International Exports

When exporting animals to foreign universities, government agencies, etc. UNTHSC-DLAM provides the most current and past health history to the supplying institution.  To make arrangements, animal orders are coordinated between the UNTHSC investigator and Tito Nelson in the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine(DLAM).  A completed Animal Shipping Record is needed.

UNTHSC-DLAM will provide the receiving institution the previous 2 reports of sentinel information, plus an indication of any pathogens known to be in other rooms in the facility.  Since sentinel information is an indication of past health history, therefore UNTHSC-DLAM strongly encourages receiving institutions to quarantine and test for pathogens.

Once the receiving institution agrees to accept the animals, the UNTHSC investigator or their designee will be contacted to make arrangements for shipping their animals.  The DLAM will also attempt to determine the special import requirements, if any, prior to the animal’s entry into the destination country.

Arrangements must be made to ship animals ONLY on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of a ‘normal’ 5-day business week.  If you need help making shipping arrangements, please contact Lou Williams or the receiving institution, as they may have a specific courier preference.  Once these arrangements have been made the UNTHSC investigator must provide the DLAM with the following information:

• Courier

• Tracking number

• Expected date of arrival

This information helps the UNTHSC-DLAM and receiving institutions if shipments are lost or delayed, thereby permitting us start looking for shipments not arriving as expected.

Once the DLAM has the shipping information, the animals will be inspected and a health certificate issued.  An USDA Health Certificate must be issued, requiring the signature of the investigator, UNTHSC-DLAM Veterinarian, and a USDA Veterinarian in the Fort Worth area.  The various shipping documents should be attached to the shipping boxes housing the animals in transit.  A copy of the documentation is provided to the UNTHSC investigator.  Other information important to provide the Division at this time is the following:

• Identification numbers (if applicable)

• Date of birth or approximate age

• Sex of each animal

• Color of each animal

• Identification scheme (e.g.:  ear notch, ear punch, etc.), if not evident

Being in Texas sometimes weather extremes, especially summer, may interfere with animal shipments. Please keep in mind unique state and regional holidays, ensuring the expected date of arrival is acceptable to the receiving institution.

UNTHSC does have embargo dates, which are usually the week of Thanksgiving, holidays in which the university is closed and the last two weeks of the calendar year.  Please schedule accordingly.  Due to other unforeseen events animal shipments may need to be postponed.