Herp Digest Newsletter on Turtle farming

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I would like to share this very disturbing information on Turtle farming.Barbarawww.veggiechild.comHerpDigest <asalzbergasalzbergSent: Thursday, March 8, 2007 8:00:02 AMHerpDigest Volume #1 Issue #29, Thursday, March 8, 2007 (Turtle Issue) HerpDigest: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Science Volume #1 Issue #29, Thursday, March 8, 2007 (Turtle Issue)Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg______________________Table of Contents 2) Collectors Can Turn Turtles Into Profits 3) Bill Opens Domestic Market for Struggling La. Turtle Farmers 4) Landrieu Bill Would Help Turtle Farmers5) Text of The Senate Bill - S 540 - Which Is The Same As The House’s Version -HR

9246) Senate's Bill’s Status in Senate7) House's Bill’s Status in House of Representatives ______________________2) Collectors Can Turn Turtles Into ProfitsBy Matt Smith/Staff WriterCleburne Times-Review Sun, 3/4/07 There’s big money in turtles. So says “Bayou Bob†Popplewell, a businessman from Santo who will host a free seminar at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cleburne Civic Center on turtles and “turtling†for pay. Popplewell, who studied herpetology at Stephen F. Austin University, owns the Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch and has bought and sold rattlesnakes for years. He later discovered a large market for turtles in Asia, where the popularity of turtle soup led to over harvesting in many

areas. Seeing an opportunity, Popplewell formed a company named U.S. Turtle and Aquatic Resource Technologies, or USTART, to meet the Asian demand. USTART provides economic opportunity for rural areas, Popplewell said. He said about 300,000 turtles a year are needed to fill his contracts. To that end, Popplewell said he needs turtle harvesters, which USTART will train. Popplewell said the company will pay for the turtles residents catch. Payment depends on the size and type of turtle, Popplewell said. Common snappers and soft-shell turtles bring more than red-eared sliders, which are more abundant. Popplewell said a big snapper can fetch $35 to $40. All that’s required to catch turtles, Popplewell said, is a hunting license and a non-game collector permit. Matt Smith can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2339, or

msmith______________________3) Bill Opens Domestic Market for Struggling La. Turtle Farmers Press Release 02/08/2007 WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today cosponsored a bill with Sen. David Vitter, R-La., to permit the domestic sale of baby turtles, which would be an economic boon for the turtle farming industry in Louisiana. Each member of Louisiana's House delegation cosponsored the companion bill introduced by Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La. "For the first time in more than three decades, this legislation would allow domestic turtle sales, which will

greatly help many of our struggling Louisiana farmers," Sen. Landrieu said. "The FDA regulation prohibiting domestic sales unfairly discriminates against our farmers who can sell pet turtles without health risk. Despite technology that can nearly eradicate salmonella in turtles, the FDA has, to this point, refused to reconsider its position." In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration banned farmers from selling small turtles as pets within the United States because of salmonella risk, which has crippled the turtle farming industry in Louisiana and Mississippi. Iguanas, lizards, snakes, frogs and other amphibians and reptiles that carry the same health risk were not included in the ban. Louisiana and Mississippi turtle farmers were forced to sell to foreign markets that have proven unstable. Sen. Landrieu has been working for years to reverse the

FDA's position. Sen. Landrieu's bill requires that turtle farmers treat turtles for salmonella prior to sale. ______________________4) Landrieu Bill Would Help Turtle FarmersGreater Baton Rogue Business Report 3/5/07 Sen. Mary Landrieu has filed a bill to permit the domestic sale of baby turtles, which could be an economic boost for Louisiana's turtle farming industry. In 1975 the Food and Drug Administration banned farmers from selling small turtles as pets in the United States due to the risk of salmonella. The regulation crippled farms in Louisiana and elsewhere, forcing domestic harvesters to move their product overseas in unstable foreign markets. China, which reportedly buys more American-bred baby turtles than any other foreign country, has launched an aggressive

push in recent years to corner the market with its own product. Landrieu, D-New Orleans, says the proposed change would require farmers to treat their turtles for salmonella prior to a sale. If approved, it could lead to a rebound in an industry that has remained somewhat dormant for decades. "The FDA regulation prohibiting domestic sales unfairly discriminates against our farmers who can sell pet turtles without health risks," she says. "Despite technology that can nearly eradicate salmonella in turtles, the FDA has to this point refused to reconsider its position." Turtle prices, like any other livestock or fisheries, have been all over the place, peaking at $1 per turtle in 2003 and leveling off recently around 30 cents. There are about 56 turtle farms in Louisiana with an estimated worth of $9.4 million, according to the state Department of Agriculture. ______________________ 5) Text of The Senate

