National Center For Infectious Diseases
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
(formerly the Division of Quarantine)

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Field Operations

Each year, persons and items of significant public health interest arrive in the United States in increasing numbers. Foreign quarantine regulations define the procedures to be followed, the diseases for which quarantine is required, and the items to be excluded or restricted. Each Quarantine Station has responsibility for enforcing foreign quarantine regulations at all ports of entry within its assigned area of jurisdiction.

Quarantine inspectors respond to illness in arriving passengers and ensure that the appropriate medical and/or procedural action is taken. Certain animals, items of animal origin, and etiologic agents are prohibited, restricted or require a permit from CDC's Office of Health and Safety. Prohibited items and those which lack a required permit or otherwise fail to comply with regulatory requirements are refused entry into the country, seized, or destroyed, as appropriate. In accordance with the International Health Regulations, Quarantine Inspectors perform or arrange for contract performance of rodent eradication inspections on ships when requested by shipping agents. Other Federal Inspectors are trained to recognize and report items and situations of public health significance in the absence of Quarantine Inspectors.

To prevent the introduction of communicable diseases into the United States, DQ relies on other inspection agencies, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [formerly U.S. Customs (USC), U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Plant Protection and Quarantine inspectors from U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA] and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to screen for persons and items of public health interest. (These links are external to the CDC.) These agencies notify DQ when a situation of public health interest arises. DQ staff then assess the situation, take appropriate action, and involve CDC specialists when necessary.

To ensure proper inspection, DQ trains each class of new federal inspectors at INS, USDA, USCS, and USFWS and periodically provides continuing education to experienced inspectors.

• Quarantine Stations
• Animal Importation

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This page last reviewed June 24, 2004

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