Return to Table of Contents for 50 CFR 14.
SS 14.102 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions contained in part 10 of subchapter B of this chapter, in this
subpart--
Ambient air temperature means the temperature of the air surrounding a primary enclosure
containing a wild mammal or bird.
Auxiliary ventilation means cooling or air circulation provided by such means as vents, fans,
blowers, or air conditioning.
Carrier means any person operating an airline, railroad, motor carrier, shipping line, or
other enterprise engaged in the business of transporting any wild mammal or bird for any
purpose including exhibition and for any person, including itself.
Communicable disease means any contagious, infectious, or transmissible disease of wild
mammals or birds.
Conveyance means any vehicle, vessel, or aircraft employed to transport an animal between
its origin and destination.
Do not tip means do not excessively rock or otherwise move from a vertical to a slanting
position, knock over, or upset.
Handle means feed, manipulate, crate, shift, transfer, immobilize, restrain, treat, or
otherwise control the movement or activities of any wild mammal or bird.
Holding area means a designated area at or within a terminal facility that has been specially
prepared to provide shelter and other requirements of wild mammals or birds being
transported to the United States and in which such mammals or birds are maintained prior to,
during, or following such shipment.
Kept clean means maintained free from dirt, trash, refuse, excreta, remains from other
cargo, and impurities of any type.
Marine mammal means an individual of a species of the orders Cetacea, Pinnipedia, or
Sirenia, or a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) or sea otter (Enhydra lutris).
Noncompatible means not capable of existing together in harmony.
Nonhuman primate means any nonhuman member of the order Primates.
Normal rigors of transportation means the stress that a wild animal can be expected to
experience as a result of exposure to unaccustomed surroundings, unfamiliar confinement,
caging, unfamiliar sounds, motion, and other conditions commonly encountered during
transport.
Primary enclosure means any structure used to restrict a mammal or bird to a limited amount
of space, cush as a cage, room, pen, run, stall, pool, or hutch.
Professionally accepted standards means a level of practice established as acceptable by a
body of qualified persons of the veterinary medical profession.
Psychological trauma means an episode of exposure to stressful conditions resulting in
significant behavioral abnormality including, but not limited to, manifestations of
unaccustomed aggressiveness, self mutilation, or refusal of food or water.
Raptor means a live migratory bird of the order Falconiformes or the order Strigiformes.
Sanitize means to make physically clean and, as far as possible, free of toxic or infectious
agents injurious to the health of wild mammals or birds.
Scheduled departure time means the time listed on a timetable of departures and arrivals or,
in the absence of a timetable, the time of departure agreed to by a carrier and shipper.
Shipper means any person, other than a carrier, involved in the transport of wild animals to
the United States regardless of the purpose of such transport; e.g., exporter, importer, or
agent.
Terrestrial mammals means mammals other than marine mammals.
Transport means to move, convey, carry, or ship by any means, or to deliver or receive for
the purpose of movement, carriage, or shipment, by air, land, or sea.
Transporting device means any vehicle or device used to transport an animal between a
conveyance and a terminal facility, in and around a terminal facility of a carrier, or within a
conveyance.
Unweaned means a bird or mammal incapable of feeding itself independently.
Wild means the same as fish or wildlife, as defined in SS 10.12 of this chapter.
SS 14.103 Prohibitions.
Unless the requirements of this subpart are fully satisfied and all other legal requirements are
met, it is unlawful for any person to transport to the United States, cause to be transported to
the United States, or allow to be transported to the United States any live wild mammal or
bird. It shall be unlawful for any person to import, to transport, or to cause or permit to be
transported to the United States any wild mammal or bird under inhumane or unhealthful
conditions or in violation of this subpart J.
SS 14.104 Translations.
Any certificate or document required by this subpart to accompany a mammal or bird
transported to the United States and written in a foreign language must be accompanied by an
accurate English translation.
SS 14.105 Consignment to carrier.
