ANIMAL QUARANTINE AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES (AQCS)
The purpose and scope of setting up of QUARANTINE Stations is to prevent the ingress of dangerous exotic diseases into the country through imported livestock and livestock products. The increased and faster international trade and travel exposed every country to the danger of infiltration of known and unknown transmissible diseases which have the potential of very serious and rapid spread, adverse socio-economic and human/animal health consequences. The Quarantine Services are necessary to keep the country free from many exotic diseases and AQCS plays an important part to maintain the country disease freedom.
The speedy travel by air has reduced the travel time which used to be an effective barrier when the transport was done by sea. Even sea travel has become quicker now-a-days and so gone all the days when the travel used to be for many days which generally exceeded the incubation period of many acute diseases thus exposing the presence of an infection in the livestock during such travel. Hence, an efficient Animal Quarantine Organization is necessary for conducting checks at the International Airports/Seaports and land routes. Because livestock may covertly carry pathogens without showing overt signs of clinical disease, they must be held in quarantine for observation and testing to establish their pathogen free status before release. Similarly, livestock products are also need to be checked technically before entering into the country. Moreover, in present circumstances AQCS can play major role in preventing illegal trade by using transplant and surgical procedures in animals. Bio terrorism is an area where AQCS can be of great help and support for other security agencies.
Keeping this in view, Government of India initiated a central sector scheme namely “Animal Quarantine & Certification Services” (AQCS) during the Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-70) under which four Animal Quarantine stations were set up at Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai and now also in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
This programme also envisage provision of an Internationally acceptable certification service for the livestock & livestock product exported to other countries from India confirming to the health requirements of the importing country or the health regulations prescribed in the International Zoo Sanitary code.
HISTORY
QUARANTINE - Derived from the Greek word “Quaranth” which means period of 40 days. 1374 - First quarantine in Venice. 1890 - USA- first international livestock quarantine-at port of entry for 90 days.
DEFINITION OF QUARANTINE
It is the restraint placed upon the movements of persons, animals, plants or goods which are suspected of being carriers or vehicles of infections or of having been exposed to infection. It is the method intended to prevent the spread of diseases. Quarantine is detention and segregation for observation and testing for prescribed period of livestock and livestock products imported or meant for Export.
INDIA
The Government of India initiated the “Animal Quarantine and Certification Services” Scheme during the fourth Five Year Plan, 1969-70.
Vision, Mission, objectives and Functions
Vision
-
To prevent the entry of any exotic disease through international trade and travel into India and to ensure the health and safety of
the animal and human life.
Mission
-
NATIONAL HEALTH SECURITY: Protection of Indian animal and human population from exotic diseases through effective check on
import and to ensure qualitative export.
objectives
-
To prevent the ingress of any Exotic Livestock Diseases into India through importation of livestock & livestock products as per the provisions of Livestock Importation Act.
- To act as Defence force against ingress of exotic disease of Veterinary importance by implementing the policies pertaining to import regulation, restriction, prohibition of the livestock and livestock Products, Biological and Micro- Organisms.
- To provide an internationally accepted certification service for augmenting export and to increase National income.
- To inspect and register the plants/mills exporting the animal by-products.
Functions
-
Implementation of the provisions of the Livestock Importation Act and Central Government orders in force on importation and exportation of livestock and livestock products.
-
Detention, segregation, observation and testing of livestock and livestock products meant for import/export.
-
Destruction and disposal of imported livestock and livestock products found infected and posing threat to the national health security.
- Pre-shipment Quality control to increase National exchequer.
-
To have proper liaison with Custom authorities for effective and proper implementation of Livestock and Livestock Product Importation Act.
- To be in close association with the State Directors of Animal Husbandry regarding disease position and surveillance.
- To associate with the Heads of various recognized laboratories in India for getting expert opinion and for testing of materials.
- To supervise production and packing of LSP meant for export as per the specifications of the importing countries.
- Inspection and registration of plants/mills exporting the animal-by-products.
OTHER IMPORTANCE
-
International Health Regulations (IHR).
-
Zoonosis – ensuring human and animal health all times (75% -80 % human infectious diseases have animal origin).
-
Illegal trade involving animal parts.
-
Illegal trade of drugs and other prohibited and valuable items (surgery and transplantation in animals).
-
Bio Terrorism (80% of pathogens that could potentially be used for bioterrorism are of animal origin).
Quarantine Stations in INDIA
-
New Delhi (NR)
-
Mumbai (WR)
-
Kolkata (ER)
-
Chennai (SR)
-
Hyderabad
- Bangalore
ZONES IN QUARANTINE STATIONS
-
ADMINISTRATIVE ZONE
- Office block, Duty house, Generator room, Power/Pump room, Security room, Vehicle sheds, CPWD room.
-
QUARANTINE ZONE (Entry restricted)-Buffer zone on the boundaries
- Animal Sheds (horse, cattle, dog, sheep, lab animal), Incinerator, Laboratory, Paddocks, Change rooms, PM room.
