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Healthy Dog Importation Act reintroduced in U.S. Senate

Legislation to combat the spread of foreign animal diseases entering the U.S. has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate.

Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley says the Healthy Dog Importation Act would help maintain domestic animal health, which is critical to the nation’s public health goals.

“The Center for Disease Control estimates over 1 million dogs are imported into the country each year (and) less than one percent have vaccine or screening requirements.”

He says the bill requires all dogs imported into the country to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and ensure the animals have all necessary vaccinations and test negative for disease.

“As we continue to combat disease and viruses like bird flu and New World Screwworm, the Healthy Dog Importation Act is an important piece of biosecurity.”

Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith helped reintroduce the bipartisan legislation and says the nation has seen first-hand the risk animal-borne diseases pose to other species and humans, so it’s important to screen animals coming across the border to keep Americans safe.