Santa gets his reindeer permit just in time for Christmas

IThe U.S.Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a movement permit to Mr. S. Claus of the North Pole yesterday, just in time for Claus’s annual global voyage, according to an announcement by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

We are pleased to report that @USDA_APHIS has issued a movement permit to a Mr. S. Claus of the North Pole to allow entry and exit of reindeer during the evening hours of December 24th and early morning hours of December 25th.

Official announcement: https://t.co/mHpTlmFbJF

— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) December 22, 2017

The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. December 24, 2017 and 7 a.m. December 25, 2017, through or over any U.S. border port.

“It’s the season of giving and joy. Here at USDA we don’t want anything to delay these very important reindeer at our borders,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We know that children all over the country – including my own fourteen grandchildren – are eagerly awaiting a visit from Mr. Claus and his team before they wake on Christmas morning. USDA issued this permit in advance and waived all applicable fees to help ensure a smooth trip on Christmas Eve night.”

Claus and his company, Worldwide Gifts Unlimited, passed the veterinary inspections of the reindeer with flying colors, according to Perdue’s announcement. They will be able to safely handle significant changes in altitude and temperature throughout their journey, and are fit for landing on rooftops. One reindeer, Rudolph, has red nose syndrome. The vet determined that this is normal for Rudolph and not an animal health concern. The veterinarian also verified the reindeer have been vaccinated against any diseases they could encounter on their trip around the world.

Upon entering the United States, port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh. They will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Mr. Claus will also have his boots disinfected and will thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering the United States.

“It would be a disaster for Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited, if my reindeer were to unintentionally bring in foot and mouth disease along with all the gifts,” explained Mr. Claus. “Why, something like that could put me out of business. That’s why we work all year to keep the reindeer healthy and take all possible precautions before and during our trip.”