-
Residential Zone
-
Total approximate area of the quarantine station
LABORATORIES ASSISTING AQCS
- NIHSAD (National Institute of High Security Animal Disease) Bhopal - (imported consignments of Livestock and Livestock products).
- NRCE (National Research Centre on Equines), Hissar.
- CDDL (Central Disease Diagnosis Laboratory), IVRI, Bareilly.
- RDDLs (Regional Disease Diagnosis Laboratory).
- VETERINARY COLLEGES.
- NABL accredited laboratories.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL QUARANTINE
IMPORT
-
Saving the huge money, lobour and time required in disease eradication programmes (sometimes eradication not sure) by preventing the entry of exotic diseases.
EXPORT
-
Important role in increasing the demand of LS/LSP in the international market by quality certification of livestock and livestock products as per the requirement of importing country and OIE procedures.
CATEGORIES OF Livestock (LS) / Livestock products (LSP) for IMPORT PURPOSE
-
Requiring import license from DGFT. (Restricted items).
-
Requiring Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) from DAHDF. (Free items).
- LS/LSP prohibited.
DEFINITION OF LIVESTOCK (LS)
Includes all species of Equine, bovine, canine, ovine, porcine, caprine, rodents, laboratory animals, poultry and other wild, domestic animals and birds.
This also includes aquatic animals and any other animal, which may be specified by the Central government by notification in the Official Gazette.
DEFINITION OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS (LSP)
(Animal origin including marine/aquatic animals)
- Meat and meat products of all kinds ,tissue or organs of poultry, pig, sheep, goat.
- Egg and egg powder.
- Milk and milk products.
- Embryos, ova or semen.
- Pet food products of animal origin.
- Products of aquatic animals.
- Feather, wool, hide, bristles etc.
- Animal Feed and Feed Supplement/Additive.
- Any other animal product, which may be specified by the Central Government by notification in the official Gazette.
ACT & NOTIFICATIONS
1898-‘Livestock Importation Act’ was framed.
AMENDMENTS
- ‘Livestock Importation (Amendment) Act’, 1953
- THE LIVESTOCK IMPORTATION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2001
Called as- ‘Livestock & Livestock Products Importation (Amendment) Act’, 2001.
Insertion of words “and livestock products” after the word “Livestock”
Into force-5thday of July 2001
Some of the Major Notifications are as under
- 17.8. 2001, S.O.802 (E) - Regulation on TSE group of diseases.
- 16.10. 2001, S.O.1043 (E) - Inclusion of aquatic animals & products under livestock products
- 5.9.2007, S.O.1496 (E) - Regulation for import of Bovine semen.
- 2.5.2008, S.O.1086 (E) - Regulation for import of Pet food.
- 24.7.2009, S.O. 1825 (E) - Regulation for import of Raw hides.
- 5.10.2012, G.S.R. 752 (E) - Regulation for import of Equines.
- 10.6.2014, S.O. 1496 (E) - Livestock Import Procedure.
- 16.10.2014, S.O.2666 (E) - Livestock product Import Procedure.
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AQCS related notifications & regulations can be seen at:
www.dahd.nic.in (Trade)
Import of Pets under Baggage
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Customs Circular No.94/2002 dated 23.12.2002, 15/2013 and 25/2013 upto two numbers per passenger at one time (no import license or import sanitary permit).
- PETS : DOG AND CAT ONLY.
Common Facilities Available in Animal Quarantine Stations
- Administrative Building with Office, Library, Computer Room, Conference Hall and stores.
- Laboratory with facility to process and dispatch samples collected from imported animals in a complete sterilized manner to the Government approved laboratory for necessary testing.
- Collection and shipment of samples to reference laboratory as approved by Government of India.
- Duty Rooms for visiting Veterinary Officer and Animal care takers.
- Animal sheds for keeping the animals during quarantine i.e. Cattle, Horses, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Dogs, Cats, Laboratory Animals, Poultry/Other Birds, Misc./Zoo Animals etc.
- Isolation Shed.
- Dispensary/Dressing Room.
- Change over Room.
- Post Mortem Room.
- Incinerator.
- Disposal Area.
- Horse paddocks.
- Loading and Unloading Platform.
- Vehicle dip/wash.
- Disinfection and fumigation facilities.
- Backup power supply.
Quarantine Station follow the following protocol for the entry of visitors for genuine reasons
- Entry only after following Dress Code & Quarantine Regulations.
- Only Pass holders are allowed.
- Eatables are not allowed in the Quarantine Zone.
- Other than pass holders – entry after permission from Quarantine Officer.
- Entry not the right of the pass holder/visitor, proper justification is required.
- Smoking /Tobacco is strictly prohibited in the AQCS Campus.
- Animal Attendant must follow the dress code.
- Riding or playing with the animals is prohibited.
- Veterinarian and Para vet (direct handlers) – Entry only after taking shower and change of dress.
- Animal Owner, Veterinarian & Para vet must not visit any animal farm or contact any animal at least 24 hrs. Before and after the visit.
ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES AT AQCS STATIONS (except Hyderabad and Bangalore)
| Sl.No. |
Species (in Nos.) |
AQCS, New Delhi |
AQCS, Chennai |
AQCS, Mumbai |
AQCS, Kolkata |
| 1 |
Cattle |
48 |
48 |
14 |
38 |
| 2 |
Sheep & Goat |
300 |
270 |
48 |
100 |
| 3 |
Dogs/Cats |
10 |
10 |
16 |
3 |
| 4 |
Horses |
20 |
20 |
20 |
- |
| 5 |
Poultry/Birds |
250 |
100 |
320 |
- |
| 6 |
Pigs |
100 |
60 |
48 |
100 |
| 7 |
Laboratory Animals |
500 |
400 |
- |
- |
| 8 |
Misc. animals (Elephants, Camels etc.) |
One shed with open space |
- |
- |
- |
Specific Performance Requirements from other Departments/Agency
- Customs authority: The imported consignment of livestock and livestock product are referred by custom authorities for Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS) clearances. Similarly, Custom also checks the Animal Quarantine Certificate for export purpose.
- Wild life authority: AQCS also have liaison with wildlife authorities in respect of livestock and livestock products coming under CITES category.
- Airlines:AQCS also have good liaison with the airlines and inform them regarding AQCS rules and regulation and procedures to be followed by the passengers importing livestock and livestock products.
- CAPEXIL:AQCS along with CAPEXIL inspect and register the plants/mills as per the norms of the Government meant for processing the livestock products.
- DGFT:The license issued by the DGFT for restricted products are also checked by AQCS at the time of import.
- Port Health Officer:AQCS work in liaison with PHO in respect of the livestock products having public health significance.
- Central Laboratories:The samples of imported livestock and livestock products are sent to the designated laboratories for prescribed testing. The procedure is also adopted for export purpose.
- Airport Authority:AQCS also have good liaison with the airport authority and educate them regarding health risk and hazards during clearance and storage of livestock and livestock products.
- Seaport Authority:AQCS also have good liaison with the seaport authority and educate them regarding health risk and hazards during clearance and storage of livestock and livestock products.
- Inland Container Depot:AQCS also have good liaison with ICD authority and educate them regarding health risk and hazards during clearance and storage of livestock and livestock products.
STRICT IMPLEMANTATION OF AQCS RULES AND REGULATIONS IS THE DEMAND OF THE TIME:
Provisions required at Point of entries
1. Arrivals: (Airport, Seaport , Rail and Land routes)
- Sinages at various places for information and education for willful declaration of the imported livestock and livestock products by the passengers.
- Announcement by airlines regarding willful declaration of the imported livestock and livestock products by the passengers.
- Provisions of designated x-ray machines.
- Provisions of sniffer dogs.
- Provision of laboratories with technicians and early detection kits.
- Proper checks of arrival cards.
- Proper support to AQCS officials by Customs, Port agencies and other stake holders.
- Provisions of AQCS desk and office space at arrivals.
- Preventive and checking powers to AQCS officials are immediately required.
2. Cargo and ICDs
- Sinages at various places for information and education of all stake holders.
- Provision of laboratories with technicians and early detection kits.
- Proper checks of declarations.
- Proper support to AQCS officials by Customs, Port agencies and other stake holders.
- Provisions of AQCS desk and office space at arrivals.
- Preventive and checking powers to AQCS officials are immediately required.
Problem Area in implementation of regulations related to AQCS
Livestock
- Lifting of livestock including pet dog and cats by airlines without verifying/checking the advance AQCS NOC/permission (violation of the Notifications).
- Lifting of livestock including pet dog and cats by airlines on FAKE advance AQCS NOC/permission.
- Non referring of the livestock by Customs for AQCS clearance after arrival in case arrived without advance AQCS NOC.
- Rare cross checking by Customs of advance AQCS NOCs produced by the passenger on arrival with AQCS.
Livestock products
- Non declaration of livestock products in arrival cards.
- Improper declaration of livestock products in Bill of entries by changing names and HS codes.
- Non referring of consignments of livestock products by Customs for AQCS clearances.
- No proper checking of arrival cards by the Customs.
- Provisions of x-ray machines, sniffer dogs and rapid disease detection laboratories are lacking.
Other requirements related to strict AQCS operations
- More testing facilities at RDDLs (5 regional) and NIHSAD (Bhopal).
- Insertion of AQCS Clearance requirement in ITC (HS) Import Policy and Chapters.
-
Livestock products (meat and milk) products served on board on international flights coming from other countries need to be checked by AQCS.
(At least six monthly technical audit regarding sourcing, processing, handling, transportation and disposal. Necessary, as threat level is same as compared to products imported commercially by normal importer).
- TEMPORARY SHEDS: multi-purpose for holding animal’s for1-2 days.
- BINS: Separate at the terminal-no mixing with other waste and technical disposal.
- INCINERATOR: less capacity-for small quantity animal products/loose products and for dead aquatic animals (fish).
- Audit of exporting units & certifying offices of exporting countries in line of other countries to ensure disease free and quality imports.
