The U.S. legally imported more than 1 billion live animals from 2005 through 2008. With increased trade and travel, zoonotic diseases (transmitted between animals and humans) and animal diseases can emerge anywhere and spread rapidly. The importation of live animals is governed by five principal statutes and implemented by four agencies. This report examined, among other things: (1) potential gaps in the statutory and regulatory framework governing live animal imports, if any, that may allow the introduction and spread of zoonotic and animal diseases; and (2) the extent to which the agencies collaborate to meet their responsibilities, and face barriers, if any, to collaboration. Includes recommend. Tables. This is a print on demand report.