June 23, 2008

APHIS Registration Required to Ship Live Fish or Fish Eggs

Effective immediately, aquaculture facilities must become registered with APHIS with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in order for APHIS Veterinary Services to endorse export health certificates issued for live fish or fish eggs exported to the 27 Member States of the European Union. Aquaculture facilities wishing to export these products to countries belonging to the European Union must be registered with APHIS as an aquaculture facility prior to animal export.

For a complete list of EU countries visit: http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_en.htm .

Facility registration is voluntary; however, it is required in order for APHIS to endorse health certificates being presented for fish being exported to the European Union. In order for a facility to be registered the facility must have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship with an APHIS accredited veterinarian and the facility must keep updated records on animal inventory, movement, suppliers and health that are available for review by APHIS if needed.

For more information about the registration process please contact Dr. Kathleen Hartman at 813-671-5230 x 119 or via email at Kathleen.h.hartman@aphis.usda.gov .