Proposed Rule2021-25613
Import Regulations for Horses
Primary source
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Published
November 29, 2021
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Abstract
We are proposing to amend the regulations for the importation of equines. These changes include increasing the number of days horses exported from regions free from contagious equine metritis (CEM) are allowed to spend in a CEM-affected region and re-enter the United States without testing from 60 days to 90 days; requiring an import permit for horses transiting through CEM-affected regions; adding requirements for health certifications to ensure health certifications properly attest to the health of the imported horse; removing the requirement that horses permanently imported from Canada undergo inspection at the port of entry; requiring that horses transiting Central America or the West Indies comply with the same regulations that apply to horses directly imported from these regions; and adding requirements for shipping containers used in transporting horses. We are also proposing a number of miscellaneous changes to the regulations such as clarifications of existing policy or intent, and corrections of inconsistencies or outdated information. Many of these proposed changes would better align our regulations with international standards and allow us and the equine industry more flexibility. The proposed changes would also add further safeguards that protect against introducing or disseminating pests or diseases of livestock into the United States.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 226 (Monday, November 29, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 226 (Monday, November 29, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67661-67669]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25613]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 226 / Monday, November 29, 2021 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 67661]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
9 CFR Part 93
[Docket No. APHIS-2016-0033]
RIN 0579-AE62
Import Regulations for Horses
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the regulations for the importation
of equines. These changes include increasing the number of days horses
exported from regions free from contagious equine metritis (CEM) are
allowed to spend in a CEM-affected region and re-enter the United
States without testing from 60 days to 90 days; requiring an import
permit for horses transiting through CEM-affected regions; adding
requirements for health certifications to ensure health certifications
properly attest to the health of the imported horse; removing the
requirement that horses permanently imported from Canada undergo
inspection at the port of entry; requiring that horses transiting
Central America or the West Indies comply with the same regulations
that apply to horses directly imported from these regions; and adding
requirements for shipping containers used in transporting horses. We
are also proposing a number of miscellaneous changes to the regulations
such as clarifications of existing policy or intent, and corrections of
inconsistencies or outdated information. Many of these proposed changes
would better align our regulations with international standards and
allow us and the equine industry more flexibility. The proposed changes
would also add further safeguards that protect against introducing or
disseminating pests or diseases of livestock into the United States.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before
January 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.
Enter APHIS-2016-0033 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab,
then select the Comment button in the list of documents.
<bullet> Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to
Docket No. APHIS-2016-0033, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD,
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may
be viewed at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> or in our reading room, which is
located in Room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure
someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Iwona Popkowski, VS Strategy and
Policy, Live Animal Imports, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 39,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-3300.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA, 7 U.S.C. 8301 et
seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture may prohibit or restrict the
importation or entry of any animal, article, or means of conveyance if
the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is
necessary to prevent the introduction into or dissemination within the
United States of any pest or disease of livestock. The AHPA also
authorizes the Secretary to prohibit or restrict the use of any means
of conveyance in connection with the importation or entry of livestock
if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is
necessary because the means of conveyance has not been maintained in a
clean and sanitary condition or does not have accommodations for the
safe and proper movement of livestock.
The regulations in 9 CFR part 93 (referred to below as the
regulations) prohibit or restrict the importation of certain animals,
including horses, as well as their means of conveyance, pursuant to the
AHPA. We are proposing a number of changes to the horse import
regulations to better align them with international standards and
improve flexibility for both the equine industry and the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Contagious Equine Metritis
In Sec. 93.301, paragraph (e)(3) contains the requirements for
testing and treatment of stallions, and paragraph (e)(5) the testing
and treatment requirements for mares, that are imported from regions
where contagious equine metritis (CEM) exists after the stallions or
mares have entered quarantine in an approved State. Both paragraphs
specify the specimens that must be taken for testing; however, while
paragraph (e)(5) requires that the samples from mares be collected by
an accredited veterinarian, paragraph (e)(3) does not require that
samples from stallions be collected by an accredited veterinarian. To
correct this inconsistency, we are proposing to amend paragraph
(e)(3)(i) to require that the samples from stallions be collected by an
accredited veterinarian.
Paragraph (e)(3)(i)(B) describes CEM testing procedures for mares
to which stallions are test bred and includes the numbers of days after
breeding certain procedures should occur. In order to facilitate
accurate counting and eliminate confusion about whether the first day
should be considered the day of breeding or the day after breeding, we
are proposing to add language clarifying that the day after the date of
breeding should be considered the first day.
