SUBJECT: Evacuation of Animals from Areas Impacted by Hurricane Idalia Enforcement Discretion Policy on Importation of Animals
EFFECTIVE: August 28, 2023
Effective immediately and in accordance with this Notice, due to the emergency conditions created by Hurricane Idalia in Florida, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will exercise enforcement discretion regarding the interstate movement health requirements for animals established in Chapter 40-13 of the Georgia Rules and Regulations. Animals temporarily relocated to Georgia as a result of the emergency conditions created by Hurricane Idalia must return to their state of origin or comply with all Georgia Rules and Regulations by September 30, 2023, unless otherwise indicated by the Department.
A copy of this Notice must always accompany animals admitted to Georgia for temporary relocation due to emergency conditions created by Hurricane Idalia. This notice will not be construed to waive the Department’s ability to take enforcement action where animals have been permanently relocated to Georgia without meeting all applicable interstate movement health requirements.
This notice does not apply to the importation of wild animals, which is regulated in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
If you have any questions, please contact the GDA Animal Health office at 404-656-3667 or AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov.