Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Afghanistan, 15750-15751 [E6-4514]

Download as PDF 15750 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices Dated: March 12, 2006. Joan F. Karr, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E6–4551 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Israel SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird-derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). On March 10, 2004, HHS/CDC lifted the embargo of birds and bird products from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) because of the documented publichealth and animal health measures taken by Hong Kong officials to prevent spread of the outbreak within the HKSAR, and the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 cases in Hong Kong’s domestic and wild bird populations. USDA/APHIS took a similar action. On September 28, 2004, HHS/CDC extended the embargo on birds and bird products to include Malaysia because of the documented cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in poultry in Malaysia. On July 20, 2005, USDA/ APHIS adopted as a final rule the interim rule that became effective on February 4, 2004, which amended its regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and unprocessed birds and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. (See 70 FR 41608 [July 20, 2005].) As the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 have confirmed additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), USDA/APHIS has added additional countries to its ban. Because of the documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry, HHS/CDC added the following countries to its embargo: Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine on December 29, 2005; Nigeria on February 8, 2006; India on February 22, 2006; Egypt on February 27, 2006; Niger on March 2, 2006; Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Burma (Myanmar) on March 15, 2006. On March 17, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Israel. At this time, HHS/CDC is adding Israel to its current embargo. This action is effective on March 20, 2006, and will remain in effect until further notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On March 17, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in turkeys in farms in the Beer-Sheva, Ashkelon, and Jerusalem districts, Israel. Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks of disease among birds and among the human population, a significant public health threat. Banning the importation of all avian species from affected countries is an effective means of limiting this threat. HHS/CDC is therefore taking this action to reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of influenza A H5N1 into the United States. Immediate Action Therefore, pursuant to 42 CFR 71.32(b), HHS/CDC is amending the February 4, 2004, order to add Israel to the list of countries subject to the order’s embargo of birds and products derived from birds. All other portions of the February 4, 2004, order, as further amended on March 10, 2004, September 28, 2004, December 29, 2005, February 8, 2006, February 22, 2006, February 27, 2006, March 2, 2006, and March 15, 2006 shall remain in effect until further notice. Dated: March 23, 2006. Julie Louise Gerberding, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [FR Doc. E6–4513 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Afghanistan SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird-derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). On March 10, 2004, HHS/CDC lifted the embargo of birds and bird products from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) because of the documented publichealth and animal health measures taken by Hong Kong officials to prevent spread of the outbreak within the HKSAR, and the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 cases in Hong Kong’s domestic and wild bird populations. USDA/APHIS took a similar action. On September 28, 2004, HHS/CDC extended the embargo on birds and bird products to include Malaysia because of the documented cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in poultry in Malaysia. On July 20, 2005, USDA/ APHIS adopted as a final rule the interim rule that became effective on February 4, 2004, which amended its regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and unprocessed birds and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. (See 70 FR 41608 [July 20, 2005].) As the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have confirmed additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), USDA/APHIS has added additional countries to its ban. Because of the documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry, HHS/CDC added the following countries to its embargo: Kazakhstan, E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1 15751 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine on December 29, 2005; Nigeria on February 8, 2006; India on February 22, 2006; Egypt on February 27, 2006; Niger on March 2, 2006; Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Burma (Myanmar) on March 15, 2006; and Israel on March 20, 2006. On March 15, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Afghanistan. At this time, HHS/CDC is adding Afghanistan to its current embargo. This action is effective on March 21, 2006, and will remain in effect until further notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: March 23, 2006. Julie Louise Gerberding, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [FR Doc. E6–4514 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] Background On March 15, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in chickens and turkeys in five provinces of Afghanistan, including Jalalabad, Kabul, Laghman, Vardak and Kunar. Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks of disease among birds and among the human population, a significant public health threat. Banning the importation of all avian species from affected countries is an effective means of limiting this threat. HHS/CDC is therefore taking this action to reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of influenza A H5N1 into the United States. Proposed Projects Title: Evaluation to Determine the Effectiveness of the Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS). OMB No. New Collection. Description: The PARIS program is a voluntary information exchange system that allows States and other entities (counties or jurisdictions like the District of Columbia) to submit Medical Assistance, Medicaid, Food Stamp, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participant data to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to be matched with Federal and participating States’ databases to detect potential dual participation and improper payments. Launched by ACF in 1997, the PARIS project was developed to provide States with usable data by which they could identify and correct erroneous payments and to promote State partnerships and matching of cross-state data to improve program integrity. There are currently 36 entities participating in the PARIS project (Member States). ACF is encouraging the expansion of PARIS via a grantee program by providing funds to Member States to partner with nonparticipating States to develop the internal organization and mechanisms needed for PARIS participation. An implementation and outcome evaluation of the PARIS program will determine the effectiveness of the program and the Immediate Action Therefore, pursuant to 42 CFR 71.32(b), HHS/CDC is amending the February 4, 2004, order to add Afghanistan to the list of countries subject to the order’s embargo of birds and products derived from birds. All other portions of the February 4, 2004, order, as further amended on March 10, 2004, September 28, 2004, December 29, 2005, February 8, 2006, February 22, 2006, February 27, 2006, March 2, 2006, March 15, 2006, and March 20, 2006, shall remain in effect until further notice. BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request resulting impact on reducing improper payments. Data collected will determine factors affecting program participation, relevant PARIS administrative and implementation information, challenges in implementation, cost of program participation and estimated savings through identified and resolved participant matches. Health Systems Research, an ACF Contractor conducting the research, will send State-level PARIS Administrators surveys regarding the organization and administration of PARIS, processes used for submitting data, and follow-up protocols. Information obtained though key-informant interviews of Medicaid, TANF, and Food Stamp program officials will provide information regarding relationships among the various stakeholders, opinions on effectiveness of PARIS, and the rationale behind decisions. E-mails sent to States will contain cost-accounting forms, providing cost information on program start-up, submission of data, follow-up of potential participant matches, and will then be verified through telephone interviews with program and fiscal administrators. As part of the final PARIS evaluation, a prospective and retrospective analysis is planned. Collections of prospective information from a sample of States that are not yet committed to permanent participation in PARIS and prospective and retrospective information from States already participating in the program are planned. Two current PARIS sites and one nonPARIS grantee site will comprise a pilot of the data collection instruments to ensure evaluation questions are clear and elicit salient responses. Findings from the pilot study will inform the final PARIS evaluation tool development. Respondents: Approximately sixteen States will comprise the sample, with an estimated twelve respondents from each State, county or jurisdiction. ANNUAL BURDEN ESTIMATES Number of respondents hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES Instrument State-Level PARIS Administrator Survey ........................................................ Medicaid, Food Stamp and TANF Program Officials Key-Informant Interviews ............................................................................................................ State Cost-Accounting Forms .......................................................................... Fiscal Administrator Telephone Interviews ...................................................... Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 248. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Average burden hours per response Total burden hours 16 1 1 16 160 16 32 1 1 1 1 1.5 1.5 160 24 48 In compliance with the requirements of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PO 00000 Numer of responses per respondent Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15750-15751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4514]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird 
Products Imported From Afghanistan

SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds 
(Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions 
for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird-
derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these 
countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza 
A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action 
taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    On March 10, 2004, HHS/CDC lifted the embargo of birds and bird 
products from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 
because of the documented public-health and animal health measures 
taken by Hong Kong officials to prevent spread of the outbreak within 
the HKSAR, and the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 
cases in Hong Kong's domestic and wild bird populations. USDA/APHIS 
took a similar action. On September 28, 2004, HHS/CDC extended the 
embargo on birds and bird products to include Malaysia because of the 
documented cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in poultry 
in Malaysia. On July 20, 2005, USDA/APHIS adopted as a final rule the 
interim rule that became effective on February 4, 2004, which amended 
its regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, 
poultry, and unprocessed birds and poultry products from regions that 
have reported the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in 
poultry. (See 70 FR 41608 [July 20, 2005].) As the United Nations Food 
and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal 
Health (OIE) have confirmed additional cases of highly pathogenic avian 
influenza (H5N1), USDA/APHIS has added additional countries to its ban. 
Because of the documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 
in poultry, HHS/CDC added the following countries to its embargo: 
Kazakhstan,

[[Page 15751]]

Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine on December 29, 2005; Nigeria on 
February 8, 2006; India on February 22, 2006; Egypt on February 27, 
2006; Niger on March 2, 2006; Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Burma 
(Myanmar) on March 15, 2006; and Israel on March 20, 2006.
    On March 15, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic 
avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Afghanistan. At this time, HHS/CDC 
is adding Afghanistan to its current embargo. This action is effective 
on March 21, 2006, and will remain in effect until further notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On March 15, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic 
avian influenza H5N1 in chickens and turkeys in five provinces of 
Afghanistan, including Jalalabad, Kabul, Laghman, Vardak and Kunar.
    Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian 
influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks of 
disease among birds and among the human population, a significant 
public health threat. Banning the importation of all avian species from 
affected countries is an effective means of limiting this threat. HHS/
CDC is therefore taking this action to reduce the likelihood of 
introduction or spread of influenza A H5N1 into the United States.

Immediate Action

    Therefore, pursuant to 42 CFR 71.32(b), HHS/CDC is amending the 
February 4, 2004, order to add Afghanistan to the list of countries 
subject to the order's embargo of birds and products derived from 
birds. All other portions of the February 4, 2004, order, as further 
amended on March 10, 2004, September 28, 2004, December 29, 2005, 
February 8, 2006, February 22, 2006, February 27, 2006, March 2, 2006, 
March 15, 2006, and March 20, 2006, shall remain in effect until 
further notice.

    Dated: March 23, 2006.
Julie Louise Gerberding,
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.
 [FR Doc. E6-4514 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

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