Changes in the global trade market have led to a thriving international pet trade in exotic animals, birds, and puppies. The flood of animals crossing the United States' borders satisfies the public demand for these pets but is not without risk. Imported pets may be infected with diseases that put animals or the public at risk. Numerous agencies work together to reduce the risk of animal disease introduction, but regulations may need to be modified to ensure compliance. With more than 280,000 dogs and 183,000 wildlife shipments being imported into the United States each year, veterinarians must remain vigilant so they can recognize potential threats quickly.
aLos Angeles County Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Building 700, Suite 94A, Downey, CA 90242, USA
bCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
cUnited States Public Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road, M/S E03, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
Corresponding author.
The findings and conclusions in the manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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