(a) No carrier shall accept any live wild mammal or bird for transport to the United States
that has not been examined within 10 days prior to commencement of transport to the United
States by a veterinarian certified as qualified by the national government of the initial country
from which the mammal or bird is being exported. If the national government of such
country does not certify veterinarians, then the veterinarian must be certified or licensed by a
local government authority designated by the national government as authorized to certify
veterinarians.
(b)(1) A certificate of veterinary medical inspection, signed by the examining veterinarian,
stating that the animal has been examined, is healthy, appears to be free of any
communicable disease, and is able to withstand the normal rigors of transport must
accompany the mammal or bird; the certificate should include the veterinarian's license
number, certification number, or equivalent. A mammal in the last third of its pregnancy, if
this is detectable using professionally accepted standards, shall not be accepted for transport
to the United States except for medical treatment and unless the examining veterinarian
certifies in writing that the animal has been examined, the state of pregnancy has been
evaluated, and that despite the medical condition requiring treatment, the animal is physically
able to withstand the normal rigors of transportation to the United States.
(2) A nursing mother with young, an unweaned mammal unaccompanied by its mother, or an
unweaned bird shall be transported only if the primary purpose is for needed medical
treatment and upon certification in writing by the examining veterinarian that the treatment is
necessary and the animal is able to withstand the normal rigors of transport. Such an
unweaned mammal or bird shall not be transported to the United States for medical treatment
unless it is accompanied at all times by and completely accessible to a veterinary attendant.
(c) A sick or injured wild mammal or bird shall be permitted transport to the United States
only if the primary purpose of such transport is for needed medical treatment and upon
cetification in writing by the examining veterinarian that the treatment is necessary and the
animal is able to withstand the normal rigors of travel in its present condition. A sick or
injured animal shall be accompanied at all times throughout the transport process by a
veterinary attendant qualified to care for and treat it, with continuous access to the animal.
This individual shall be in possession of or have ready access to all medications to be
administered during the transport.
(d) No carrier shall accept any wild mammal or bird for transport to the United States
presented by the shipper less than two hours or more than six hours prior to the scheduled
departure of the conveyance on which it is to be transported. The carrier shall notify the
crew of the presence of live animal shipments.
SS 14.106 Primary enclosures.
No carrier shall accept for transport to the United States any live wild mammal or bird in a
primary enclosure that does not conform to the following requirements:
(a) The Container Requirements of the Live Animal Regulations (LAR), 18th Edition, July 1,
1991, published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shall be complied
with by all parties transporting wild mammals or birds to the United States. The
incorporation by reference of the LAR was approved by the Director of the Federal Register
in accordaince with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
IATA, 2000 Peel St., Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2R4. Copies may be inspected at the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203 or at the Office
of the Federal Register, 1100 L. St., NW., room 8401, Washington, DC.
(b) A primary enclosure shall be constructed so that--
(1) The strength of the enclosure is sufficient ot contain the mammal or bird and to withstand
the normal effects of transport;
(2) The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusion that could be injurious to the
mammal or bird within;
(3) No part of the animal can extend or protrude outside of the primary enclosure which may
result in injury to the contained animal, to nearby persons or animals, or to handlers of the
primary enclosure;
(4) Access to the primary enclosure is closed and secured with an animal-proof device
designed to prevent accidental opening and release of the mammal or bird;
(5) The opening of the enclosure is easily accessible for either emergency removal or
inspection of the mammal or bird by authorized personnel without the risk of escape of the
mammal or bird;
(6) The enclosure has sufficient openings to ensure adequate circulation of air at all times.
(7) The material of which the primary enclosure is constructed is not treated with any paint,
preservative, or other chemical that is injurious or otherwise harmful to the health or well-
being of mammals and birds.
