Live Psittaciformes (Parrots, Macaws, and Cockatoos)

The WBCA, administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, prohibits the commercial import of most wild-caught exotic birds listed under CITES. Exceptions exist for captive-bred birds from approved foreign breeding facilities, birds imported for scientific research, and certain personally owned pet birds. Importers must apply for a WBCA import permit and demonstrate that birds are captive-bred from an approved source.

USDA APHIS requires that all imported psittacine birds undergo a mandatory quarantine period — typically 30 days — at an APHIS-approved quarantine facility at the port of entry. During quarantine, birds are tested for exotic Newcastle disease and psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci). Costs of quarantine are borne by the importer, and birds that test positive may be refused entry or destroyed.