Animal importation inspections

Section 10404(b) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8303(b)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting under paragraph (1) after regulations; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (3) Conduct of inspections (A) In general The Secretary may promulgate regulations under paragraph (1) that— (i) permit qualified veterinarians employed by or contracted with the Department of Agriculture to conduct inspections for the purpose of carrying out this section; and (ii) give priority to the conduct of inspections by those qualified veterinarians in regions that do not have veterinary medical officers of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service available. (B) Qualified veterinarian A qualified veterinarian under subparagraph (A) shall have appropriate training and credentials, as determined by the Secretary..