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

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is planning to release an insect called Lilioceris egena to help control the invasive air potato plant, Dioscorea bulbifera, across the continental United States. After studying the potential environmental impact, APHIS believes that releasing this insect won't cause significant harm to the environment. They have prepared an environmental assessment (EA) document detailing their findings and are inviting the public to review and comment on this EA by February 8, 2021. This effort aims to manage the spread of air potato, which threatens native vegetation in several states, including Florida, where it's already widespread.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working on an environmental impact statement (EIS) to explore different approaches to managing predator damage in Oregon. They are seeking public comments to help outline various alternatives, environmental issues, and other concerns to be considered in the EIS. This effort includes cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and aims to replace existing environmental assessments with a more comprehensive analysis. The public is encouraged to submit comments and scientific data by February 22, 2021.

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) 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 (APHIS) has delayed the effective date of specific amendments to the horse protection regulations from April 2, 2025, to February 1, 2026. The delay allows APHIS and the industry to adapt to changes following a court decision that invalidated certain provisions of the 2024 Horse Protection final rule. The delay also provides time for retraining designated inspectors, called Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs), and for the industry to adjust to expanded reporting requirements. APHIS is seeking public comments on whether this delay should be extended further.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture is amending the list of biological agents and toxins under the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. This change involves removing pathogens like Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, Brucella melitensis, Peronosclerospora philippinensis, and African horse sickness virus from the list of select agents. These changes are due to the evaluation that these agents are unlikely to serve as bioterrorism threats and are expected to reduce costs and enhance research opportunities, benefiting producers and research institutions.

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.

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) has added Nicaragua to its list of regions affected by screwworm, a pest that can harm animals. This action was taken after screwworm was confirmed in Nicaragua in March 2024. As a result, animals such as horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs coming from Nicaragua must comply with specific import restrictions to prevent the pest from entering the United States. These measures include inspection and treatment requirements detailed in federal regulations.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing a pest risk analysis regarding the importation of fresh wasabi rhizomes from Indonesia into the United States. This analysis identifies potential plant pests and outlines phytosanitary measures to mitigate risk. Public feedback on this assessment is welcome until March 17, 2025. If feedback does not alter the current conclusions, APHIS will permit the import subject to specified requirements.