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NATIONAL REPTILE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (NRIP)
The trade in field-collected (native and non-native species) and
captive-bred and reared reptile and amphibian species involves a
variety of activities, including import/export, captive breeding,
wholesale distribution, sale and ownership by individuals,
zoological organizations and research institutions. The trade
involves international and domestic movement of a wide variety of
species of turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, and other reptilians
and amphibians. These species have commercial, recreational,
cultural and aesthetic values to diverse components of society.
The movement of such animals, if not properly managed, can cause the
dispersal of ticks or other unwanted ectoparasites that accompany
the specimens (field-collected or captive-bred and reared) being
traded or introduced into captive breeding facilities. Absent the
establishment of Best Management Practices and Standard Operating
Procedures, facilities engaged in import, export, distribution or
captive breeding may unintentionally cause the introduction and
spread of unwanted ectoparasites that may be injurious to the host
animals, other animals within or outside the facility, humans, or
the environment.
It is well recognized that interest in the reptile trade and hobby
is increasing and it provides a livelihood and enjoyment for many
commercial businesses, and hobby and individual pet owners.
Concerned members of the reptile trade and the reptile hobby
recognize that the responsible management of reptilian and amphibian
species benefits not only their activities, but also a far broader
stakeholder community, such as agriculture and public health.
To meet these goals, a group of concerned members of the
reptile/amphibian trade and hobby met with representatives of the US
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Florida's Department of
Agriculture to ascertain how myriad stakeholders could work
cooperatively to minimize the risk of Reptile-associated tick
infestations, which are potentially injurious to agriculture and
animal and human health, to increase public education and awareness,
to implement voluntary standards, and to coordinate activities with
appropriate regulatory agencies.
Following that meeting, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
convened meetings in Florida to evaluate the feasibility of
developing Best Management Practices (BMP) that would, among other
things, provide a set of standards, most of which would be included
in written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) developed by
individual participants as part of a voluntary compliance program
that is designed to minimize the risk of the introduction of
unwanted parasites or other identified organisms into the United
States or the dispersal of such organisms among the states. Each
participant would adopt written SOPs customized to meet the specific
operations of each facility to ensure that the Plan's Best
Management Practices have been implemented and are followed.
The National Reptile Improvement Plan (NRIP), a program to improve
practices of persons involved in importation, sale or captive
breeding of reptilian and amphibian species, was designed by
individuals with expertise in importing, captive breeding, retail
store operations, entomology, and veterinary medicine. The Plan is
aimed at minimizing the risk of international or interstate movement
of reptiles causing harm to the reptiles, livestock or the
environment. Participation in the Plan is voluntary and available
for persons that meet or exceed NRIP standards. The NRIP is designed
to provide a cooperative Industry-State-Federal program that is a
self-directed, self-regulated program that includes adoption and
implementation of Best Management Practices, a quality assurance
program, and independent verification through periodic inspections.
While the Plan involves self-regulation, it works in cooperation
with and under the guidance and approval of USDA-APHIS-VS and
appropriate state authorities.
NRIP Structure
NRIP is not a private business. It is established as a function of a
subcommittee of PIJAC, a non-profit trade association representing
all segments of the pet industry in the United States. NRIP is
designed to be of benefit to those involved with reptiles while at
the same time safeguarding American livestock and agriculture.
Initially, PIJAC will provide the requisite infrastructure and staff
support. Depending on NRIP's acceptance and areas of activity, PIJAC
may establish a separate corporate entity to provide the services
associated with implementation and maintenance of the Plan.
Every plan participant shall be required to obtain all necessary
permits, licenses, or other authorizations required by federal
and/or state law.
Participation in the Plan is voluntary and open to any person,
business or other entity that desires to participate and comply with
the standards set forth herein.
NRIP will meet annually for discourse, inquiry and investigation
into better methods of handling, shipping, housing and husbandry.
As stated above, NRIP Accreditation is based upon a Plan
Participant's adherence to the standards contained in the program.
Accreditation is achieved through self-regulation and inspection
that may be verified by a veterinarian, or a state department of
agriculture and/or the United States Department of Agriculture
veterinarian with an understanding in the handling and care of
reptiles and amphibians.
The NRIP performance-based standards are prepared under the
direction of the Reptile and Amphibian Subcommittee of the
Governmental Affairs Committee of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Council. These standards are subject to a broad and inclusive
stakeholder review and consultation process both within and outside
of PIJAC's membership.
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