The AVMA recommends that appropriate state and federal agencies develop, implement, and enforce regulations prohibiting the importation and interstate movement of wildlife when there is reasonable probability that such movement may spread diseases that threaten the health of humans, domestic animals, or wildlife. (e.g. chronic wasting disease, pseudorabies, rabies, tuberculosis, brucellosis, monkeypox, foot and mouth disease, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, avian influenza, exotic newcastle disease). Such wildlife species include, but are not limited to, wild canids and other carnivores, wild rodents, raccoons, feral swine, and wild cervids. This position recognizes that planned release and relocation, when carried out with adequate controls and planning by wildlife, agriculture, and public health authorities, are valid management tools, especially in species propagation and recovery plans. Consideration should be given to all potential impacts of movement of wildlife, such as genetics, parasites and pathogens. When extralabel use of drugs is necessary for movement of wildlife, veterinary supervision is required. (EB approved-4/95 [as Translocation]-CPHRVM; Reviewed-CPHRVM-2000; EB approved CPHRVM revision-11/03)

For further information, please contact: Scientific Activities Division, Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine