Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Addition of Black Stem Rust-Resistant Barberry Plant Varieties to Regulated Articles List
We are adding 33 varieties to the list of black stem rust- resistant barberry species and varieties. This change will allow for the interstate movement of these newly developed varieties without unnecessary restrictions.
Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Rosemary and Tarragon From Ethiopia Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh leaves and stems of rosemary and fresh leaves and stems of tarragon from Ethiopia into the continental United States. Based on findings of pest risk analyses, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of rosemary and tarragon from Ethiopia.
International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting Activities
In accordance with section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and legislation implementing the results of the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, we are informing the public of the international standard- setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting public comment on these standard-setting activities.
Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Emergency Response for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United States Migratory Bird Flyways
We are advising the public that we have prepared a final supplemental environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) relative to our emergency response activities for highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations located in the four migratory bird flyways in the United States. This final supplemental EA supplements the initial EA and FONSI we published in September 2022, which evaluated the environmental impacts associated with the first seven States where highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks occurred. Based on our FONSI, we have determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for the proposed action as described in this final supplemental EA.
Notice of Request for Reinstatement of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Poultry 2025 Small Enterprise Study
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request the reinstatement of an information collection associated with conducting the National Animal Health Monitoring System's small enterprise poultry study in 2025.
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List
In accordance with Title II, Subtitle B of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (which is cited as the "Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002" and referred to as the Act), we are amending and republishing the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. The Act requires the biennial review and republication of the list of select agents and toxins (the list) and the revision of the list as necessary. This action implements the findings from the biennial review of the list. The biennial review was initiated within 2 years of the completion of the previous biennial review. This final rule will focus solely on removing from the select agent list the following pathogens: Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Peronosclerospora sacchari) (Plant Protection and Quarantine select agent), African horse sickness virus (Veterinary Services select agent), and Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, and Brucella melitensis (overlap select agents).
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Study of Human Behavior and Attitudes Linked to Human-Deer Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an approval of a new information collection associated with a study to understand human behavior and attitudes linked to human-deer transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Deregulation of Light Brown Apple Moth for the Importation of Fruit From New Zealand Into the United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a commodity import evaluation document (CIED) relative to deregulating light brown apple moth (LBAM) requirements for fruit imported from New Zealand into the United States. Currently, fruit imported from New Zealand into the United States must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the fruit is free of LBAM. Based on the findings of the CIED, we are proposing to remove the requirement for the additional declaration. Accordingly, we propose to revise the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database regarding LBAM requirements for fruit imported from New Zealand into the United States. These proposed changes would harmonize our domestic and import requirements. We are making the CIED available to the public for review and comment.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a public notice of its intent to rescind an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Privacy Act system of records notice, Animal Damage Control Non-Federal Personnel Records, USDA/APHIS-7. This system of records notice is rescinded because it has been superseded by another system of records notice published by the Department.
Veterinary Services User Fees; Correction
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is correcting a notice that published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2024. The notice announced proposed adjusted user fee rates for the costs of providing certain goods and services, including veterinary diagnostic goods and services and veterinary services for imports and exports of live animals and animal products. The notice erroneously omitted a proposed adjusted fee in one of the tables provided. This document updates that table.
Movement of Organisms Modified or Produced Through Genetic Engineering; Notice of Additional Modifications Exempt Plants Can Contain
We are adding modifications a plant may contain and qualify for exemption from regulations governing movement of organisms modified or produced using genetic engineering because the modifications are achievable through conventional breeding. An earlier notice proposed five types of modifications. Based on a review of public comments, we have been able to streamline and simplify our description of these modifications and are now finalizing two additional modifications a plant can contain and qualify for exemption. This action updates and clarifies the types of modifications that can be made to plants that qualify for exemption to reflect advances in science and technology, and what is achievable through conventional breeding methods to facilitate the application of biotechnology for the development of new crops.
Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Hass Avocado From Guatemala Into the United States
We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh Hass avocado (Persea americana var. Hass) fruit from Guatemala into the United States. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit from Guatemala.
Veterinary Services User Fees
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its proposed adjusted user fee rates for the costs of providing certain goods and services, including veterinary diagnostic goods and services and veterinary services for imports and exports of live animals and animal products. This includes the basis for any proposed adjusted fee change. This action is necessary because the regulations provide that APHIS will issue such a notice. This action would ensure that the fees charged more closely align with the costs of providing the goods or services.
Importation of Phalaenopsis Spp. Orchid Plants for Planting in Approved Growing Media From Germany and the Netherlands Into the United States
We are proposing to authorize the importation of Phalaenopsis spp. orchid plants from Germany and the Netherlands in approved growing media into the United States. As a condition of entry, Phalaenopsis spp. orchid plants in approved growing media from Germany and the Netherlands would have to meet all relevant requirements included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plants for Planting Manual and detailed in a bilateral workplan. This proposed action would allow for the importation of Phalaenopsis spp. orchid plants for planting from Germany and the Netherlands in approved growing media while providing protection against the introduction of plant pests.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing a public notice of its intent to rescind an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Privacy Act system of records notice, Brucellosis Information System and Brucellosis Recording and Reporting System, USDA/APHIS-6. This system was created to maintain information on herds and individual animals tested, studied, or restricted under the brucellosis program; epidemiologic studies; State and Federal personnel; contractual personnel; livestock markets; slaughtering establishments; milk processing plants; livestock dealers (including agents and brokers); and laboratories engaged in or affected by brucellosis program activities. This system of records notice is rescinded because it has been superseded by another system of records published by the Department.
