in a way which ensures that it does not lead to contamination of natural waters within the Community.
Article 7
Date of application
This Decision shall apply six months after the date of publication.
Article 8
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 20 September 2006.
For the Commission
Markos Kyprianou
Member of the Commission
[1] OJ L 46, 19.2.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).
[2] OJ L 324, 11.12.2003, p. 37. Decision as last amended by Decision 2005/742/EC (OJ L 279, 22.10.2005, p. 71).
[3] OJ L 13, 16.1.1997, p. 28.
[4] OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 58.
[5] OJ L 49, 19.2.2004, p. 11.
--------------------------------------------------
ANNEX I
PART I
Territories from which imports of cold-water ornamental fish into the European Community is authorised
Country | Territory | Comments [1] |
ISO-code | Name | Code | Description | |
BR | Brazil | | | Cyprinidae only |
CO | Colombia | | | Cyprinidae only |
CG | Republic of the Congo | | | Cyprinidae only |
MK [2] | Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | | | Cyprinidae only |
JM | Jamaica | | | Cyprinidae only |
SG | Singapore | | | Cyprinidae only |
LK | Sri Lanka | | | Cyprinidae only |
TH | Thailand | | | Cyprinidae only |
PART II
Territories from which imports of tropical ornamental fish into the European Community is authorised
All countries being a member of the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE).
[List of countries is available on http://www.oie.int/eng/OIE/PM/en_PM.htm]
[1] No limitations if left empty. If a country or territory is allowed to export only certain species and/or eggs or gametes, the species should be specified and/or a comment with for example "eggs only" shall be inserted in this column.
[2] Provisional code that does not affect the definitive denomination of the country to be attributed after the conclusion of the negotiations taking place in the United Nations.
--------------------------------------------------
ANNEX II
+++++ TIFF +++++
+++++ TIFF +++++
+++++ TIFF +++++
--------------------------------------------------
ANNEX III
Explanatory notes
General guidance
(a) The certificates shall be produced by the competent authorities of the exporting country.
(b) The original of each certificate shall consist of a single page, double-sided, or, where more than one page is required, it shall be in such a form that all pages form part of an integrated whole and are indivisible.
(c) It shall, on the right hand side of the top of each page, be marked as "original" and bear a specific code number issued by the competent authority. All pages of the certificate shall be numbered — (page number) of (total number of pages).
(d) The original of the certificate and the labels referred to in the model certificate shall be drawn up in at least one official language of the EC Member State in which the inspection at the border post shall be carried out and of the EC Member State of destination. However, these Member States may allow other languages, if necessary, accompanied by an official translation.
(e) The original of the certificate must be completed on the day of loading the consignment for exportation to the EC with an official stamp and signed by an official inspector designated by the competent authority. In doing so, the competent authority of the exporting country shall ensure that the principles of certification equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 96/93/EC are followed.
(f) The stamp, unless embossed, and the signature shall be in a colour different to that of the printing.
(g) The original of the certificate must accompany the consignment until it reaches the EC border inspection post.
(h) The certificate shall be valid for 10 days from the date of issue. In the case of transport by ship, the time of validity is prolonged by the time of journey at sea.
Guidance for completing Part I of the certificates
(a) Box I.8 Region of origin: If necessary: concerns only where regionalisation measures or approved zone definition according to this Decision or Decision 2003/858/EC. The regions and the approved zones must be indicated as they appeared in the EU Official Journal.
(b) Box I.10. Region of destination: Cf. box I.8.
(c) Box I.13. Place of loading: If different from box I.11. give the place where the animals are loaded and particularly, in case of pre-assembly
(d) Box I.20. Quantity: give the total gross weight and the total net weight in kg.
(e) Box I.22. Number of packages: give the number of boxes in which the animals are being transported.
(f) Box I.25. Commodities certified for: give exclusive destination of the fish. (Only the possible options shall appear on each specific certificate)
- Quarantine: This refer to quarantine as required under the relevant Community legislation
- Pets: This applies also where ornamental aquatic animals are intended for pet-shops of similar businesses for further sale
- Circus/exhibition: This applies also where ornamental aquatic animals are intended for exhibition aquaria of similar businesses, not for further sale
- "Other": intended for purposes not listed elsewhere in this classification, such as private import or trough transhippers.
(g) Box I.28 The common name of the species may be included together with the scientific name.
--------------------------------------------------

 

[PeterIMA]

Following the regulations presented above (approved in 2006) the European pet trade expressed the following concerns in 2008.

