[Federal Register: August 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 161)] [Notices] [Page 45551-45552] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20au99-89] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ACTION: Notice of cancellation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces cancellation of the requirement that all used tire casings imported from Asia must be certified as dry, clean, and free of insects. DATES: August 6, 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 effect of the present requirement is therefore negligible, and the cost of the requirement, both to industry and government, can no longer be justified. A proposal to rescind the requirement for certification of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States was published on April 12, 1999 (64 FR 17671-17672), and public comments were sought for a thirty-(30) day period. While there is a large number of potential responders who are engaged in public health and mosquito abatement at the State and local level, only seven comments were received. All expressed opposition to canceling the certification requirement. One commenter expressed a belief that the certification requirement should be continued because it has contributed to success in managing Asian mosquito populations in his location. In considering this comment, we note that there is a large interstate traffic in tires from infested sites that are not directly associated with imported shipments, as well as the potential for interstate movement in any type of conveyance or shipping container. Wherever Aedes [[Page 45552]] albopictus is present, there is potential for their movement into other areas having a climate that can support them. Other commenters asked for continuance of the certification requirement while observing that certification efforts came too late to be effective. While Aedes albopictus was well established in many areas long before it was first detected, control efforts were rapidly initiated and energetically pursued once the presence of the species was recognized. Since these measures were not effective in slowing Aedes albopictus' establishment, it is not logical to argue for them to be continued. Other commenters suggested that continued certification could prevent future importation of other species. We find no evidence in support of this position. Determination: The requirement for certification of used tire casings from Asia prior to entry into the United States is canceled. Dated: August 16, 1999. Joseph R. Carter, Associate Director for Management and Operation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [FR Doc. 99-21636 Filed 8-19-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-18-P