Health Checks on Imported Livestock

Pashu Sandesh, 23 Feb 2022

The Live-stock Importation Act, of 1898 empowers the Government to make better provisions for the regulation of the importation of livestock that is liable to be affected by infectious or contagious disorders. In exercise of the power conferred by Section 3 of the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898 (9 of 1898), all live animals are presently allowed only through the seaports or airports located at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad (for the pet dog, pet cat and Grand Parent Stock of Poultry only) and Bengaluru (for the pet dog, pet cat and Grand Parent Stock of Poultry only). Any other port of entry may also be notified by the Central Government from time to time. The import of live animals is subject to the fulfilment of a valid and authenticated Veterinary Certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the exporting country or country of origin as per Indian health protocol. All the importers, before embarkment, shall intimate the Quarantine Officer or Regional Officer, Animal Quarantine and Certification Station and will seek permission seven days in advance (relaxable up to three days in pressing circumstances) prior to actual shipment so that proper arrangement could be made in the quarantine premises wherever applicable. The importer has to submit copies of all documents including a valid licence issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade, authenticated Veterinary Certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the exporting country for getting permission from the Animal Quarantine Officer or Regional Officer of the respective port of entry.

The imported animals shall be subjected to post-import quarantine for a specified period as indicated in the health certificate applicable for the import of a particular animal at a given time. The live animals, during the quarantine period, shall be liable to undergo diagnostic tests for the diseases as stipulated in the post-import guidelines in the animal health protocol issued by the Government of India or as deemed necessary by the Government of India for the protection of human and animal health under the supervision of Animal Quarantine Officer at the cost of importer/owner.

If the Regional Officer or Quarantine officer, during the quarantine of such animal(s), finds that the animal(s) imported contains any exotic or other infectious diseases even though present in the country, then the Regional Officer or Quarantine Officer may, by giving notice to the importer through a verifiable means, to deport or re-export the animal(s) to the country of origin within fifteen days or within such period as further may be allowed. Where the importer fails to take action as directed by Regional Officer or Quarantine Officer such animal(s) within such time as may be allowed for the purpose, the Regional Officer or Quarantine officer may destroy the animal(s) at the cost of importer or owner.