(Washington, DC, December 21, 2023) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a transit permit to gift and merchandise distributor Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the Arctic, Cheer, Inc. The permit will allow caribou to enter and exit the United States through any U.S. border crossing between 6 pm local time on December 24, 2023, and 6 am local time on December 25, 2023.
“The USDA is pleased to grant Mr. Krause and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring they enjoy a seamless journey every holiday season,” said Jeanne Lester, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Moffitt said. “We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the important role that American milk and cookies played in his festive flight.”
Veterinary officials ensure the reindeer meet all entry requirements before issuing a permit. During a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and claw on each hoof, said Dr. Rosemary Seaford, chief veterinary officer at the USDA.
A reindeer named Rudolf had a slight physical abnormality, a health certificate noted. However, APHIS says Rudolph’s red nose, while bright, is normal for him and not a cause for concern.
APHIS regulates the movement of cervids, including caribou, to protect the health of livestock populations in the Americas. The licensing process ensures that only healthy animals are allowed into the United States.
The USDA has confirmed that reindeer will arrive pulling wooden sleighs with bells and filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port staff will clean and disinfect the slides and sled bases upon entry. They will also conduct a brief visual inspection of the reindeer. Mr. Krause was asked to disinfect his boots and wash his hands thoroughly. These measures are designed to prevent any livestock diseases the team may encounter while delivering goods to farms and homes around the world before entering the United States.
Mr. Krause also provided an advance checklist of what port staff should expect upon arrival. This includes a variety of foods, all of which come from approved sites and none of which pose a threat to U.S. plant and animal health.
Mr. Claus explained that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. must take all the correct steps and precautions to prevent possible introduction of pests and diseases. I am grateful for the assistance the USDA provides each year as we prepare for our big night.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Noche Buena, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Diwali or another holiday this time of year, USDA wishes you a day filled with time-honored traditions and celebrations Happy and healthy season of activity.
Additional information
USDA impacts the lives of all Americans in many positive ways every day. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming the Americas’ food system to place a greater emphasis on more resilient local and regional food production, providing fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring that all communities have access to safety, health, and nutrition for food, build new markets and pipelines using climate-smart food and forestry practices to increase incomes for farmers and producers, make historic investments in rural America’s infrastructure and clean energy capabilities, and work to increase incomes for farmers and producers by removing systemic barriers and Build a workforce that is more representative of America to achieve equity across the sector. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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