Search Results for keywords:"APHIS"

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 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) 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), 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) 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 proposing to classify Canada as Level I for both bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, based on evaluations they have prepared. This proposal is open for public review and comment until April 26, 2021. The evaluations and additional information are available for public access on the Regulations.gov website or can be viewed at the USDA's reading room in Washington, DC. After considering any comments received, APHIS will announce the final decision regarding Canada's classification in a future notice.

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), 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 updating a records system called the Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance National Information Communication Activity System (SNICAS), which tracks their activities related to stopping illegal trade. This update, effective February 10, 2025, will exempt the system from some parts of the Privacy Act, especially those related to accessing certain records, as these may pertain to law enforcement and investigations. This document details the proposed changes to SNICAS, the rationale behind these exemptions, and confirms that no public comments were received opposing this modification.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has made a final environmental impact statement available to the public, which evaluates response strategies for outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. poultry industry. Three options are considered: no federal help, federal help without extra biosecurity measures, and federal help with biosecurity incentives, with the last being the preferred choice as it likely causes the least environmental harm. The public can review this document until May 19, 2025, after which a final decision will be made. The chosen strategy aims to quickly control the virus, protect public health, and minimize the impact on the environment and economy.