Section 85.125  Ratites

a)         All ratites (i.e., emus, kiwis, cassowaries, rheas, ostriches) entering Illinois shall comply with the following:

1)         Be negative to a test for Avian influenza within 10 days prior to importation;

2)         Be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days prior to entry by an accredited veterinarian of the state of origin or a veterinarian in the employ of the United States Department of Agriculture indicating that the ratites are free from visible evidence of any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease or exposure thereto;

3)         Be permanently identified by means of a leg band, wing band, neck band or microchip; and

4)         Be accompanied by a permit issued by the Department.  The permit number shall be issued to the veterinarian issuing the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or the consignor of the ratites.

A)        Applicant for the permit shall furnish the following information to the Department:

i)          Name and address of Illinois destination;

ii)         Name and address of consignor; and

iii)        Number of ratites in shipment.

B)        Grounds for refusal to issue a permit are:

i)          Violation of the Act or any rule of this Part; and

ii)         Presence of a disease which might endanger the Illinois poultry industry.

b)         Ratites imported into Illinois must be kept isolated from other ratites or poultry on the premises for a minimum of 14 days.

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 19399, effective January 1, 2011)