[Federal Register: April 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 69)] [Notices] [Page 17671-17672] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12ap99-93] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cancellation of Requirement for Certification of Used Tire Casings from Asia Prior to Entry into the United States AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS. ACTION: Notice of cancellation of requirement for certification of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Since January 1, 1988, CDC has required that all used tire casings imported from Asia must be certified as dry, clean, and free of insects, to prevent further importation of the Asian mosquito Aedes albopictus. Despite these efforts, the species is now widely established in 28 states. Because the certification requirements have not proved to be effective, CDC is proposing to rescind them, following a thirty (30)-day period for public comment. DATES: Written Comments must be received on or before May 12, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James E. Barrow (404) 639-8107; E- mail jeb1@cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Quarantine, Mail Stop E-03, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Investigations conducted by CDC in 1986 established that Aedes albopictus and other mosquito species were being imported into the United States from Asia in used tire casings. Since these mosquitoes have the potential to transmit certain viral diseases to humans, such as dengue and other arboviruses including several that are native to the Americas, their presence was considered a potential public health threat. As of October 1, 1987, 15 states were known to be infested with Aedes albopictus. Interstate trade in used tires was believed to be a major factor in disseminating the species within the United States. Consequently, effective January 1, 1988, under the authority of section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) and 42 CFR 71.32(c), CDC imposed a requirement that all used tire casings originating from Asia must be certified as being dry, clean, and disinsected. Specific measures for disinsection and certification were defined in a Federal Register notice dated November 20, 1987 (52 FR 44836). In order to monitor compliance with the requirements, the CDC Division of Quarantine conducted an energetic program of random inspections, which showed large-scale noncompliance, even though penalties were imposed. Despite these enforcement efforts, Aedes albopictus has spread to 28 states, the approximate geographic limits of its potential distribution in the United States. A recent CDC study concluded that further colonization within those limits is inevitable. The study, published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association in March 1998 (14:83-94), found that, because of the vast size and distribution of the existing population, the number of mosquitoes that could be introduced from overseas is insignificant. Because of its exploitation of natural and artificial habitats, Aedes albopictus is extremely difficult to control and should be considered a permanently established species in the United States. In addition, although it is capable of transmitting numerous viruses, there is to date no evidence of any transmission to humans in the United States. The [[Page 17672]] effect of the present requirement is therefore negligible, and the cost of the requirement, both to industry and government, can no longer be justified. Accordingly, CDC is seeking public comment on its proposal to rescind the requirement for certification of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States. Comments are sought for thirty (30) days, after which CDC will publish in the Federal Register a notice and effective date of action. Dated: April 6, 1999. Joseph R. Carter, Acting Associate Director of Management and Operation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [FR Doc. 99-8987 Filed 4-9-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P