PART 12 - EMERGENCY REGULATION TEMPORARILY AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE IMPORTATION OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS (250-RICR-40-05-1))

A.These rules and regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.1, Environmental Management, R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-4-23 and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35, Administrative Procedures.

A.The purpose of these rules and regulations is to establish additional safeguards for the entry into Rhode Island of susceptible species of animals that originate from any state that is affected by New World Screwworm. DEM has determined New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic infestation caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax, and is a serious pest affecting domestic animals and wildlife species that are warm-blooded (“Susceptible Species”). It can also infect humans. Therefore, the prevention of the spread of this pest is of utmost importance to the citizens of the state.

B.Other than the specific requirements herein, all provisions of Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (250-RICR-40-05-1) will be preserved.

A.These rules and regulations shall apply to all persons involved in the importation of susceptible species from any state where New World Screwworm is confirmed to exist, or is under surveillance for the presence of New World Screwworm.

A.Other than the specific definitions herein, all provisions of Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (250-RICR-40-05-1) will be preserved.

B.As used in these rules and regulations, the following terms shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:

1.“Adjacent Surveillance Zone” means the 20-kilometer zone that is established around an infested zone.

2."Infested Zone” means the 20-kilometer zone that is established around a premises where New World Screwworm has been detected.

3.“New World Screwworm” means any lifecycle stage of the parasitic fly Cochliomyia hominivorax.

4.“Restricted Area” means the entire area established by combining infested zones and adjacent surveillance zones. Restricted areas may span several states or political subdivisions of a state.

5.“Susceptible Species” means any species of warm-blooded animal except human beings.

A.Other than the specific requirements herein, all provisions of Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (250-RICR-40-05-1) will be preserved.

B.Requirements

1.Any Susceptible Species infested with or suspected to be infested with NWS shall not enter Rhode Island until the animal has been examined and determined to be free of NWS by an accredited veterinarian.

2.Any Susceptible Species originating from any county with a Restricted Area, shall not enter Rhode Island until the animal has been examined and determined to be free of NWS by an accredited veterinarian.

3.Any Susceptible Species originating from a premises currently under quarantine for NWS or where suspicion of NWS exists shall not enter Rhode Island until that premises has been deemed free of infestation by the respective State Animal Health Official in the state of origin.

4.Susceptible Species, including dogs and cats, originating from any county with a Restricted Area shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from an accredited veterinarian or a document indicating freedom from infestation provided by a state or federal animal health official issued within 5 calendar days prior to entry into Rhode Island. The CVI or document shall contain a statement that all Susceptible Species were individually inspected by an accredited veterinarian, state animal health official, or federal animal health official and found free of obvious wounds and evidence of NWS infestation.

5.Susceptible Species, including dogs and cats, originating from any county with a Restricted Area, and that have any visible wounds, may be allowed entry into Rhode Island. Any Susceptible Species with any visible wound, regardless of whether NWS infestation is present or suspected, must be treated by an accredited veterinarian with a systemic product with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization for use against NWS, prior to entry and must be within the labeled duration of action of the product upon entry into Rhode Island. The name of the product used, and the date and route of administration shall be noted on the CVI.

6.Shipment of hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days of age are exempt from the examination requirement and may be shipped using a CVI or 9-3 form.

A.Other than the specific changes herein, all provisions of Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (250-RICR-40-05-1) will be preserved. All violations and penalties will be assessed as described therein.