(c) Unless the enclosure is permanently affixed in the conveyance or has an open top for
certain large mammals, spacer bars allowing circulation of air around the enclosure shall be
fitted to the exterior of its top, sides, and base. Spacer bars on an enclosure need extend no
more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) from the surface of the enclosure. Within this 6-inch
limit, the spacers on an enclosure contianing one animal shals extend a distance equal to at
least 10 percent of the longer dimension of the surface to which they are attached, and the
spaces on an enclosure containing more than one animal shall extend a distance equal to at
least 20 percent of the longer dimension of the surface to which they are attached. Hand-
holds may serve as spacer bars for the sides of the enclosure to which they are attached. A
primary enclosure constructed withone or more slanted or curved walls containing ventilation
openings need not be fitted with spacer bars on such walls.
(d) An enclosure that is not permanently affixed within the conveyance shall have adequate
hand-holds or other devices for lifting by hand or to facilitate lifting and carrying by
machine. Such hand-holds or other devices shall be made an integral part of the enclosure,
shall enable it to be lifted without excessive tipping, and shall be designed so that the person
handling the enclosure will not come in contact with the animals contained therein.
(e) An enclosure shall have a solid, leak-proof bottom or removable, leak-proof collection
tray under a slatted or wire mesh floor. The slatted or wire mesh floor shall be designed and
constructed so that the spaces between the slats or holes in the mesh cannot trap the limbs of
animals contained within the enclosure. An enclosure for mammals shall contain unused
absorbent litter on the solid bottom or in the leak-proof tray in sufficient quantity to absorb
and over excreta. This litter shall be safe and nontoxic and shall not resemble food normally
consumed by the mammals. An enclosure used to transport marine mammals in water, in a
waterproof enclosure, a sling, or on foam is exempt from the requirement to contain litter.
An enclosure used to transport birds shall not contain litter, unless it is specified in writing
by the examining veterinarian as mecially necessary.
(f) If an enclosure has been previously used to transport or store wild animals or birds, it
shall have been cleaned and sanitized in a manner that will destroy pathogenic agents and
pests injurious to the health of mammals and birds before the enclosure can be re-used.
(g) An enclosure that is not permanently affixed in the conveyance shall be clearly marked in
English on the outside of the top and one or more sides of the enclosure, in letters not less
than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, "Live Animals" or "Wild Animals", "Do Not Tip,"
"Only Authorized Personnel May Open Container," and other appropriate or required
instructions. All enclosure sides shall also be conspicuously marked on the outside with
arrows to indicate the correct upright position of the enclosure. These arrows should extend
up the sides of the enclosure so that the point of the arrow is visible and clearly indicates the
top of the enclosure.
(h) Food and water instructions as specified in SS 14.108 information regarding what
consititutes obvious signs of stress in the species being transported, and information about
any drugs or medication to be administered by the accompanying veterinary attendant shall
be securely attached to each enclosure. Copies of shipping documents accompanying the
shipment shall also be securely attached to the primary enclosure. Original documents shall
be carried in the carrier's pouch or manifest container or by the shipper's attendant
accompanying the wild mammal or bird.
(i) Any food and water troughs shall be securely attached to the interior of the enclosure in
such a manner that the troughs can be filled from outside the enclosure. Any opening
providing access to a trough shall be capable of being securely closed with an animal-proof
device. A water trough in an enclosure containing birds shall contain a foam or sponge
insert, a perforated wooden block, or other suitable device to prevent spillage or drowning.
(j) When a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within a conveyance so that its front
opening is the only source of ventilation, the opening shall face the outside of the conveyance
or an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the conveyance. Such an aisle or passageway
shall be at least 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide. The opening in the primary enclosure shall
occupy at least 90 percent of the total surface area of the front wall of the enclosure and be
covered with bars or wire mesh.
SS 14.107 Conveyance
(a) The animal cargo space of a conveyance used to transport wild mammals or birds to the
United States shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to ensure the humane and
healthful transport of the animals.
(b) The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent the harmful ingress
of engine exhaust fumes and gases produced by the conveyance.
