Importation and interstate movement of live wildlife and undomesticated animals

The AVMA recommends that appropriate state and federal agencies develop, implement, and/or enforce existing statutes and regulations governing and/or restricting the importation and interstate movement of wildlife and undomesticated animals when there is potential that such movement threatens the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife, or ecosystems.

The AVMA recognizes the release and relocation of species in propagation and/or recovery efforts are valid tools when performed with adequate controls and planning by wildlife, veterinary, agriculture, and public health authorities. However, such actions should be science-based to minimize adverse consequences to the animal being translocated and to ecologic health. The AVMA encourages development of systems to improve traceability, animal infectious disease surveillance, reporting, and response pertaining to translocated animals.

Public education and international collaboration need to be improved to reduce risks of disease transmission and adverse ecologic, animal health and welfare impacts associated with the collection and movement of wildlife and undomesticated animals.