[Nhcoll-l] Importing ethnographic collections - Migratory bird issues

[Dirk Neumann]

Hi Ellen,

thanks for sharing the complete list with approved methods! Interesting 
to note that FTA cards are included - European authorities haven't done 
this step so far. Valuable bit of information that we might use for 
future negotiations with European authorities.

Dirk


Am 29.08.2013 19:14, schrieb Ellen Paul:
> To avoid confusing others who might read what Dirk wrote and rely on 
> it, please note that for import into  the U.S., you must use one of 
> the treatment methods that have been approved by the USDA. The only 
> exception is import from countries where ANY highly pathogenic avian 
> influenza occurs (I stress ANY because originally, it was just H5N1 
> but it has now been expanded to include all HPAI) and even then, only 
> to USDA-approved biosafety Level-2 labs.
>
> Gamma radiation is not on the list. The approved methods are:
>
> Heat to at least 100° C for at least 20 minutes
> Heat to at least 60° C for at least 30 minutes
> Heat to at least 56° C for at least 3 hours
> Immerse in 10% formalin/phenol (comes in this way)
> Immerse in 3% solution beta-Propiolactone for at least 30 minutes
> Immerse in 3% solution sodium dodecyl sulfate for at least 30 minutes
> Immerse in phenol/chloroform (no solution strength specified; material 
> should remain immersed throughout import and until it arrives at the 
> institution)
> Immerse in methylene chloride (no solution strength specified; 
> material should remain immersed throughout import and until it arrives 
> at the institution)
> Immerse in a minimum of 70% alcohol (material should remain immersed 
> throughout import and until it arrives at the institution)
> Affinity chromatography
> FTA cards
> 4M guanidine hydrochloride
>
> They told me that they are planning to add formalin-fixed slides to 
> this list but apparently have not done so yet (I inquired about a week 
> ago).
>
> Documenting the date of collection serves no purpose with regard to 
> import into the U.S.
>
> Ellen
>
> Ellen Paul
> Executive Director
> The Ornithological Council
> Email:ellen.paul at verizon.net
> "Providing Scientific Information about Birds"
> http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET"
> On 8/29/13 10:34 AM, Dirk Neumann wrote:
>> ... just adding to the previously said:
>>
>> If feasible, document "treatment" of feathers as best as possible, as 
>> "bird feathers" are also considered as vector for pathogens (keyword: 
>> bird flue) and import might trigger veterinarian issues, too. Have 
>> the objects been prepared (cooked/dried/stained) (be)for assembling 
>> the objects? Which agents have been used (if known - e.g. previous 
>> insecticide treatments).
>>
>> Perhaps it would be worth to consider a gamma radiation treatment to 
>> kill potential pathogens (commonly done with fruits that are imported 
>> e.g. from South America to kill potential invading species or 
>> pathogens) - just an idea.
>>
>> Also in this respect, documenting the time of collection from the 
>> wild as best as possible (e.g. hunted down 50 years ago) may be 
>> relevant (if suited to document that collections are not harmful).
>>
>> All the best
>> Dirk
>


-- 
Dirk Neumann

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Dirk Neumann

Tel: +49-89-8107-111
Fax: +49-89-8107-300
email: Dirk.Neumann(a)zsm.mwn.de

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