(c) No wild mammal or bird shall be placed in a cargo space of a conveyance that does not
provide sufficient air for it to breathe normally. Primary enclosures shall be positioned in a
cargo space in such a manner that each animal has access to sufficient air for normal
breathing.
(d) The interior of an animal cargo space shall be kept clean of disease-causing agents.
(e) A wild mammal or bird shall not be transported in a cargo space that contains any
material, substance, or device that may reasonably be expected to result in inhumane
conditions or be injurious to the animal's health unless all reasonable precautions are taken to
prevent such conditions or injury.
SS 14.108 Food and water.
(a) No carrier shall accept any wild mammal or bird for transport to the United States unless
written instructions from the shipper concerning the animal's food and water requirements
are securely affixed to the outside of its primary enclosure. Such instructions shall be
consistent with professionally accepted standards of care and include specifically the quantity
of water required, the amount and type of food required, and the frequency of feeding and
watering necessary to ensure that the animal is transported humanely and healthfully.
(b) A mammal or bird requiring drinking water shall have uncontaminated water suitable for
drinking made available to it at all times prior to commencement of transport to the United
States, during intermediate stopovers, and upon arrival in the United States, or as directed by
the shipper's written instructions.
(c) A mammal or bird that obtains moisture from fruits or other food shall be provided such
food prior to commencement of transport to the United States, during stopovers, and upon
arrival in the United States,or as directed by the shipper's written instructions.
(d) During a stopover or while still in the custody of the carrier after arrival in the United
States, a mammal or bird in transit shall be observed no less frequently that once every four
hours and given food and water according to the instructions required by SS 14.108(a).
(e) Suitable and sufficient food shall be made available during transport.
(f) Additional requirements for feeding and watering particular kinds of animals are found
below in the specifications for the various groups.
SS 14.109 Care in transit.
(a) During transportation to the United States, including any stopovers during transport, the
carrier shall visually inspect each primary enclosure not less than once every 4 hours, or in
the case of air transport, every four hours whenever the cargo hold is accessible. During
such inspections, the carrier shall verify that the ambient air temperature is within allowable
limits (see SS 14.109(b)), that enclosures have not been damaged, that adequate ventilation is
being provided, and when transport is by air, that air pressure suitable to support live
animals is maintained within the cargo area (pressure equivalent to a maximum altitude of
8000 feet). During these observations the carrier shall also determine whether any animals
are in obvious distress as described in documents attached to the enclosure. The absence of
such a document or the absence of information as to signs of distress shall not remove this
responsibility. The carrier shall attempt to correct any condition causing distress and shall
consult the shipper concerning any possible need for veterinary care if no veterinary
attendant is traveling with the shipment; if the shipper cannot be reached in the case of an
emergency, qualified veterinary care should provided. A veterinarian or qualified attendant
traveling with the shipment shall be provided access to the animal.
(b) Unless otherwise specified in writing by the examining veterinarian the ambient air
temperature in a holding area, transporting device, conveyance or terminal facility containing
mammals or birds shall not be allowed to fall below 12.8 degrees C (55 degrees F) nor to
exceed 26.7 degrees C (80 degrees F). Auxiliary ventilation shall be provided when the
ambient air temperature is 23.9 degrees C (75 degrees F) or higher. In the case of penguins
and auks, the ambient air temperature shall not be allowed to exceed 18.3 degrees C (65
degrees F) at any time, and auxiliary ventilation shall be provided when the ambient air
temperature exceeds 15.6 degrees C (60 degrees F). In the case of polar bears and sea
otters, ambient air temperature shall not be allowed to exceed 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).
SS 14.110 Terminal facilities.
(a) Any terminal facility used for wild mammal or bird transport in the country of export,
stopover countries, or the United States shall contain an animal holding area or areas. No
carrier or shipper shall co-mingle live animal shipments with inanimate cargo in an animal
holding area.