Imports of popular aquarium fish may be restricted

Wild Puntius denisonii could be banned if the Directive is introduced in its current format.
Imports of a wide range of popular wild-caught tropical fish could be restricted later this year when a new European Union Directive is introduced.

Imports of barbs from the Puntius genus, Trichogaster gouramis, freshwater sharks from the Labeo genus, Channa snakeheads, Catla, Mastacembelus spiny eels and mullet from the Mugil genus could all be restricted when the EU Directive on Aquatic Animal Health comes into force in August 2008.

The Aquatic Animal Health Directive (known as 2006/88/EC) makes the fish diseases KHV (Koi Herpes Virus) and EUS (Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome) notifiable diseases throughout the EU and will introduce measures to control the import of susceptible fishes.

While KHV is currently believed to primarily affect the carp (Cyprinus carpio), EUS can potentially affect a much wider range of species, including a number of popular tropical aquarium fish.


If introduced, it is unlikely that Channa will remain available, as the vast majority are wild caught.
350 species covered
The Directive has listed the entire Puntius, Trichogaster, Mastacembelus, Labeo, Catla and Mugil genera as susceptible to the disease, and is proposing to restrict imports of the fish from areas not proven to be free of the disease.

There are currently 126 Puntius, 28 Channa, 5 Trichogaster, 61 Mastacembelus, 105 Labeo, 18 Mugil and 3 Catla species recognised; so the list covers nearly 350 species.

No mention is made of a ban on closely related genera, which may contain fishes formerly in those genera listed in the Directive.

Since exporters who catch fish in the wild are unable to meet this requirement, the move could mean the end of all imports of members of these genera that are not bred in captivity at locations proven to be free of EUS.

Defra said: "All Member States of the European Union and some members of the European Economic Area including Norway, are required to put regulations in place to implement this directive by May 2008 and to bring them into force by August 2008.

"Some of the provisions are clearly obligatory and Member States must adopt them. Other areas provide flexibility and choices for the individual governments to make within the overall framework of the directive."

The Directive, which applies to the implementation of the EU legislation in England and Wales, is still in the consultation period and consultees have until March 7 2008 to respond to the proposals.


All Mastacembelus are covered by the Directive.
Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome
The disease responsible for the proposed change in legislation, Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome or EUS, is one that few fishkeepers will have heard of.

It is believed to be a complex disease characterised by the presence of a fungi called Aphanomyces invadans and causes ulcer-like sores on the body, possibly due to secondary infections by opportunistic bacteria including Aeromonas hydrophila and A. sobria.

The fungus invades the body cavity and can lead to mass mortalities in a range of fish. Defra claims that the disease, which is seasonal, is of great importance and can affect wild and farmed fish in freshwater and estuarine areas.

EUS is endemic in south east Asia and south Asia and has recently been recorded in west Asia. It has not yet been recorded in the UK.


Trade opposition
The proposed blanket ban on entire genera is causing concern within the aquarium trade. International aqarium trade body Ornamental Fish International (OFI) said:

"We cannot agree with the present EU list of susceptible genera. According to the information provided by Defra/OIE, only one species of Puntius and only one species of Labeo is susceptible to EUS and not a single species of Mastacembelus.

"OFI is currently discussing with the European Commission the issue of listing these complete genera. The present list, however, is published in the EU Directive 2006/88 and adaptation will need a change of the EU legislation."

Keith Davenport, the Chief Executive of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) told Practical Fishkeeping: "The new Directive is supposed to apply measures proportionate to any risks identified. We have always argued that any measures must address real practical risks rather than theoretical possibilities identified by office based analyses.

"While disease has been reported in the genera listed as susceptible to EUS there is no evidence of imports for the ornamental trade causing problems in the EU. Thus many decades of practical experience has failed to reveal a practical risk.

"Even the directive itself recognises that ornamental fish, especially tropicals, held in aquariums and ponds do not pose the same risk as fish for stocking in the wild.

"We will continue to work with colleagues in other trade groups, especially OFI, to press the case for the Directive to be applied in a manner that is proportionate to the real risks involved."

Further information on the consultation on the Implementation of EU Legislation in England and Wales: Aquatic Animal Health Directive can be found on the Defra website.

