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

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has decided to allow the importation of fresh rosemary and tarragon leaves and stems from Ethiopia into the continental United States. This decision follows a review of pest risk analyses, which showed that specific phytosanitary measures will effectively reduce the risk of spreading plant pests and noxious weeds. The importation is set to begin on December 20, 2024, and will adhere to the measures specified in the USDA APHIS Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has officially listed Panama and Costa Rica as regions affected by screwworm, due to confirmed cases in these countries. Effective July 12, 2021, for Panama and August 21, 2023, for Costa Rica, animals like horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs from these regions must meet specific import requirements before entering the United States. These include inspections and potential treatments to prevent screwworm from spreading. This action is based on reports from international veterinary authorities and aims to protect U.S. livestock and pets from the disease.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA proposes to classify the State of Sonora, Mexico, as Level 1 for brucellosis. This proposal is based on their evaluation of Sonora for bovine brucellosis classification. APHIS is seeking public comments on this proposal until April 26, 2021, and the evaluation and related documents can be accessed online or in their reading room. After the comment period ends, APHIS will announce their final decision regarding the classification.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a delay in the implementation of a set of record exemptions related to the Privacy Act. Originally set to be effective from January 10, 2025, these exemptions will now be postponed until April 11, 2025, following a regulatory freeze directive from the President. The records pertain to the Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance National Information Communication Activity System (SNICAS), which tracks activities to prevent illegal importation of commodities. The delay allows APHIS to further review the exemptions, which restrict public access to certain law enforcement records.

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 of the USDA is reopening the comment period for a proposed rule regarding the US Swine Health Improvement Plan. This program aims to enhance biosecurity, traceability, and disease monitoring in swine health. The comment period will now extend until March 31, 2025, giving people more time to share their thoughts on the proposal. Individuals can submit their comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by postal mail.

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) is modifying a records system called the APHIS Veterinary Services User Fee System to be renamed as the APHIS User Fee System. This system helps track and process fees for services APHIS provides, such as inspections, through a user fee collection method. The modifications will include updating system management details, expanding covered categories, and enhancing security measures. Individuals affected by these changes must submit comments by May 12, 2025.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA plans to reinstate an information collection for the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Equine 2026 Study as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. This study aims to collect data on equine health, biosecurity, veterinary services, at-risk equids, and emergency preparedness. The study will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I focusing on interviews with equine owners and Phase II involving equine events across 30 states. The agency is seeking public comments on the necessity and burden of this information collection.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that a type of cotton, known as MON 88702 and developed by Monsanto, is no longer considered a regulated organism because it is genetically engineered to resist insects and is unlikely to pose a risk as a plant pest. This decision followed an analysis of Monsanto's data, public comments, and APHIS's environmental assessments. Supporting documents and assessments were reviewed, and after considering several public comment periods, APHIS concluded that the cotton does not present significant environmental impacts. As a result, MON 88702 cotton will not be subject to certain regulatory restrictions.