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Importation of Nonhuman Primates
Imported monkeys and other nonhuman primates (NHP) are essential for scientific and exhibition use. The health and safety hazards associated with exposure to NHP are well documented. Exposure to imported NHP presents potential infectious disease risks, which may include emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola-Reston, B Virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1), monkeypox, yellow fever, Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, tuberculosis, and other diseases not yet known or identified. Since 1975, the Federal Quarantine Regulations (42CFR71.53) have restricted the importation of NHP. Importers must register with the CDC, implement disease control measures, and may distribute NHP for only bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, as defined in the regulations*. Importation of NHP for use as pets is not permitted under any circumstances. These restrictions also apply to the re-importation of NHP originating in the United States.
- Foreign Quarantine Regulations Relating to NHP (42CFR71.53)
- Other Federal, State, and Local authorities have regulations that apply to NHP.
Additional resources include:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture at http://www.usda.gov
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at http://www.fws.gov, including http://international.fws.gov/permits/permits.html
- The nearest office or website of the relevant State or Local authority.
For information on how to become a registered importer of nonhuman primates, call 404-498-1670.