What does the USDA Vet look for in shipments?

[aquitori]

What does the USDA Vet look for in shipments? I know the dealer has to produce paper work to be signed off, but as far as opening boxes, what is he looking for?

[koiczar]

Nothing. The only "open the box" inspection comes from either fish and game or customs. The whole Elisa thing seems to be nothing more than a paper trail.

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Nothing. The only "open the box" inspection comes from either fish and game or customs. The whole Elisa thing seems to be nothing more than a paper trail.

Mike,
I don't understand what does the Elisa test have to do with the APHIS inspection? and how is that test a paper trial, besides the fact that if fish are tested, and God forbid they test positive, you will know which breeder, has KHV infected stock.

Tonio
They open a few boxes, just to verify that there are really koi in the box. Alot of fish importers smuggle in illegal tropical fish, and other substances.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. Mike, I don't understand what does the Elisa test have to do with the APHIS inspection? and how is that test a paper trial, besides the fact that if fish are tested, and God forbid they test positive, you will know which breeder, has KHV infected stock. Tonio They open a few boxes, just to verify that there are really koi in the box. Alot of fish importers smuggle in illegal tropical fish, and other substances.

I was joking with those guys at the airport and it was funny the vet didnt even know what koi was...hahahahaha...I thought to myself, damn you must be getting paid good not to know what koi is...

[dick benbow]

The crew our dealers work with know what koi are and always check them out when they come in. It's been a work in progress to get them educated etc but I do believe our koi are treated better now that they know.

As stated earlier customs and fish and game open most of the boxes...then reseal with their individual identy tape so easy to see who's done what.

I see where Shintaro is going to the UK Dec 9th and 10th for the hobbyists in that country. I heard a few yanks and some south africans are also expected
to arrive.

[koicluboftheair]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori What does the USDA Vet look for in shipments? I know the dealer has to produce paper work to be signed off, but as far as opening boxes, what is he looking for?

According to Tom Hatfield at Koi Shack not only is the inspection no more than verifying paperwork with regard to the new import restrictions on SVC, but where he gets his fish from in Taiwan most dealers with appear certified via fraud. Not only are domestic stocks not going to be protected, but the hobbyist stateside could pay the price with increased regs imposed on domestic stock that would likely require honest verification.

[aquitori]

I thought they would look for something that looks sick or something. Given the fish are in a bag for more than 18hrs, fish wouldnt look too good.

[MysticKoi]

Quote: According to Tom Hatfield at Koi Shack not only is the inspection no more than verifying paperwork with regard to the new import restrictions on SVC, but where he gets his fish from in Taiwan most dealers with appear certified via fraud.

What? The Tawainese government and US importers are forging health certificates? Is this a direct quote from Mr. Hatfield, and where is he getting this information?

Kind Regards,
Bill

[koicluboftheair]

He did not suggest that US importers are forging health certificates, but did state at the last North Florida Koi Club meeting upon my asking how many of the Taiwanese importers would meet the inspection criteria to be SVC certifide that probably all of them, but only a handful legitimately including the four he exclusively deals with.
When asked how the fish would be inspected or tested at the border he noted they would not. The program will consist of making sure the appropriate paperwork is there and charge a fee for inspection and send them on their way.
Heck terrorists could probably load the boxes with dirty bombs just as well considering our border control policies. They have bigger fish to fry I suppose collecting finger nail clippers from little old ladies

Quote: Originally Posted by MysticKoi What? The Tawainese government and US importers are forging health certificates? Is this a direct quote from Mr. Hatfield, and where is he getting this information? Kind Regards, Bill

[aquitori]

I know in the Philippines you can forging any health certificate at the right price. All I know is as long as there is a health certiificate presented and the vet gets paid to sign it off who are we to argue.

But honestly, I thought those guys would take a sample of the shipment and do a test for themselves instead of non-koi educated vet just looking and asking what are koi.