All live zebra mussels and related unpreserved sample materials (such as samples that possibly contain live veligers) to be shipped or transported outside the known range of the zebra mussel, must be contained. The possibility of release through leakage, spillage, or other accidents must be minimized as much as possible. Any shipment of live or unpreserved zebra mussel-related sample material via parcel post, express mail, commercial freight, or the like shall be packaged according to this protocol and applicable Department of Transportation and postal regulations.
Field samples that have been treated in a manner that will kill all contained life forms require no further precautions under this protocol. Examples include, but are not limited to, materials treated with and stored in formalin or alcohol or frozen to at least -10 ºC for at least 4 hr prior to the onset of transportation and shipping.
No live zebra mussels, at any life stage, shall be transferred to persons not associated with an approved research program that has adopted and is following approved containment protocols for the zebra mussel. It is the responsibility of the person(s) supplying the live specimens to assure that recipients meet this requirement.
Containment of Samples
Primary Containment:
1. All unpreserved sample material shall be sealed in heavy-walled containers with positive sealing, watertight tops; plastic containers are preferred, but glass containers may be used when the scientific requirements make their use essential.
Secondary Containment:
1. When shipping via a third party, each primary container shall be bagged (solid materials with little water) or double-bagged (samples with significant water), with each bag being tightly sealed at the throat. All glass containers must be double-bagged.
2. When transportation is provided directly by the scientific party, the sample containers shall be placed in a sturdy water-proof box with a positive closure, such as a plastic-lined, waxed, heavy-wall cardboard carton or a plastic camping cooler. Bagging and/or double bagging under these conditions is recommended, especially when using glass containers.
Shipping Containerization for Third Party/Commercial Shipping
Small individual samples: Small individual sample containers, sealed as described above, shall be packaged together in waterproof shipping boxes, such as large coolers or sturdy cardboard or wood boxes with plastic bag liners. Spaces surrounding sample containers shall be filled with absorbent material (newspapers, paper towels, vermiculite, etc.) and the throat of the bag liner shall be sealed. The box shall be tightly sealed and double-taped along all seams. Cardboard boxes shall be reinforced with fiberglass-stranded strapping tape.
Large individual samples: large sample containers, such as drums or 10-liter or larger water jugs, that are too large for routine packing, as described above shall be double-bagged in large plastic heavy-walled bags and then crated in a manner that: (1) provides absorbent material in case of leakage, and (2) meets the requirements of the third party shipper.
Labeling
All shipping containers shall be clearly marked as to contents, and shall contain a clearly visible label stating the following:
WARNING: CONTAINS LIVE ZEBRA MUSSELS, AN AQUATIC PEST THAT MAY, IF RELEASED, CAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE. DO NOT OPEN IF FOUND; LOCALIZE AND CONTAIN IF SPILLED. PLEASE PHONE THE FOLLOWING:
NAME 1 AFFILIATION TELEPHONE #
NAME 2 AFFILIATION TELEPHONE #
The label must be firmly affixed to the main container, not a removable top.
A complete inventory of all samples to be shipped shall be prepared in duplicate; one copy shall accompany the shipment, the other shall be held at the point of origin.
Shipping
For samples and material packaged according to the above protocols and being shipped under the supervision of a commercial postal service or freight carrier, the shipper shall:
Samples and materials packaged according to the above protocols and being transported under the supervision of a scientific party must be either securely fastened to the vehicle or placed in trays or box frames that are securely fastened. The shipment should be reinventoried and all sample containers accounted for at the destination.