(b) A carrier or shipper holding any wild mammal or bird in a terminal facility shall provide
the following:
(1) A holding area cleaned and sanitized so as to destroy pathogenic agents, maintained so
that there is no accumulation of debris or excreta, and in which vermin infestation is
minimized;
(2) An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and pests of mammals or
birds;
(3) Sufficient fresh air to allow the animals to breathe normally with ventilation maintained
so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation;
(4) Ambient air temperatures maintained within prescribed limits as specified in SS
14.109(b).
SS 14.111 Handling.
(a) Care shall be exercised to avoid handling the primary enclosure in a manner likely to
cause physical or psychological trauma to the mammal or bird.
(b) A primary enclosure used to move any mammal or bird shall not be dropped, tipped
excessively, or otherwise mishandled, and shall not be stacked or placed in a manner that
may reasonably be expected to result in its falling or being tipped.
(c) Animals incompatible with one another shall not be crated together or held in close
proximity.
(d) Transport of mammals or birds to the United States shall be accomplished by the carrier
in the most expeditious manner, with the fewest stopovers possible, and without unnecessary
delays.
(e) Consistent with other procedures and requirements of the carrier, live wild mammals or
birds shall be last loaded and first unloaded from a conveyance.
(f) A carrier shall not allow mammals or birds to remain for extended periods of time outside
a holding area and shall move them between a holding area and a conveyance as
expeditiously as possible. A carrier or shipper maintaining mammals or birds in a holding
area, or transporting them to or from a holding area or between a holding area and a
conveyance, shall provide the following:
(1) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort,
sufficient shade shall be provided to protect animals from the direct rays of the sun.
(2) Shelter from precipitation. Animals shall be provided protection so that they remain dry
during rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.
(3) Shelter from cold. Animals shall be provided protection from cold. Protection shall
include, but not be limited to, that provided by covering and/or heating of transporting
devices, holding areas, conveyances or terminal facilities.
(4) Protection from harassment. Animals shall be protected from disturbances, including, but
not limited to, harassment by humans, other animals, or machinery that makes noise, emits
fumes, heat, or light, or causes vibration.
SS 14.112 Other applicable provisions.
In addition to the provisions of SS 14.101-14.111, the requirements of SS 14.121-14.172
applicable for particular groups of animals shall be met for all shipments of wild mammals
and birds covered by this part.
Specifications for Nonhuman Primates
SS 14.121 Primary enclosures.
(a) No more than one primate shall be transported in a primary enclosure. However, a
mother and her nursing young being transported to the United States for medical treatment,
an established male-female pair, a family group, a pair of juvenile animals that have not
reached puberty, or other pairs of animals that have been habitually housed together may be
shipped in the same primary enclosure. Primates of different species shall not be shipped
together in the same enclosure.
(b) A primary enclosure used to transport a primate shall be large enough to ensure that the
animal has sufficient space to turn around freely in a normal manner, lie down, stand up (as
appropriate for the species), and sit in a normal upright position without its head touching the
top of the enclosure. However, a primate may be restricted in its movements according to
professionally accepted standards of care when greater freedom of movement would
constitute a danger to the primate or to its handler or other persons.
(c) Except as provided in SS 14.106(j), ventilation openings must be located on at least two
walls or a primary enclosure. When the required ventilation openings are located on two
opposite walls of the primary enclosure, these ventilation openings shall comprise at least 30
percent of the total surface area of the ventilated wall and be situated above the midline of
the enclosure. If ventilation openings are located on all four walls of the enclosure, the
openings on each wall shall comprise at least 20 percent of the total surface area of the wall
and be situated above the midline of the primary enclosure.
SS 14.122 Food and water.
(a) A nonhuman primate shall be provided water suitable for drinking within 4 fours prior to
commencement of transport to the United States unless the shipper's written instructions
direct otherwise. A carrier shall provide suitable drinking water to any primate at least
every 12 hours after acceptance for transport to the United States, unless instructed in writing
to do so more frequently by the shipper.
