H.R. 669: The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act

By Dr. Angela Demaree, Assistant Director of the GRD

The AVMA Governmental Relations Division has been fielding many questions and concerns about H.R. 669 and its potential impact on many aspects of the veterinary profession. While our veterinarians agree that there is a need to address the issue of nonnative wildlife invasive species, they had significant concerns with the bill as written. As such, the AVMA now has an official position of Nonsupport.

The AVMA has consistently supported measures to prevent the entry of invasive species into the United States, including supporting scientific, risk-based decisions regarding the importation of animals and animal products.

While it's clear from our policies that the AVMA supports the underlying intent of this legislation, to establish a risk assessment process to prevent the introduction into, and establishment in, the United States of nonnative wildlife species that will cause or are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to other animal species' health or human health, it appears that this language will fall short of its intended goal.

H.R. 669 fails to take into consideration variations in climate, geology, hydrology and native species of a particular geographical region of the United States. With States as diverse as Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana and New Hampshire, it is difficult; if not impossible to legislate a one size fits all approach.

This legislation would create two lists for the entire United States; (1) Approved Species (2) Unapproved Species. Now you are probably asking one of two questions; What about the species that are not yet on one of these two lists? or How can every species be accounted for in this manner? H.R. 669 tries to account for this by providing a method to submit proposals for importation of a species. Upon submission of this request, the Secretary of the Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service, is required to determine if the species is (1) approved for importation and placed on the approved species list (2) not approved for importation and placed on the unapproved species list or (3) the Secretary has insufficient scientific and commercial information to make a determination. What remains unclear is what happens if there isn't enough scientific evidence to make a determination.

These are just a few of the concerns that have surfaced and which we conveyed to Members on the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife which recently held a Hearing where these concerns were acknowledged. It is our understanding that H.R. 669 will be re-written to more appropriately address the issue of invasive species. If you have specific questions or concerns with this legislation feel free to weigh in with your Members on the House Natural Resources Committee or Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (as they will likely take up the issue next.) Please pass along any questions, concerns, or comments to Dr. Angela Demaree at ademaree@avma.org.