Paragraph (e)(4) contains requirements for mares used to test
stallions for CEM. Currently, the regulations state that test mares
used for such testing must be marked with the letter ``T.'' To allow
for greater flexibility, we are proposing to add the phrase ``or other
permanent identification approved by APHIS'' to this requirement.
Importers interested in using other means of permanent identification
would be able to contact APHIS Live Animal Imports by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#491f1a670a0c04670d081d08093c3a2d28672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f797c016c6a62016b6e7b6e6f5a5c4b4e01484059">[email protected]</span></a> to seek approval.
Paragraph (g) contains special provisions for the importation of
horses that have been temporarily exported to a region where CEM
exists. Currently,
[[Page 67662]]
horses exported from the United States or another region not known to
be CEM-affected are allowed to spend up to 60 days in a CEM-affected
region and be re-imported into the United States without having to
undergo CEM testing, provided certain conditions are met. The
conditions include that the horse be accompanied by a certificate that
meets the requirements in Sec. 93.314(a) of the regulations issued by
each CEM-affected region that the horse has visited during the term of
its temporary exportation. The certificate must include additional
declarations stating, among other things, that the horse was held
separate and apart from all other horses except for the time it was
actually participating in an event and that the horse was not bred
while in the CEM-affected region. We are proposing to amend the
regulations to extend the temporary export period to 90 days, while
maintaining the same separation and documentation requirements.
We are making this change after the equine industry asked APHIS to
consider increasing the temporary export period to 90 days to better
align our regulations with typical competition cycles. Competition
horses move frequently between the United States, Canada, and CEM-
affected regions within European Union Member States, and the
competition cycle is often more than 60, but no more than 90, days.
APHIS has concluded that the risk of horses introducing CEM to the
United States would continue to be minimal if the temporary export
period was increased to 90 days. The most significant safeguards
against these horses introducing CEM into the United States are the
attestations required by the health certificate in the current
regulations, rather than the amount of time the horses may spend in a
CEM-affected region. Horses temporarily exported to a CEM-affected
region must be accompanied by endorsed health certificates from the
CEM-affected region(s) attesting that the returning horses were never
used for breeding; were held separately from other horses while not in
competition or training; and, have never undergone a genital
examination which could have exposed these returning horses to CEM.
Because CEM is spread through genital contact, we consider these
attestations to be effective mitigations against the introduction of
CEM.
We would also make minor editorial changes to paragraph (g) by
adding clarifying language and changing the syntax to better explain to
which horses the paragraph applies. We are also correcting a reference
in paragraph (g)(4) that incorrectly referred to paragraphs (a) through
(c) but should have instead pointed to paragraphs (g)(1) through (3).
Paragraph (h) lists conditions that a State must meet in order to
be approved to receive stallions or mares over 731 days of age from a
CEM-affected region. We are proposing to add a new paragraph (h)(4) to
this list of conditions that a State must agree to provide oversight
during the test breeding of quarantined stallions. Oversight is
necessary in order to ensure that this process is carried out correctly
and completely. This change comes at the request of numerous States
that have recognized this need but have had difficulty implementing and
enforcing this requirement because it was not listed in the
regulations. By adding a new paragraph (h)(4), we would redesignate
current paragraphs (h)(4) through (7) as paragraphs (h)(5) through (8),
respectively. We are also proposing to fix broken internet addresses in
newly designated paragraphs (h)(7) and (8) that link to the lists of
States approved by APHIS to receive such stallions or mares, as well as
correct the mailing address where these lists may alternatively be
obtained to reflect current organizational structure.
Import Permits
In Sec. 93.304, paragraph (a) contains provisions governing
imports for which a permit is required. Currently, only horses from
regions that APHIS considers to be affected with CEM, horses intended
for quarantine at a privately owned quarantine facility, and horse test
specimens for diagnostic screening purposes are required to submit an
application for an import permit. Because horses transiting through
regions affected with CEM present risks similar to those presented by
horses imported directly from these regions, we are proposing to add
horses transiting CEM-affected regions listed in Sec. 93.301(c)(1) en
route to the United States to Sec. 93.304(a)(1)(i). Horses transiting
through regions APHIS considers to be affected with CEM would be
required to apply for an import permit and fulfil all other conditions
listed in Sec. 93.304(a) that are currently only required of horses
imported directly from these regions.