 

[PeterIMA]

I am including the latest EU directive. I encourage those who are concerned to Google the regulations off the web. What is presented below does not include all the information that should be consulted.


I found this by Googling the words:
Health Regulations Ornamental Fish European Union

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 719/2009
of 6 August 2009
amending Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 as regards the list of third countries and territories from which certain crustaceans and ornamental aquatic animals may be imported into the Community
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 2006/88/EC of 24 October 2006 on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals ( 1 ), and in particular Article 22 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Directive 2006/88/EC lays down the animal health requirements to be applied for the placing on the market, the importation into and the transit through the Community of aquaculture animals and products thereof. That Directive provides that aquaculture animals and products thereof are to be introduced into the Community only from third countries or parts of third countries that appear on a list drawn up and updated in accordance with the procedure referred to therein.
(2) Article 11 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 of 12 December 2008 implementing Council Directive 2006/88/EC as regards conditions and certification requirements for the placing on the market and the import into the Community of aquaculture
animals and products thereof and laying down a list of vector species ( 2 ) lays down the rules applicable to the import of ornamental aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities.
(3) Pursuant to Article 11(2) of that Regulation, Member States are to authorise the imports of ornamental fish which are not of susceptible species to any of the diseases listed in Part II of Annex IV to Directive 2006/88/EC, and ornamental mollusc and ornamental crustaceans intended for closed ornamental facilities only from third countries or territories that are members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). That provision ensures that relevant epidemiological data related to those animals is made available to all OIE members.
(4) Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 lays down a list of third countries, territories, zones or compartments from which imports are permitted of aquaculture animals intended for farming, put and take fisheries and open ornamental facilities, and of ornamental fish susceptible to one or more of the diseases listed in Part II of Annex IV to Directive 2006/88/EC and intended for closed ornamental facilities.
(5) The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical assistance, policy advice, training and research services to 22 Pacific Island countries and territories in areas such as health, human development, agriculture, foretry and fisheries. Certain SPC members are not members of the OIE.
(6) The OIE and the SPC concluded an Agreement in September 1999. Pursuant to that Agreement, the SPC is to encourage those of its members that are not
members of the OIE to participate in the OIE information network for animal health and aquatic animal health.
(7) The Annex to that Agreement, concluded by the SPC and the OIE on 10 April 2003, lays down the terms of collaboration between both parties for the development, maintenance and distribution of a Regional Animal Health Information System for the Pacific Island Countries and its Territories.
(8) By letters of 31 March 2009 and 30 April 2009, the SPC informed the Commission that SPC members that are not members of the OIE are able to upload relevant disease information in the OIE World Animal Health Information System in accordance with OIE criteria, as from May 2009.
(9) It is therefore appropriate to amend Article 11(2) of
Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008, in order to authorise imports of ornamental fish which are not of susceptible species to any of the diseases listed in Part II of Annex IV to Directive 2006/88/EC, and ornamental molluscs and ornamental crustaceans, intended for closed ornamental facilities also from third countries and territories that are not members of the OIE but have an official agreement with that organisation in order to participate in its information network for animal health and aquatic animal health.
(10) The United States have confirmed that Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands are considered territories of the United States and the competent authority of the United States is
responsible for notification of animal diseases to the OIE.

 

[PeterIMA]

Duplicate posting deleted

 

[spawner]

It's mostly the introduction of diseases that scare the pants off the ecologist not the target species, rightfully so.

 

[treeman]

This was forwarded to me by somebody that was told they could not ship any more until it was completed. I removed names and address, etc because I was afraid to step over privacy issues and I hope this doesn't do that. If I did post to much please edit it.

