The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin the process of revising regulations that cover the importation of dogs, cats, domesticated ferrets, and African rodents. HHS/CDC is considering the need for additional regulations to prevent the introduction of zoonotic diseases into the United States.

The AVMA first requested an extension of the comment period for this item in order to give the relevant committees and councils a chance to review the proposed rule making and formulate suitable comments.

The AVMA took this opportunity to express its position to the CDC, stating that the organization recognizes the risks that importation of animals can present to human, animal and ecosystem health, as well as to the welfare of imported animals. The risks associated with foreign animal importation are increased by many of the characteristics of today's world, such as newly emerging or re-emerging diseases, increasing animal-human-environmental interfaces, globalization of commerce (including animals), and international transportation efficiencies that can result in movement of an animal from origin to destination while carrying or incubating a high-risk disease.