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QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Questions
and Answers on the
Embargo of Civets
May 3, 2005 |
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What action has CDC taken?
On January 13, 2004, CDC issued an order for an immediate ban on the
import of all civets. CDC took this step because civets potentially can
infect humans with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
What animals are subject to the order?
Civets, also known as civet cats, are banned from import to the U.S.
The order forbids any person from importing or seeking to import any
civet from anywhere in the world. The order applies to civets that are
living or dead and any products made from civets.
Why does the order apply to civets, but not other animals?
A SARS-like coronavirus has been isolated from many palm civets (Paguma
larvata). The virus taken from civets closely matched virus
samples taken from humans. Small numbers of other animals have shown
proof of infection with SARS-like coronaviruses, but so far the best
existing data suggests that civets are likely carriers of SARS.
In 2001-2002, 98 civets were imported into the United States (44% from
Asia). Most, if not all, were imported for private ownership. Introducing
non-native animals like civets into the United States can cause outbreaks
of disease in humans. CDC is banning imports of civets to reduce the
chance of the spread of SARS in the U.S. Importation of civets infected
with SARS would present a public health threat. Banning the import of
civets is an effective way of limiting this threat.
Why does the order apply to import of all civets worldwide?
Infected
civets from SARS-infected areas could be shipped to foreign countries
where SARs is not a concern, then imported into the United States.
If this happens, inspectors in the United States may have no way of
knowing that the infected civets came from a SARS-infected area. For
this reason, the order prohibits the importation of any civet from
anywhere in the world.
Are there any exceptions to the order?
Yes. This prohibition does not apply to any person who imports or attempts
to import products made from civets if such products have been properly
processed to make them safe so that they pose no risk of transmitting
or carrying the SARS virus. Also, this ban does not apply to any person
who gets permission from CDC to import civets or unprocessed products
from civets for educational, exhibition, or scientific purposes as those
terms are defined in CDC regulations (42 CFR 71.1).
How can products from civets be made safe so that they pose
no risk of transmitting or carrying the SARS virus?
If products derived from civets are properly processed to render them
safe, they pose no disease risk. The accepted processes for making sure
that civet products are safe to use include:
Heat (heated to an
internal temperature of 70°C or placed in boiling water for a minimum
of 30 minutes);
Preservation in 2 percent formaldehyde;
Chemically
treating in acidic or alkaline solutions (soaking in a solution below
pH 3.0 or above pH 11.5 for 24 hours); or
The use of hypertonic
salts.
In addition,
properly stuffed civets and completely finished trophies present
no disease risk and therefore may be imported without written permission
from CDC.
These products are subject to inspection,
however, to ensure that they are properly processed.
What is HHS' authority for taking this action?
These actions are based upon provisions in Title 42 United States Code Section
264 (Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act) which authorize HHS to make
and enforce regulations needed to prevent the introduction, transmission, or
spread of diseases from foreign countries into the United States , or from
one State or possession into any other State or possession. CDC has implemented
this statute through regulations, and those that specifically authorize the
order can be found at 42 CFR 71.32(b).
Who will enforce the provisions of the order?
CDC will work with other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Customs and
Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of Interior, who have legal responsibility
for enforcing the importation embargos.
What are the consequences of violating the order?
CDC is most concerned
with making sure people comply with the order as a way of preventing the
spread of SARS virus infection to humans and other animals. However, people
who violate the order may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.
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