The letter must
>be on official company letterhead and must indicate the following:
>
> Name and address of the establishment to be registered
> Name and telephone number of the official contact at the aquaculture
>facility
> Documentation that the facility meets the criteria (listed below) for
>registration including the name, address and telephone number of the APHIS
>accredited veterinarian serving the facility.
>
>Registration criteria:
>
>A. The facility must have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship
>with an APHIS-accredited veterinarian in the establishment's State. The
>accredited veterinarian must visit the establishment as required by EU
>Member States and maintain records of said visits for 5 years.
>
>B. The facility must keep updated records, available for review by APHIS,
>to include information concerning:
> . Identifying characteristics, including water sources, life stages,
>lot designations or other criteria, of the live fish, mollusks, their eggs
>and/or gametes at the establishment;
> . Information relating to the movement of live fish, mollusks, their
>eggs and/or gametes between different sites of the same establishment;
>Information relating to the movement (including transfer permits) of
>live fish, mollusks, their eggs and/or gametes between different
>establishments/authorities;
> . The number and/or weight of the live fish, mollusks, their eggs
>and/or gametes;
> . The source and/or suppliers of the live fish, mollusks, their eggs
>and/or gametes; and
> . The health status of the live fish, mollusks, their eggs and/or
>gametes including all laboratory testing results and mortality records.
>
>Letter for request should be on official company letterhead and may be
>sent to:
>
>USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
>
>
>
>Or, send the letter to me via email and I'll forward to Area Office for
>approval to conduct site visit.
>
>Once the AVIC has had a chance to review the request - I will be asked to
>perform a site visit - where I will need to verify the registration
>criteria; speak to your veterinarian etc.
>
>Upon successful completion your establishment will be assigned a unique
>registration number. In order to maintain your registration I will have
>to do a site visit every 365 days.
>
>User fees are applied to the site visits - which currently are $120/hour
>(and may include travel). I must collect payment (check, money order or
>credit card) at the time of the inspection.

 

[PeterIMA]

The last posting refers to how US exporters of farm raised tropical fish can obtain a certificate from a veterinarian that meets
the needs of the EU. APHIS stands for the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture.

Below is information from the University of Florida APHIS laboratory.

Health Certificates for Aquatic Animal Exports from Florida
(Updated June 26, 2009)

<http://tal.ifas.ufl.edu/images/Fish%20Boxes%20in%20Van%20%2872%20dpi%203x2_25%29.jpg> Feeling a little confused about getting health certificates done for aquatic animals? You're not alone! Many producers feel anxiety about getting health certificates done for aquatic animals, and there are several reasons for it. What are the requirements? Who inspects the animals? Which form do you use? What should the certificate say? The following information is intended to help guide Florida ornamental aquatic animal or aquaculture producers through the health certification process. A step-by-step "Quick Guide" is also listed below. Please note that it is the sole responsibility of the exporting shipper to determine what the requirements are for the state or country to which the animals are being shipped.

Interstate shipments (movements between US states):
Some states have special requirements for bringing aquatic animals in from other states. Many of these regulations can be found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export ... tes.shtml; however, it is highly recommended that the shipper contact the State Veterinarian’s office in the destination state to make sure all the requirements are met. In some states, the state veterinarian is not the lead “agency” for fish health and other agencies may need to be consulted.

International shipments (movements between countries):
For international destinations, each country may have specific health requirements for the entry of aquatic animals. These requirements are established by the importing country, not the United States. Other countries may also have their own certificate format. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has on their international regulations site specific health requirements for different countries that have provided the USDA with their aquatic animal health regulations and requirements. However, not all countries that have import requirements for aquatics may be listed on this site. It is strongly recommended that exporters wanting to ship aquatic animals to countries whose requirements are not specifically described have the importer/buyer in the country of destination apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry or animal health authority. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.

For additional information on export requirements, contact the Area Veterinarian-in-Charge (AVIC) who can help to provide information on current regulations, tests, and inspections that may be required. Because export requirements frequently change, obtain current export requirements from the USDA Veterinary Service area office before each shipment. In Florida, the USDA area office is located in Gainesville. The export document examiner can be contacted at 352-313-3071 or 352-313-3060. Or contact Dr. Kathleen Hartman at 813-671-5230 x119

Additional international and interstate restrictions:
Be aware that states and countries may have restrictions on certain species. Be sure to check if the animals being moved require a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (for example, CITES listed animals such as seahorses) or if a state has certain restrictions on animals (for example, injurious wildlife such as the walking catfish (family Clariidae)).

Who inspects the fish?
USDA APHIS is the lead agency for the health certification of farm-raised ("aquacultured") aquatic animals. Most importing countries require that a USDA-accredited veterinarian at least visually examine all (or a representative sample) of the animals being shipped. (USDA-accredited veterinarians are private veterinarians who have special training to sign official USDA health certificates.) Some countries require additional diagnostic tests for specific diseases. The extent of the veterinary inspection depends on the requirements established by the importing country, not the United States. The veterinarian will usually charge for this service regardless of whether or not the shipment passes inspection. It is, therefore, in the exporter’s best interest to be confident of the good health of the animals before scheduling an inspection. (A two day fish health course geared toward fish production is offered at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in the spring and fall of each year. Check the calendar for upcoming courses.) Plan ahead when scheduling a shipment requiring health certification to ensure that a USDA-accredited veterinarian and, if necessary, a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services official (see “Who has to sign the certificate?” below) are available to perform the inspection and endorse the documents, respectively.

