Things You'll Need
- Swine
- Exporter
- APHIS fee
- APHIS permit request form
- Veterinarian
Instructions
Determine the pig's country of origin as this greatly determines whether or not the swine can enter the United States. Outbreaks of swine-related diseases, like hoof-and-mouth disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis, and swine vesicular disease, could very rapidly wreak havoc on the U.S. agricultural industry. To prevent this, APHIS explicitly prohibits the importation of swine and even swine products from many nations. For example, swine from Japan and the United Kingdom (except Ireland) cannot enter the United States due to hoof-and-mouth disease. APHIS also can ban a nation from importing swine due to that country's inability to provide sufficient veterinary practices providing thorough swine health inspection. These restrictions are dynamic and can change immediately, based on APHIS research and findings.
Ensure that the pig's exporter fulfills the swine's required medical tests, with documentation. Required medical tests differ by nation. For example, swine from all nations except Canada and Mexico must undergo tuberculosis screening. If the exporter cannot or will not provide this information, the United States will deny the animal's entrance.
Complete and submit an APHIS permit application. You will supply your name and address, the swine's U.S. entry point, the method of transportation, the exporter's name and address, purpose of importation, and the expected arrival times of the swine's medical test records. Regarding the swine, you will provide extensive and detailed descriptions of its appearance, registrations and tags, breed, and any other identifying documents or characteristics. APHIS can and will deny a swine entry into the United States if the accompanying paperwork is inadequate or incomplete. When filling out the permit request, keep in mind that the exporting country is required to quarantine the animal prior to shipping.
Research your state's importation requirements. Some state agricultural departments may have vaccination, health or weight import restrictions even stricter than APHIS. Be sure that your imported pig meets state requirements before your pig reaches a U.S. port, but is possibly denied from your state of residence.
Pay APHIS the importation and quarantine fee. The importer is responsible for all expenses incurred during the pig's quarantine, including (but not limited to) feed, handling and any medical procedures. APHIS will inform you of your financial dues and corresponding due dates.
When issued the permit (in the form of an original and two copies), send the exporter the original and one copy. Keep the remaining copy as you will need it when you pick up your pig from quarantine.
On the quarantine release date, pick up your pig. You'll need to provide the permit copy. Be prepared to pay any additional fees that may have accrued during the quarantine.