(b) After acceptance for transport, and unless otherwise instructed in writing by the shipper,
a carrier shall provide suitable food to any nonhuman primate at least once every 12 hours.
SS 14.123 Care in transit.
(a) A primate shall be observed for signs of distress and given food and water according to
the shipper's instructions during any intermediate stop that last more than 4 hours.
(b) Care shall be taken to keep enclosures containing primates sufficiently separated in the
conveyance or holding area to minimize the risk of spread of disease from one species or
shipment to another.
Specifications for Marine Mammals (Cetaceans, Sirenians, Sea Otters, Pinnipeds, and Polar Bears)
SS 14.131 Primary enclosures.
(a) A primary enclosure that is not open on top shall have air inlets situated at heights that
provide cross ventilation at all levels and that are located on all four sides of the enclosure.
Such ventilation openings shall comprise not less than 20 percent of the total surface area of
each side of the enclosure.
(b) Straps, slings, harnesses, or other devices used for body support or restraint when
transporting marine mammals such as cetaceans or sirenians shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) The devices shall not prevent attendants from having access to the mammal to administer
care during transportation;
(2) The devices shall be equipped with sufficient padding to prevent trauma or injury at
points of contact with the mammal's body;
(3) Slings or harnesses shall allow free movement of flippers outside of the harness or sling;
(4) The devices shall be capable of preventing the mammal from thrashing about and causing
injury to itself, handlers, or other persons, but shall be designed so as not to cause injury to
the mammal.
(c) A primary enclosure used to transport marine mammals shall be large enough to assure
the following:
(1) A sea otter or polar bear has sufficient space to turn about freely with all four feet on the
floor and to sit in an upright position, stand, or lie in a natural position;
(2) A pinniped has sufficient space to lie in a natural position;
(3) If a sling, harness, or other supporting device is used, there at least 3 inches (7.5
centimeters) of clearance between any body part and the primary enclosure;
(d) A marine mammal may be restricted in its movements according to professionally
accepted standards of care when freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the
animal or to handlers or other persons.
(e) All marine mammals contained in a given primary enclosure shall be of the same species
and be maintained compatible groups. A marine mammal that has not reached puberty shall
not be transported int he same primary enclosure with an adult marine mammal other than its
mother. Socially dependent animals (.e.g., siblings, mother, and offspring) transported in
the same conveyance shall be allowed visual and, when appropriate for the species, olfactory
contact. A female marine mammal shall not be transported in the same primary enclosure
with any mature male marine mammal.
SS 14.132 Food and water.
A marine mammal shall not be transported for more than a period of 36 hours without being
offered suitable food unless the shipper's written instructions or the shipper's attendant
travelling with the mammal direct otherwise. After feeding, a marine mammal shall be
rested for 6 hours prior to resuming transport.
SS 14.133 Care in transit.
(a) Any marine mammal shall be accompanied, in the same conveyance, by the shipper or an
authorized representative of the shipper knowledgeable in marine mammal care to provide for
the animal's health and well-being. The shipper or representative shall observe such marine
mammals to determine whether or not they need veterinary care and shall provide or obtain
any needed veterinary care as soon as possible. Care during transport shall include the
following (on a species-specific basis):
(1) keeping the skin moist or preventing the drying of the skin by such methods as covering
with wet cloths, spraying it with water or applying nontoxic emollient;
(2) assuring that the pectoral flippers (when applicable) are allowed freedom of movement at
all times;
(3) making adjustments in the position of the mammal when necessary to prevent necrosis of
the skin at weight pressure points; and
(4) calming the mammal to prevent struggling, thrashing, and other activity that may cause
overheating or physical trauma.
(b) Unless otherwise directed by a shipper or authorized representative, at least one-half of
the floor area in a primary enclosure used to transport sea otters to the United States shall
contain sufficient crushed ice or ice water to provide each otter with moisture necessary to
maintain its hair coat by preventing it from drying and to minimize soiling of the hair coat
with urine and fecal material.