In the Tampa Bay area, the Tropical Aquaculture Lab has USDA-accredited veterinarians who can perform the necessary inspections for exportation of ornamental fish and aquatic invertebrates by Florida aquaculture producers. To schedule an inspection, contact Dr. Roy Yanong at 813-671-5230 x104. The lab charges $30 per health certificate when the inspection is conducted at the lab. Additional charges will apply if the inspection is conducted off-site.

For facilities located in the Gainesville area, contact Dr. Denise Petty at 352-273-3612. You may also locate other aquatic animal health veterinarians near you by searching www.aquavetmed.info.

Other federal agencies have jurisdiction over wild or feral freshwater and marine aquatic animals as well as seafood for human consumption. For more information on who you should contact, please call Dr. Kathleen Hartman at 813-671-5230 x119.

Which form to use?
USDA forms that may be used as health certificates for aquatic animals are:

*

APHIS form 7001 (Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals)
*

VS form 17-140 (United States Origin Health Certificate)
*

VS form 17-141 (Health Certificate for the Export of Live Finfish, Mollusks, and Crustaceans)

The USDA-accredited veterinarian will likely have most of these forms. As with other official documents of this type, the certificate should be typewritten, accurate, complete and must be signed in a color different from the text. Once the documents are signed, they must not be altered.

In addition to the forms listed above, the importing country may have specific forms that must be used. Check with the appropriate import or animal health authority in the importing country for these required documents or online at the web sites listed above.

What should the certificate say?
If no specific requirements are listed or provided by the importing country or state, general statements may be printed or typed on the form by the accredited veterinarian. For shipments of ornamental species, the statement should say “ornamental” not tropical fish. At a minimum, the number of animals and the common and scientific names of each should be listed on the form.

If the exporter would like to use a packing list instead of typing all of the species in the consignment on the USDA health certificate form, the packing list must:

1.

Not list any prices.
2.

Be on the letterhead of the accredited veterinarian.
3.

Identify the consignor and consignee.
4.

Identify the number of each type of animal being shipped as well as a total number of all animals for the consignment.
5.

List the associated health certificate number.
6.

List the facility's USDA registration number, if applicable.
7.

Be signed and dated by the accredited veterinarian.

The associated USDA health certificate form must list the total number of animals (should be the same as listed on the packing list) and the statement "see attached packing list". Packing lists can only be endorsed by a USDA official if it is signed by the accredited veterinarian first.

Who has to sign the certificate?
USDA-accredited veterinarian
Health certificates for the export of aquatic animals are completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian ("issuing veterinarian") who certifies animal health status by inspecting the shipment, collecting any specimens for diagnostic testing (as required by the importing country), and recording test results for the animals being exported. The veterinarian will usually charge for this service regardless of whether or not the shipment passes inspection.

Endorsing federal veterinarian
In addition to the inspection and signature by the USDA-accredited veterinarian, some foreign countries require that exports from the United States be endorsed and stamped by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services area official (“endorsing federal veterinarian”) in order to be valid. For endorsement in Florida, certificates may be sent or taken in person to 1) USDA-APHIS-VS veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Hartman (813-671-5230 x119) located here at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, 2) the USDA APHIS area office in Gainesville (contact Judy Moreno 352-313-3071) or 3) the USDA APHIS Miami Animal Import/Export Center (305-526-2926). (If delivering the forms in person, please contact the appropriate office to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins may be subject to wait.) If diagnostic tests are required prior to shipment, the certificate and test results must be sent to the endorsing USDA official. The current USDA user fee for endorsing a health certificate for aquatic animals is $34.00 and is due at the time of endorsement. Cash cannot be accepted. This fee is in addition to the USDA-accredited veterinarian’s fee.

Most health certificates are valid for 30 days once they have been signed by the issuing accredited veterinarian. However, some countries and even some airlines have a shorter time frame that they will accept the certificates. Also note that some certificates must be signed within 24, 48, or 72 hours of the animals being shipped.

