February 5, 2004

Subject: Import Embargo on Civets

Background: The Department of Health and Human Services has announced an embargo on the importation of civets. This embargo responds to public health concerns about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the possible role of civets in transmitting this disease to humans.

As one of the agencies authorized to regulate the import and export of wildlife and wildlife products, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will assist in enforcing this embargo.

Action: Effective January 13, 2004, this embargo prohibits the importation of dead and live civets as well as civet products. It affects all members of the Viverridae family and will remain in place until further notice.

Civet products that have been processed to render them noninfectious, such as fully taxidermied animals and finished trophies, are not included in the embargo. The ban also does not apply to those who receive permission from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to import civet cats for educational or scientific purposes.

For more details, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ .

Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
703-358-1949 703-358-2271 (fax)