Bill - S 540 - Which Is The Same As The Bill House’s Version -HR 924 Domestic Pet Turtle Market Access Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)S 540 IS 110th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 540To require the Food and Drug Administration to permit the sale of baby turtles as pets so long as the seller uses proven methods to effectively treat salmonella. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 8, 2007Mr. VITTER (for himself and Ms. LANDRIEU) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILLTo require the Food and Drug Administration to permit the sale of baby turtlesas pets so long as the seller uses proven methods to effectively treat salmonella. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.This Act may be cited as the `Domestic Pet Turtle Market Access Act of 2007'. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.Congress makes the following findings:(1) Pet turtles less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter have been banned for sale in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration since 1975 due to health concerns.(2) The Food and Drug Administration does not ban the sale of iguanas or other lizards, snakes, frogs, or other amphibians or reptiles that are sold as pets in the United States that also carry salmonella bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration also does not require that these animals be treated for salmonella bacteria before being sold as pets.(3) The technology to treat turtles for salmonella, and make them safe for sale, has greatly advanced since 1975. Treatments exist that can nearly eradicate salmonella from turtles and individuals are

more aware of the causes of salmonella, how to treat salmonella poisoning, and the seriousness associated with salmonella poisoning.(4) University research has shown that these turtles can be treated in such a way that they can be raised, shipped, and distributed without having a recolonization of salmonella.(5) University research has also shown that pet owners can be equipped with a treatment regiment that allows the turtle to be maintained safe from salmonella.(6) The Food and Drug Administration should allow the sale of turtles less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter as pets as long as the sellers are required to use proven methods to treat the turtles for salmonella and maintain a safe pet. SEC. 3. SALE OF BABY TURTLES(a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Food and Drug Administration shall not restrict the sale by a turtle farmer or other commercial retail seller

of a turtle that is less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter as a pet if--(1) the turtle is raised, shipped, and sold using methods that are proven to keep the turtle free of salmonella, using salmonella safety standards that are comparable to such standards relating to other animals, including reptiles and amphibians, that are allowed for sale as pets, or animal products that are allowed for sale as food products;(2) the Administration has approved a plan submitted by the turtle farmer or commercial retail seller involved relating to compliance with paragraph (1); and(3) the farmer or other commercial retail seller includes, with the sale of such a turtle, a disclosure to the buyer that includes--(A) information regarding--(i) the dangers, including possible severe illness or death, especially for at-risk people who may be susceptible to salmonella poisoning, such as children, pregnant women, and others who may have weak immune systems, that could result

if the turtle is not properly handled and safely maintained;(ii) the proper handling of the turtle, including an explanation of proper hygiene such as hand washing after handling a turtle; and(iii) the proven methods of treatment that, if properly applied, keep the turtle safe from salmonella;(B) a detailed explanation of how to properly treat the turtle to keep it safe from salmonella, using the proven methods of treatment referred to under subparagraph (A), and how the buyer can continue to purchase the tools, treatments, or any other required item to continually treat the turtle; and© a statement that buyers of pet turtlesshould not abandon the turtle or abandon it outside, as the turtle may become an invasive species to the local community, but should instead return them to a commercial retail pet seller or other organization that would accept turtles no longer wanted as pets.(b) Plan- (1) IN GENERAL- A turtle farmer or other commercial seller that desires to sell a turtle as provided for under subsection (a) shall submit a plan to the Food and Drug Administration that details the manner in which the farmer or seller will ensure compliance with the requirements of subsection (a)(1) with respect to the turtles involved. The plan shall include use of non-antibiotic compounds that suppress or eliminate the presence of salmonella in turtle hatchlings. (2) ACTION BY FDA- Not later 30 days after the date on which the Food and Drug Administration receives a plan under paragraph (1), the Administration shall accept or reject such plan. If such plan is rejected, the Administration shall provide clear, specific guidance on the reasons for such rejection. The Administration may only reject such a plan if it is determined that the plan fails to achieve the same salmonella safety standards as

such standards relating to other animals, including reptiles and amphibians, that are allowed for sale as pets, or animal products that are allowed for sale as food products.© Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the Food and Drug Administration to hold the sale of turtles less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter as a pet to any greater salmonella safety standard applicable to other reptiles or amphibians sold as pets, animals sold as pets, or food products regulated by such Administration.________________________ 6) Bill’s Status in Senate Title: A bill to require the Food and Drug Administration to permit the sale of baby turtles as pets so long as the seller uses proven methods to effectively treat salmonella. Sponsor: Sen Vitter, David [LA] (introduced 2/8/2007) Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Mary Landrieu Latest Major Action: 2/8/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. ALL ACTIONS: 2/8/07 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. COSPONSORS(1), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn): (Sort:by date)Sen. Mary Landrieu COMMITTEE(S):Committee/Subcommittee:Activity:Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Referral_____________7) Bill’s Status in House of Representatives H.R.924 Title: To require the Food and Drug Administration to permit the sale of baby turtles as pets so long as the seller uses proven methods to effectively treat salmonella.

Sponsor: Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] (introduced 2/8/2007) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 2/8/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. ALL ACTIONS: 2/8/2007: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. COSPONSORS (6), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:(Sort:by date) Rep Baker,Richard H. [LA-6] - 2/8/2007 Rep Boustany,Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] - 2/8/2007 Rep Jefferson, William J. [LA-2] - 2/8/2007 Rep Jindal, Bobby [LA-1] - 2/8/2007 Rep McCrery, Jim [LA-4] - 2/8/2007 Rep Melancon, Charlie [LA-3] - 2/8/2007 (Editor: LA has 9 congressmen so 2/3rd are co-sponsors.) COMMITTEE(S): Committee/Subcommittee: Activity: House Energy and Commerce

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