Other Important Information:
Aquaculture facilities wishing to export live fish or fish eggs to countries belonging to the European Union (EU) must be registered with APHIS as an aquaculture facility prior to export. (For a complete list of countries in the EU, visit http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_en.htm). Facility registration is voluntary; however, it is required in order for APHIS to endorse health certificates being presented for fish being exported to the EU. In order for a facility to be registered, the facility must have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship with an USDA accredited veterinarian, and the facility must keep updated records on animal inventory, movement, suppliers, and health that are available for review by APHIS if needed. Annual site visits by an APHIS representative are required. These visits are subject to user fees.

For more information about the registration process and related fees, please contact Dr. Kathleen Hartman at 813-671-5230 x119 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Quick Guide for Florida Exporters of Aquatic Animals

Step 1:

Determine from the importer what the health requirements are for the state or country to which the animals are being shipped. As the shipper of the animals, it is YOUR responsibility to determine and understand what the importing country or state requires for entry of the animals you are shipping. If you need help determining these requirements, you should consult your accredited veterinarian. You may also contact the USDA area office (352-313-3071) or Dr. Kathleen Hartman (813-671-5230 x119) for additional help.

Step 2:

Obtain a health evaluation as directed by certificate requirements set by the importing state or country. This evaluation may require the service of an USDA-accredited veterinarian who will perform a visual inspection and additional diagnostics, as required by the importing country, in order to fulfill requirements stated on the health certificate.

Step 3:

Have the USDA-accredited veterinarian complete and sign the health certificate. It is recommended that the APHIS form 7001, VS 17-140, or VS 17-141 be used. Check with the importing country as to what specific documents it requires.

Step 4:

If official endorsement is required, you or your veterinarian may take or send (via express mail with a self-address pre-paid envelope) the completed form(s) and a check (payable to USDA) for $34 per certificate to be endorsed to one of the offices listed below. (If delivering the forms in person, please contact the office to schedule an appointment.) If mailing the forms, the turn-around time may be 24 - 48 hours.

* USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
Export Document Examiner
8100 NW 15th Place
Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: 352-313-3071
Fax: 352-313-3061

* Dr. Kathleen H. Hartman
Aquaculture Epidemiologist
USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services
c/o University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory
1408 24th Street, S.E.
Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: 813-671-5230 x119
Fax: 813-671-5234

* Miami Animal Import/Export Center
USDA APHIS Veterinarian Services
6300 NW 36th Street
Miami, FL 33122
Phone: 305-526-2926
Fax: 305-526-2929

Step 5:

Most certificates are good for 30 days; however, some may be more restrictive, so make sure the shipment arrives at its final destination before the expiration of the certificate.

 

[PeterIMA]

Correction to my last posting. In addition to the US form that APHIS provides, there is a form that the EU requires to be completed.

Peter Rubec

 

[PeterIMA]

The postings I made previously refer to Annex IV. Ornamental Fish International has made Annex IV available on their web site. Below, is the posting they made. You need to go to the OFI site to obtain the information.

Peter Rubec

New Health Certificates for the European Union

The new health certificates for fish, crustaceans and molluscs as introduced into the European Union per 1st of January 2009. These are harmonized within the European Union and published in the Commission Regulation 1251/2008/EC. The EU Members States, however, may demand that the certificates are presented in the national language but often also allow other languages.

Please keep in mind, that the language of the certificate should be selected on basis of the country of first entry into the European Union, which is often not the country of final destination.

The Regulation defines certificates for closed ornamental facilities and for open ornamental facilities this difference is explained in the Regulation. For this reason we provide the following documents in all available languages: The Regulation itself, including all certificates, Annex IV-A for open ornamental fish facilities and Annex IV-B for closed ornamental facilities.

Please find the new certificates in the following languages:
Commission Regulation 1251/2008 For open ornamental facilities
For closed ornamental facilities
Bulgarian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Czech Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Danish Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Dutch Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
English Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Estonian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
French Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Finnish Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
German Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Greek Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Hungarian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Italian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Latvian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Lithuanian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Maltese Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Polish Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Portuguese Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Romenian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Slovenian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Slowakian Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Spanish Annex IV-A Annex IV-B
Spanish/English Annex IV-B
Swedish Annex IV-A Annex IV-B

Languages for certificates
Denmark Danish, English
France
French, biligual: French + other language
Germamy German, English
Netherlands Dutch, English, German, French
Portugal
Portuguese, biligual: Portuguese+ other language
Sweden Swedish, English

 

[PeterIMA]

I know that all my postings must be somewhat overwhelming. But, my initial question still stands. I need information
concerning what the EU plans to do in relation to Health Certification (by exporting countries) with regard to Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS). Some in the trade call this red sore disease, because of the red lesions that form on the side of the fish.

