Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulations for the Importation of Nonhuman Primates

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) may carry infectious diseases that are dangerous and sometimes fatal to humans. These infections include Shigella, Salmonella, Ebola, herpes B virus, tuberculosis (TB), yellow fever, and many others. People working in temporary and long-term holding facilities and those involved in transporting NHPs (e.g., cargo handlers and inspectors) are especially at risk for infection.

Regulation 42 CFR Part 71.53, regarding the importation of NHPs into the United States, was developed to address the health risk these animals pose to humans. Since October 10, 1975, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prohibited the importation of NHPs except for scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes. Over time, various measures (e.g., reports, letters, guidelines), have been used to support implementation of these regulations. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC are updating the regulations to consolidate and formalize the many measures that have been used to manage the importation of NHPs.

On January 5, 2011, HHS and CDC posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to begin the process of revising these regulations. This NPRM is intended to solicit public comment and feedback on the issue of NHP importation to determine the need for further rulemaking. Please see the docket details for HHS-OS-2011-0002 on Regulations.gov, for more information, or view as a PDF file [PDF - 18 pages]. The public comment period ended on April 25, 2011. CDC is now working toward finalizing the proposed rule.