(c) A marine mammal exhibiting excited or otherwise dangerous behavior shall not be taken
from its primary enclosure except under extreme emergency conditions and then only by the
shipper or other authorized individual who is capable of handling the animal safely.
Specifications for Elephants and Ungulates
SS 14.141 Consignment to carrier.
Species that grow antlers shall not be accepted for transport unless the antlers have been shed
or surgically removed.
SS 14.142 Primary enclosures.
(a) Except as provided in SS 14.106(j), ventilation openings must be located on at least two
walls of a primary enclosure. When the required ventilation openings are located on two
opposite walls of the primary enclosure, these ventilation openings shall comprise at least 16
percent of the total surface area of each ventilated wall. When ventilation openings are
located on all four walls of the primary enclosure, the openings shall comprise at least 8
percent of the total surface area of each wall. At least one-third of the minimum area
required for ventilation shall be located on the lower one-half of the primary enclosure an at
least one-third of the total minimum area required for ventilation shall be located on the
upper one-half of the primary enclosure.
(b) No more than one elephant or ungulate shall be transported in a primary enclosure,
except that a mother and nursing young may be shipped in the same primary enclosure if the
shipment complies with the provisions of SS 14.105(b); in the case of land or sea transport, a
pair of juvenile elephants or ungulates or other pairs that have been habitually housed
together may be shipped in the same primary enclosure.
(c) A primary enclosure used to transport an elephant or ungulate shall be large enough to
allow the animal to lie or stand in a natural upright position with the head extended, but not
large enough for the animal to roll over.
(d) A primary enclosure used to transport an elephant or ungulate with horns or tusks shall
be designed and constructed to prevent the horns or tusks from becoming trapped or injuring
the animal itself, other animals nearby, attendants, or cargo handlers.
(e) A primary enclosure for an elephant or ungulate shall be equipped with a removable
water trough that can be securely hung within the enclosure above the floor and can be filled
from outside the enclosure.
Specifications for Sloths, Bats, and Flying Lemurs (Cynocephalidae)
SS 14.151 Primary enclosures.
(a) Except as provided in SS 14.106(j), ventilation openings must be located on at least two
walls or a primary enclosure. When the required ventilation openings are located on two
walls of a primary enclosure, these ventilation openings shall comprise at least 16 percent of
the total surface area of the ventilated wall. When ventilation openings are located on all
four walls, the openings shall comprise at least 8 percent of the total surface area of each
wall. At least one-third of the total minimum area required for ventilation of the primary
enclosure shall be located on the upper one-half of the primary enclosure.
(b) No more than one sloth, bat, or flying lemur (Cynocephalidae) shall be transported in a
primary enclosure. However, a mother and her nursing young being transported for medical
reasons, an established male-female pair, a family group, a pair of juvenile animals that have
not reached puberty, or other small groups of animals that have been habitually housed
together may be shipped in the same primary enclosure.
(c) A primary enclosure used to transport sloths, bats, or flying lemurs shall be large enough
to ensure that each animal has sufficient space to move freely and in a normal manner and
shall have a wide perch, bar, or mesh of suitable strength fitted under the top of the
enclosure and spaced from it in such a way that the animals may hang from it freely in a
natural position.
Specifications for Other Terrestrial Mammals
SS 14.161 Primary Enclosures.
(a) Except as provided in SS 14.106(j), ventilation openings must be located on at least two
walls of a primary enclosure. When the required ventilation openings are located on two
opposite walls of the primary enclosure, these ventilation openings shall comprise at least 16
percent of the total surface area of each ventilated wall. When openings are located on all
four walls of the enclosure, the openings shall comprise at least 8 percent of the total surface
area of each wall. At least one-third of the minimum area required for ventilation shall be
located on the lower one-half of the enclosure, and at least one-third of the total minimum
area required for ventilation shall be located on the upper one-half of the enclosure.
