Birds are very popular pets. Many sought-after exotic birds come from other parts of the world. Because of the high prices associated with some of these breeds, the smuggling of exotic birds into the United States has become profitable and dangerous in terms of the chances of introducing diseases such as AI and END into the country.
The USDA quarantines and tests live birds imported into the United States to ensure that they do not have any foreign animal diseases such as the HPAI H5N1 virus. All imported live birds (except from Canada) must spend 30 days at a USDA quarantine facility where they are tested for the AI virus before entering the country. Returning U.S.-origin pet birds (except from Canada) also are tested and are home-quarantined. You must make a reservation at the chosen quarantine facility in advance by contacting the USDA port veterinarian.
To find out more about importing a pet bird, please see the APHIS Web site on animal imports. You may also find the publication "Importing a Pet Bird" helpful.
The following helpful biosecurity tips can help you protect your birds:
Buying Birds
Handling Birds
Looking for Signs