FR 2021-02903

The document from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, discusses the proposed revision and extension of an existing information collection process concerning equine infectious anemia (EIA). This disease affects horses and can be fatal, and there is currently no treatment or vaccine available. APHIS is tasked with overseeing regulations that involve laboratory approvals for EIA testing and managing the interstate movement of horses diagnosed with the disease. This notice invites the public's comments on this information collection and aims to renew approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for another three years.

General Summary

The primary goal of this document is to maintain and potentially improve the testing and management strategies surrounding EIA in horses. It involves procedures for approving laboratories and requires consistent documentation and reporting from these labs, especially concerning positive test results. The agency seeks feedback from the public regarding the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection, allowing comment submissions until April 13, 2021.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One significant concern is the lack of specific cost information or budget details related to the implementation of this information collection process. This omission could obscure the financial implications for both the agency and those required to comply with these regulations, leaving room for potential inefficiencies or wasteful spending.

Moreover, the document does not provide detailed explanations of the specific requirements for laboratory applications or director's agreements. This vagueness could lead to inconsistencies in how laboratories meet these requirements, potentially risking the reliability of test results.

The burden estimates presented could be scrutinized, as the document lacks an explanation of how these figures were calculated, including any assumptions that may have been made. This absence makes it challenging to assess whether these estimates accurately reflect the demands placed on respondents.

The document's language is also pointedly technical, which might hinder understanding among non-specialists. Clearer articulation could enhance engagement and understanding from a broader audience.

Finally, there is no clear indication of how the impacts and effectiveness of these regulatory measures will be evaluated or monitored over time. This raises questions about ongoing accountability and the long-term success of initiatives to control and manage EIA.

Impact on the Public

The document's information collection process contributes to the broader goal of safeguarding animal health, which indirectly benefits the public by helping to maintain healthy livestock industries. By ensuring accurate testing and regulating the movement of EIA-positive horses, APHIS aims to minimize the risk of spreading this disease, thereby protecting equine populations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

This notice significantly affects stakeholders such as horse producers, veterinarians, and approved EIA laboratory directors. These groups will be primarily responsible for complying with tasked data collection and testing strategies, which could involve additional administrative work and costs.

While the renewal of these activities seeks to stabilize and possibly improve disease management strategies, stakeholders may face challenges related to administrative burden and resource allocation, especially if the actual requirements and processes remain ambiguously defined. However, by providing a structured response framework and clearly defined expectations, APHIS could potentially enhance the effectiveness and reliability of EIA testing, thereby benefiting both animal health and the agricultural industry as a whole.