Search Results for agency_names:"Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has prepared an environmental assessment on releasing two insects, Bikasha collaris and Gadirtha fusca, to control the invasive Chinese tallow tree in the United States. This assessment suggests that the release of these insects is unlikely to harm the human environment. The public can review and comment on this assessment by February 22, 2021. The purpose is to use these insects as a biological control method to address the spread of the Chinese tallow tree, which has become a significant invasive species in several states.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new user fee rates for veterinary services related to imports and exports of live animals and animal products. These changes aim to ensure the fees cover the actual costs of providing services, as the program relies solely on these fees due to a lack of direct funding. Although some commenters supported the fee increases, many expressed concerns about the financial impact on businesses, customer service issues, and the abrupt nature of the changes. APHIS responded by emphasizing the necessity of the fee adjustment to maintain service availability and program solvency, while also committing to transparency regarding cost data and acknowledging stakeholder feedback.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating its rules on indemnity payments for losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry. New requirements mandate that premises either at risk or affected by HPAI must undergo biosecurity audits to receive indemnity payments. These audits will verify that proper safety measures to prevent disease spread are in place and maintained. Virtual audits will generally suffice for buffer zones, while previously affected premises need in-person audits, unless there are exceptions.

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.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comments on a proposed new information collection related to testing and reporting SARS-CoV-2 in animals. This initiative aims to gather data from laboratories and state animal health officials to monitor the emergence and spread of the virus in animals. The feedback from the public will help APHIS assess the necessity, utility, and efficiency of this information collection process and its impact, ensuring compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are due by March 5, 2021, and all submitted comments will become a public record.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking to revise and extend the approval of an information collection related to certifying laboratories that conduct aquatic animal testing for export activities. This process, while not currently regulated by APHIS, is essential for ensuring that U.S. exports meet the import health requirements of other countries. APHIS is inviting public comments on the necessity, practicality, and burden of this information collection process. The document describes the activities involved, estimates the public burden of these requirements, and outlines how often these procedures occur.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is planning to revise and extend an information collection related to equine infectious anemia (EIA). This notice seeks public comments on the necessity, practical utility, and burden of this information collection, which involves activities such as lab approval, disease investigation, and safe movement of horses with EIA. The aim is to ensure accurate testing and protection of animal health. Feedback will be taken until April 13, 2021, and will contribute to a request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the continued use of these activities.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is informing the public about the international standard-setting activities concerning animal and plant health. These activities involve the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO). APHIS invites public comments on these activities, which are critical for managing global trade in animals, animal products, plants, and plant products by setting standards to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The agency provides opportunities for stakeholders to participate in discussions and contribute to the development and implementation of these international standards.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has added Guatemala and Honduras to its list of regions affected by screwworm as of late 2024. This decision follows reports of screwworm outbreaks in livestock, including cattle and swine, in these countries. As a result, strict import restrictions on horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs from Guatemala and Honduras will be enforced to prevent the spread of screwworm into the United States. These measures are part of APHIS's efforts to protect U.S. livestock from communicable diseases.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reopened the comment period for their draft programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) concerning the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry. This EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of three different action plans. The public now has until January 17, 2025, to submit their comments. This extension provides additional time for interested individuals to review and contribute their feedback.