Poultry Importation Requirements

The importation of poultry, zoological and pet-type birds, and their hatching eggs into Connecticut is regulated by the Department pursuant to Connecticut General Statute, Section 22-325. The importer of birds or hatching eggs must obtain an import permit issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture prior to importing the birds or hatching eggs. The Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit is valid for 15 days from the date the permit number is issued.

Poultry and hatching eggs from out-of-state must enter this state with either a health certificate written by a Category II federally-accredited veterinarian stating that the birds have tested negative for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid, or a NPIP VS 9-3 form stating that the flock of origin has a classification of Salmonella pullorum-typhoid clean. Other diagnostic testing information such as avian influenza status should be included on the forms. Zoological and pet-type birds are required to have a health certificate written by a Category II federally-accredited veterinarian.

Steps to follow to import poultry, hatching eggs, zoological or pet-type birds:

1. The buyer/importer prepares all the necessary information to obtain an import permit number which should include the following:
   • Connecticut destination: Complete name, street address (no PO boxes) and phone number;
   • Origin information: Complete name of individual, originating flock, hatchery or aviary, street address, state, zip code and phone number; and
   • Species, variety, type and number of each bird or hatching egg to be imported.
2. The buyer/importer contacts the Connecticut Department of Agriculture with all the necessary information to obtain an import permit number by:
   • Calling 860-713-2508 during business hours (M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.),
   • Calling 860-713-2508 outside business hours and leaving a voice mail message, or
   • Sending an email to AGR.SVCS@ct.gov with all the necessary information.
3. Connecticut Department of Agriculture staff will issue an import permit number over the phone or by email and then the Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit form will be sent by U.S. mail to the buyer/importer or by email if an email address is provided.
4. The buyer/importer returns the completed, signed and dated Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit form within 48 hours of receiving the birds or hatching eggs with actual numbers of each species/variety/type of bird or hatching egg received and a copy of the health certificate or the NPIP VS 9-3 form that came with the birds or hatching eggs.
5. The buyer/importer returns the completed Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit form and copies of the health certificate or NPIP VS 9-3 form by:
   • Mail:  Connecticut Department of Agriculture
              Bureau of Regulatory Services
              450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 702
              Hartford, CT 06103
   • Fax:   860-713-2515, or
   • Email: AGR.SVCS@ct.gov
6. The buyer/importer must keep all imported birds and all imported hatching eggs segregated (in quarantine) from other birds and hatching eggs. The buyer/importer may not sell or comingle any imported birds or imported hatching eggs with other birds or hatching eggs until the quarantine is released by the Department. If the Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit form and supplied health certificates or NPIP VS 9-3 forms are in order, the quarantine will be released by the Department.