The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has released a draft policy statement related to brucella research for public review and comment. This statement provides guidance for creating biosafety plans for outdoor animal studies involving swine, elk, bison, and cattle, in line with current select agent regulations. The policy aims to aid research efforts to better understand and address brucellosis, a disease affecting livestock and potentially humans, by allowing for the development of diagnostics and vaccines. Comments on the draft policy are welcome until February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through various methods including a dedicated online portal.
Simple Explanation
The government is asking people to check a new rule that helps farmers and scientists study animals like pigs and cows safely. They're making sure the animals don't spread a bad sickness called brucellosis, and they're letting people say what they think about this plan until February 16, 2021.