Importation of Fresh Soursop Fruit (Annona muricata) From Mexico Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh soursop fruit (Annona muricata), also known as guanabana, from Mexico into the continental United States. Based on findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh soursop fruit from Mexico.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, the Department) is issuing a public notice of its intent to rescind an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Privacy Act system of records notice, National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), USDA/APHIS-5. This system of records notice is rescinded because it has been incorporated into another system of records notice published by the Department.
Importation of Acer spp. (Acer buergerianum, A. palmatum, and A. pseudosieboldianum) Dwarf Plants From the Republic of Korea Into the Continental United States
We are notifying the public that we are removing three Acer spp. (Acer buergerianum, A. palmatum, and A. pseudosieboldianum) dwarf plants from the Republic of Korea from our lists of taxa of plants for planting whose importation into the United States is not authorized pending pest risk analysis, thereby allowing the importation of such Acer spp. into the continental United States, subject to certain conditions. We are taking this action in response to a request from this country and after determining that the plants can be imported, under certain conditions, without resulting in the introduction into, or the dissemination within, the United States of a plant pest.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; A Survey of Livestock Producer Perceptions of Predators and Predator Damage Management Methods
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request approval of a new information collection associated with a study to understand livestock producers' perceptions of predator damage management methods and their willingness to continue using such methods.
Web Links for Plant Commodity Import Requirements
We are revising the phytosanitary treatment and quarantine import regulations to reflect our relocation of import and treatment requirements for agricultural commodities to the Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements online database. This change will ensure that the regulations provide the latest web links for accessing current import and treatment requirements for all agricultural commodities.
Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Table Beet Root for Consumption From the United Kingdom Into the Continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh table beet root (Beta vulgaris L.) for consumption from the United Kingdom into the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Based on findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh table beet root from the United Kingdom.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Self-Certification Medical Statement
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the regulations permitting applicants to self-certify certain medical statements when applying for positions with the Federal Government.
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Release of Bagous nodulosus for Biological Control of Flowering Rush in the Continental United States
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to permitting the release of the insect, Bagous nodulosus, for the biological control of flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) in the continental United States. Based on the environmental assessment and other relevant data, we have reached a preliminary determination that the release of this control agent within the continental United States will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee; Meeting
We are giving notice that the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee will be holding a public meeting.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Testing, Surveillance, and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Livestock; Dairy Herd Certification
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with testing, surveillance, and reporting of the incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle, and certification of dairy cattle herds as a result of testing.
Addition of Bangladesh, Montenegro, and Albania to the List of Regions Affected by African Swine Fever
We are advising the public that we have added Bangladesh, Montenegro, and Albania to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) list maintained on the APHIS website of regions considered to be affected by African swine fever (ASF). We have taken this action because of the confirmation of ASF in these countries.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Prohibition on Importation of Farm Equipment
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a revision to and extension of approval of an information collection associated with the importation of used farm equipment into the United States from regions affected with foot-and- mouth disease.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation; Contact Page
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request approval of a new information collection associated with the use of the contact page of the Unified website for Biotechnology Regulation to collect certain information from visitors to the website.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS') intention to request approval of a new information collection associated with the National Animal Health Monitoring System's (NAHMS') data security requirements when providing access to confidential data. NAHMS' data security agreements and other paperwork along with the corresponding security protocols allow NAHMS to maintain careful controls on confidentiality and privacy, as required by law.
User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services; Correction
This document corrects a typographical error in the final rule entitled "User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services," which was published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024, and has an effective date of October 1, 2024.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories
We are advising the public that a draft programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to our response activities to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations located throughout the United States, including the U.S. territories. The draft EIS analyzes and compares the potential environmental effects of using three action alternatives during an HPAI outbreak. We are making this draft programmatic EIS available to the public for review and comment.
Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Release of Lophodiplosis indentata for Biological Control of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in the Contiguous United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact relative to permitting the release of the insect Lophodiplosis indentata for the biological control of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in the contiguous United States. Based on our finding of no significant impact, we have determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.
Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Cape Gooseberry Fruit From Peru Into the United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation of fresh cape gooseberry fruit from Peru into the United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh cape gooseberry fruit from Peru. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.
Notice of Availability of an Evaluation of the Classical Swine Fever Disease Status of Costa Rica
We are advising the public that we are proposing to recognize Costa Rica as being free of classical swine fever. This proposed recognition is based on a risk evaluation we have prepared in connection with this action, which we are making available for review and comment.