This is a serious problem in SE Asia, but the condition also occurs in North America, Australia and Africa. The EU has threatened to ban 6 genera comprising about 350 species of freshwater fish from importation, if control measures are not implemented by the exporting countries. There is presently a moratorium (no action for now) on this until the end of 2010. Ornamental Fish International (OFI) has been active in persuading the EU to assess the situation further before any final decision is made.

At present, in countries where the disease is present (most SE Asian countries) the fish must either be declared disease-free on the Certification Form by health inspectors in each country, or an exemption can be made based on the fish having been quarantined (not sure for how long) and found not to exhibit disease symptoms and/or mortalities. Whether this will apply after the end of the moratorium (starting in 2011) I do not know. Can anyone tell me more about this?

Peter Rubec

 

[Anonymous]

I have a bunch of emails out Peter. When any of them reply I'll either post or email them to you depending on who it is and what they have to say (they may not want it posted)

 

[JT]

This may be unrelated but I've also read recently that, in some EU countries, if a species is known to be successfully reared in captivity that the species cannot be imported. I know PLA (post-larval aquaculture) is quite popular overseas and I'm glad to see it is starting to be practiced more here in the US. Blue Planet Reef Farms, a company in Vermont who practices PLA, has had an overwhelming response from fish stores since opening it's doors.

 

[Anonymous]

This may be unrelated but I've also read recently that, in some EU countries, if a species is known to be successfully reared in captivity that the species cannot be imported. I know PLA (post-larval aquaculture) is quite popular overseas and I'm glad to see it is starting to be practiced more here in the US. Blue Planet Reef Farms, a company in Vermont who practices PLA, has had an overwhelming response from fish stores since opening it's doors.

But Ecomay (sp?) didn't have any demend when they tried the US market so times are a changing

 

[PeterIMA]

Just an update concerning the situation with Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS). As discussed in previous postings the European Union (EU) issued a directive in 2006 that listed 6 genera of tropical fish that are susceptible to EUS. Ornamental Fish International (OFI) has a paper downloadable from its website that expresses concern that this could lead to a ban on imports of fish in the genera Puntius, Catla, Mastacembalus, Channa, Trichopterus, Labeo, and Mugil which includes about 350 species. Alex Ploeg is the Secretary-General of OFI and wrote the OFI paper about EUS. He also presented a talk at Aquarama held in Singapore last May. OFI is trying to get the EU to adopt a list of species susceptible to EUS, since this would not have as wide an impact on as many species. My understanding is that the OFI list is based on a list of species created by the OIE (International Association of Animal Health).

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) did a review of the scientific literature for the EU to determine which species are most susceptible to a variety of pathogens including EUS. They came up with a relatively short list of species conclusively shown to be suceptible to EUS. They recommended that the EFSA list of EUS susceptible species should be added to the EU directive (2006/88/EC) to replace the 6 genera listed as susceptible to EUS. If this happens there would only be about 3-4 species that would be affected by the EUS regulation starting in January 2011. Suceptible species will need to be either certified as pathogen-free or quarantined.

The quarantine directive (2008/946/EC) specifies that species susceptible to a variety of pathogens (mostly found on coldwater species) will need to be quarantined for 60 days for fish, 45 days for crustaceans, and 90 days for mollusks. This can be done by the exporting countries or by the importing countries to ensure that pathogens are not introduced into Europe. While the quarantine requirements only apply to susceptible species and possibly to those deemed to be vectors, they add to the cost of exporting susceptible species to the EU.

It is not clear what the EU will do with regard to Susceptible species and with regard to Vector species (two lists have been issued the first in 2006, the second in 2008). In any event, exporters need to be careful to ensure they comply with the EU regulations, that are spread over a number of directives. Some directives no longer apply. Some directives are ambiguous. At present the regulations concerning EUS do not apply (because of the moratorium). Hopefully, the situation concerning EUS will be resolved soon, before the moratorium ends (at the end of December 2010).

Peter