Possible ban on koi and goldfish?

[dizzyfish]

Does anyone have any information on this?
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/c...crestric.shtml
USDA TO PLACE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON LIVE FISH, FERTILIZED EGGS AND GAMETES SUSCEPTIBLE TO SPRING VIREMIA OF CARP

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2006--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to establish regulations restricting the importation of live fish, fertilized eggs and gametes of fish from certain species that are susceptible to spring viremia of carp (SVC).

The following species are considered susceptible to SVC: common carp (including koi), grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, Crucian carp, goldfish, tench and sheatfish.

SVC is an extremely contagious viral disease of carp. Outbreaks of SVC confirmed in the United States in 2002 and 2004, and since eradicated, have been linked to unregulated importation of SVC-infected fish. This action is necessary to prevent further introductions of the virus into the United States.

This action is scheduled for publication in the Aug. 30 Federal Register and becomes effective Sept. 29.

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before Oct. 30. Send an original and three copies of postal mail or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. APHIS 2006-0107, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. If you wish to submit a comment using the Internet, go to the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov and, in the “Search Regulations and Federal Actions” box, select “Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service” from the agency drop-down menu; then click on “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0107 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.

[Russell Peters]

I really don't know what this means, but APHIS has been toying with ideas like this for years. They also have put out notices that only Koi from farms that have had an SVC testing / certification program in effect for two years will be allowed to export into the US. Japan has had this SVC program in effect for many, many years and all of the major breaders can and will provide certificates if asked.
I would'nt worry yet.

[dizzyfish]

Well it's always worrisome whenever the government gets involved in regulating anything. They sure shut down the snail business in a hurry. Even in the best case senario I can see it taking quite a bit longer to clear koi through fish and wildlife. This could have the favorable consequence of also stopping (at least slowing) the spread of KHV.

[Joel b]

If you follow the link provided earlier in this thread and follow the instructions therin, you can download a PDF of the "SVC Interim Rule" in its entirety.

Effective September 29th 2006, Koi and Goldfish that do not comply with the new regulation will be denied entry into the United States.

Simply having been "tested" for SVC will not necessarily qualify fish for US entry.

One of the key stipulations is that the farm that produced the koi or goldfish must be able to demonstrate that it has been tested in accordance with OIE protocols for a period of not less than 2 years preceeding the date of shipment.
Worldwide, how many farms do you think can comply with those requirement? The OIE protocols are stringent!

Producers and importers have been given a whopping 30 days to comply with these requirements.

Only specific ports will be able to process shipments. If your importer's port is not on this list they will have to transship though one of the ports that is on list.

User fee: $94.00 for each individual shipment.

The impact of the "Interim Ruling" on both the industry and the hobby will be huge. Make no mistake, it is a done deal. By using the "interim rule" route, APHIS was able to circumvent the usual pre-ruling public comment requirement.True, we have 60 days to make comments, but in the meantime, the ruling will take effect on September 29th.

I would urge all affected parties (both professional and hobbyist) to use the "Comment" period to let APHIS know how this will affect you as well as whatever opinions you may have regarding the SVC Interim Ruling.

There is no doubt that screening for SVC is a good thing, but we would hope that it could be accomplished with due process and without undue hardship to numerous people.

Make your voices heard y'all!

Joel b

[dick benbow]

Thanks joel for the detailed explaination. You'll Actually be in japan next week, correct? I'd be real anxious to read your comments upon your return.....

[jnorth]

This looks very serious and could cause much financial hardship on many of your favorite dealers, breeders etc. With this going into effect at the end of the month it will surely ruin the October buying season. I'd suggest everyone take the time to comment on it at the website listed in the link. Unfortunately the comment website is down until the 5th.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by jnorth This looks very serious and could cause much financial hardship on many of your favorite dealers, breeders etc. With this going into effect at the end of the month it will surely ruin the October buying season. I'd suggest everyone take the time to comment on it at the website listed in the link. Unfortunately the comment website is down until the 5th.

This will not ruin the October buying season if you know what you are doing as a dealer. We just booked our trip to Japan for October 19th - 30th. We plan on bringing back a lot of new Koi.

Russell Peters

[B.Scott]

So how are you gewtting around the ban Russel?
B.Scott

[bekko]

It's not a ban B.Scott. It's importing after having taken reasonable steps to insure the fish are specific pathogen free. I applaud the regulation, but with two caveats:
(1) It should have been better planned, there should have been more warning, and there should have been hearings and workshops to educate stakeholders about the need and process.
(2) It should have been done five years ago.

Hopefully, when they impose similar regulations for KHV, they will do a better job.

-stevehopkins

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by bekko It's not a ban B.Scott. It's importing after having taken reasonable steps to insure the fish are specific pathogen free. I applaud the regulation, but with two caveats: (1) It should have been better planned, there should have been more warning, and there should have been hearings and workshops to educate stakeholders about the need and process. (2) It should have been done five years ago. Hopefully, when they impose similar regulations for KHV, they will do a better job. -stevehopkins

Steve

Good Post!!! No sense in getting everyone excited about something until more is known as to the cause and effect it will have.

Russ

You're right. If you know what you're doing going in, it shouldn't be a problem. Most of the breeders are responsible people and have known about this for some time. Those who have not bothered to follow through on the information a couple of years ago, will be effected. I'm sure they'll be jumping on board very soon!

Mike