USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued its final rule that amends regulation on the importation of poultry and poultry products from regions where there is believed to be highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The rule, which amends the interim rule made effective in 2011, now allows for the importation of live AI-vaccinated zoological birds and poultry and the importation of HPAI-resistant pigeons, doves, and other Columbiform species under certain specific conditions to minimize disease risk. According to USDA, the rule will also allow avian carcasses and products imported as trophies to move to establishments approved to treat them for HPAI.

The 2011 interim rule prohibited the importation of poultry and products from regions with HPAI and placed restrictions on the import of birds that were moved through these regions.