Glossary—health certificate Glossary—health certificate
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In international trade, a certificate issued by the national agricultural agency (the USDA Veterinary Service (VS) in the U.S.) for the health of an animal shipped internationally. The certificate must meet the specific requirements of the destination country, which typically include that the animal be certified free of specified diseases and infestations. Such certificates may be issued based on direct examination of the animal(s) by a USDA veterinarian, or may be issued in exchange for such a certificate issued by a veterinarian of the state or country agricultural or health service, some of which are delegated to issue USDA certificates. There is a fee for both the examination and the certificate. See also phytosanitary inspection certificate (used with plants, substantially unprocessed plant products and a few animal products), sanitary inspection certificate (used with meat and animal food products).