Importation of Grapes From Chile Into the United States
We are advising the public of our decision to revise the requirements relative to the importation into the United States of fresh table grapes from regions of Chile where European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana, EGVM) is either absent or at very low prevalence. Based on the findings of a commodity import evaluation document, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that, in addition to the existing option of methyl bromide fumigation for EGVM and Chilean false red mite (Brevipalpus chilensis), grapes from Chile may be safely imported under a systems approach or irradiation for EGVM and B. chilensis. Current mitigation measures for Ceratitis capitata, or Medfly, will remain unchanged.
Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Leaves and Stems of Fresh Sage for Consumption From Ethiopia Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage from Ethiopia into the continental United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage from Ethiopia. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Veterinary Services Laboratories Request Forms
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a revision to and extension of approval of an information collection associated with its efforts to safeguard the health of U.S. livestock and poultry populations by the use of National Veterinary Services Laboratories request forms.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 and Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-108, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives notice that a component agency, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), proposes to modify an existing system of records notice titled Wildlife Services Management Information System, USDA/APHIS-9. Among other changes, the system will be renamed Wildlife Services Information Management System, USDA/APHIS- 9. Wildlife Services Information Management System serves as the official record of Wildlife Services' work in wildlife damage management activities related to agriculture, human health and safety, natural resources, and human property.
Exploring Pathways to Commercialization for Modified Microbes
We are notifying the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is soliciting the public to respond to this Request for Information (RFI) as part of our stakeholder engagement to explore pathways to commercialization for modified microbes subject to APHIS jurisdiction, consistent with the APHIS regulations for the movement of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering. In response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy's (OSTP's) RFI "Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology" issued in December 2022 pursuant to Executive Order 14081, multiple commenters expressed a need for clear regulatory pathways to commercialization for modified microbes. Therefore, we are requesting comments from the public regarding pathways to commercialization, including needs, ideas, and concerns, regarding possible APHIS risk- based deregulation of modified microbes and other potential regulatory and non-regulatory pathways to commercialization. The information provided will help to identify potential criteria and mechanisms for risk-based deregulation, develop a regulatory framework that could inform future rulemaking, and identify potential non-regulatory solutions.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; On-Farm Monitoring of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in U.S. Broiler Production Study
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection for continuing the On-Farm Monitoring of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in U.S. Broiler Production Study.
Domestic Quarantine: Quarantined Areas and Regulated Articles
We are advising the public of the changes made to our lists of domestic quarantined areas in the past year. These changes may be viewed on the relevant plant pest programs' websites.
Importation of Fresh Ginseng Roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) From the Republic of Korea Into the United States
We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) from the Republic of Korea into the United States. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh ginseng roots from the Republic of Korea.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; APHIS National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training and Exercise Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS') intention to request approval of a new information collection associated with the APHIS National Incident Management System Training and Exercise Program that provides Federal Emergency Management Agency- related training to respondents responding to plant, pest, and animal disease outbreaks.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening the comment period for our notice that proposes to modify an existing system of records titled, APHIS Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring System, USDA/APHIS-15, which will be renamed Animal Health, Disease, and Pest Surveillance and Management System, USDA/APHIS-15. This system is used by APHIS to collect, manage, and evaluate animal health data for disease and pest control and surveillance programs. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Swine Vesicular Disease Status of the Regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy
We are advising the public that we are recognizing the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy as being free of swine vesicular disease. This recognition is based on a risk evaluation we prepared in connection with this action and made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice. As a result of this action, live swine, pork, and pork products may safely be imported into the United States from the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy subject to conditions in the regulations. This notice also announces the availability of our final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact.
Decision To Recognize Freedom From Citrus Longhorned Beetle and Asian Longhorned Beetle in Certain Countries
We are notifying the public that we are updating the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plants for Planting Manual by recognizing the United Kingdom and 21 European Union Member States as being free from citrus longhorned beetle (CLB) and Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) and removing them from the list of countries where CLB and ALB are present. We are also changing the entry conditions in the manual for imports of certain host plant taxa of CLB and ALB from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom because they have previously approved genera exempted from the category of plants Not Authorized Pending Pest Risk Analysis. These changes will relieve certain restrictions on imports of host plants of CLB and ALB into the United States from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom while continuing to mitigate the risk of introducing quarantine pests into the United States.
National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions
We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). These amendments would, among other things, condition indemnity for low pathogenicity avian influenza on adherence to biosecurity plans, clarify existing provisions of the regulations, fix editorial errors, and align the regulations more closely with current producer practices. These proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the NPIP's 2022 National Plan Conference.
Horse Protection Amendments; Correction
This document corrects errors in amendatory instructions in the final rule entitled "Horse Protection Amendments," which was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 2024.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Control and Eradication of African Swine Fever; Conditions for Payment of Indemnity Claims
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the payment of indemnity claims related to African swine fever.
Implementation of Revised Lacey Act Provisions
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended the Lacey Act to provide, in part, that importers submit a declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant products. Enforcement of the declaration requirement began on April 1, 2009, and products requiring a declaration are being phased-in. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of another phase of the Federal Government's enforcement schedule.
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