(b) No more than one terrestrial mammal (other than rodents) shall be transported in a
primary enclosure. However, a mother and her nursing young may be shipped in the same
primary enclosure if the shipment complies with the provisions of SS 14.105(b).
(c) More than one rodent may be transported in the same primary enclosure if they are
members of the same species and are maintained in compatible groups. Rodents that are
incompatible shall be transported in individual primary enclosures that are stored and
transported so they are visually separated. A female with young being transported for
medical reasons shall not be placed in a primary enclosure with other animals. The
following chart specifies maximum densities minimum space for transporting rodents that fall
within the specified weight limitations. Max. No. refers to maximum number per primary
enclosure; Space/animal refers to minimum area of floor space per animals. Rodents
weighing more than 5,000 grams shall be transported in individual enclosures.
(d) A primary enclosure used to transport terrestrial mammals shall be large enough to
ensure that each animal has sufficient space to turn around freely in a normal manner. The
height of the primary enclosure shall provide adequate space for the animal to stand upright
in a normal posture with space above its head. The length of the primary enclosure shall be
great enough to enable the animal to lie in a full prone position.
Specifications for Birds
SS 14.171 Consignment to carrier.
(a) A personally owned pet bird originally transported from the United States and being
returned to this country with its original United States certificate of veterinary inspection
within 60 days of departure may be accepted by a carrier without a new veterinary
examination.
(b) No carrier shall accept for transport to the United States any bird that was captured in the
wild unless a qualified veterinarian, authorized by the national government of the country
from which the bird is being exported, certifies that the bird has been held in captivity for at
least 14 days.
SS 14.172 Primary enclosures.
(a) A primary for birds shall have ventilation openings on two vertical sides that comprise at
least 16 percent of the surface area of each side and are positioned so as to decrease the
likelihood of creating a draft.
(b) Perches shall be provided for birds that rest by perching. The diameter of the perch shall
be sufficient to permit the birds to maintain a firm, comfortable grip. Perches shall be
placed so that droppings do not fall into food or water troughs or onto other perched birds.
There shall be enough head room to allow the birds to move onto and off the perches without
touching the top of the enclosure.
(c) An enclosure used to transport one or more birds that rest by perching shall be large
enough to ensure that sufficient perch space is available for all birds to perch comfortably at
the same time. No more than 50 birds that rest by perching shall be transported in one
primary enclosure, with the exception of large birds (longer than 23 cm. or 9 inches), which
are limited to a maximum of 25 per primary enclosure.
(d) A primary enclosure used to transport a raptorial bird shall be large enough to transport
the bird comfortably and to permit it to turn around without stretching its wings to the fullest
extent. Only one raptorial bird shall be contained in a primary enclosure.
(e) A primary enclosure containing non raptorial birds that do not rest by perching shall be
large enough for the birds to turn around, to lie down, to stand erect, and to change posture
in a normal manner.
(f) Nectar-feeding birds shall either be transported in a primary enclosure equipped with
feeding bottles accessible from outside the enclosure for replenishment or hand-carried and
fed in accordance with the written instructions of the shipper.
(g) Birds transported int he same primary enclosure shall be of the same species and be
compatible with one another. Birds that are incompatible shall be placed in individual
primary enclosures and these enclosures shall not be stored or transported in visual proximity
to one another.
SS 14.173 Handling.
(a) Shelter from sunlight and heat. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating and
discomfort, sufficient shade shall be provided to protect a live sloth, bat or flying lemur
(Cynocephalidae) from the direct rays of the sun. A live sloth, bat or flying lemur
(Cynoceophalidae) shall not be subjected to surrounding temperatures that exceed 23.9
degrees C (75 degrees F).
(b) Shelter from cold weather. Transporting devices shall be covered and heated to provide
protection for live sloths, bats or flying lemurs (Cynocephalidae) when the outdoor air
temperature falls below 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).
Return to Table of Contents for 50 CFR 14.