Why are animals from foreign countries quarantined before entering the United States?

Animals from foreign countries are quarantined before entering the United States primarily to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases. Quarantine protocols are established to protect the health of native wildlife, livestock, and domestic animals. By isolating these animals for a period of time, officials can monitor them for signs of diseases that may not be prevalent in the United States, allowing for testing and observation to ensure that they do not carry pathogens that could threaten indigenous species or the agricultural industry.

This preventative measure is crucial in maintaining biosecurity and managing public health risks associated with zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. Proper quarantine helps to minimize the potential for outbreaks that could arise from the introduction of animals infected with diseases not previously seen in the U.S. ecosystem.