Paragraph (a)(1)(i) also currently states that additional
information may be required during the import permit application
process, which may come ``in the form of certificates concerning
specific diseases to which the horses are susceptible, as well as
vaccinations or other precautionary treatments to which the horses or
horse test specimens have been subjected.'' We are proposing to add the
phrase ``or other attestation regarding the health of the animals'' to
this sentence in order to further clarify the nature of the information
that APHIS may require. Such additional attestation may include
requiring certain subsets of horses to provide certification that the
horses have not been exposed to other pests or diseases beyond the
diseases already addressed in the health certificate, if necessary.
We are also proposing to clarify that the provisions of this
section apply to horses intended for quarantine at Federal quarantine
facilities as well, in order to reflect current practices more
accurately. On October 28, 2020, APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) issued
an import notice,\1\ a type of order issued pursuant to the AHPA,
regarding import permits for horses from CEM-affected regions. That
notice addressed a prior inconsistency in enforcing the import permit
requirements for certain horses who enter Federal quarantine facilities
and acknowledged that this inconsistency caused confusion and
difficulties for both port personnel and importers. The notice
clarified that, beginning January 1, 2021, all horses from CEM-affected
regions must be accompanied by an import permit, regardless of where
import quarantine is completed. This proposed clarification seeks to
codify the import notice and add this same clarification to the
regulations.
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\1\ To view the import notice, go to: <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/equine/import-permits-equine-cem-regions.pdf">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/equine/import-permits-equine-cem-regions.pdf</a>.
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Health Certification
Section 93.314 of the regulations outlines specific health
certification requirements for horses offered for importation into the
United States. We are proposing to clarify current health certification
regulations to increase compliance. This includes requiring that
certifications are prepared and issued directly from the national
government of the region of origin or annotated by the national
government of the region of origin to indicate how the documentation
may be verified; requiring that origin and destination addresses are
listed on the certificate; and requiring identifying information
regarding the horse or horse test specimens, importer, and exporter are
listed on the health certificate. These proposed changes would help
APHIS confirm the legitimacy of the required documentation, as well as
align information presented on the health certificate with what is
currently required for other accompanying documents, such as the
declaration of importation and the import permit.
[[Page 67663]]
We are also proposing to require that, if applicable, health
certificates confirm that the horse has not been castrated during the
14 days preceding exportation. Horses that have been so recently
castrated are at an increased risk of infection and transporting them
during this window risks compromising both their own health and the
health of other horses. We would also require that castrated horses be
accompanied by a certificate of castration.
Additionally, we are proposing to require that horses be
accompanied by documentation stating that a pre-export examination
occurred within 48 hours of the horse's export in order to further
ensure that horses imported into the United States are free of pests
and diseases of livestock and fit to travel at the time of export.
We are also proposing two minor edits to align this section with
other sections regarding horses in special circumstances.
Paragraph (a)(1) requires health certificates to state that horses
have been in the said region for the 60 days preceding exportation. In
light of the change proposed to Sec. 93.301(g), allowing horses to be
temporarily exported to CEM-affected countries for 90 days, we are
proposing to add to this paragraph that, for horses described in Sec.
93.301(g), this attestation applies for the duration of the horses'
temporary exportation to each CEM-affected region. This is necessary to
ensure that health certificates for these horses continue to include
accurate information regarding their whereabouts for the entire
duration of their temporary exportation.
We would also clarify that paragraph (a)(7)(i), which requires
health certificates to state that horses have not been in any region
affected with CEM during the 12 months immediately prior to export,
does not apply to horses described in Sec. 93.301(f), which are horses
from regions affected with CEM that are temporarily imported to the
United States for competition or entertainment purposes. These latter
horses have special provisions outlined in Sec. 93.301(f), and this
change clarifies Sec. 93.314 to align with those provisions.
Horses From Canada
Section 93.317 of the regulations governs the importation of horses
from Canada, while Sec. 93.318 governs special provisions concerning
these importations. Currently, horses from Canada temporarily imported
into the United States may enter through any Canada-U.S. land border
port that allows entry of animals without an APHIS inspection, whereas
horses from Canada permanently imported into the United States must
receive an inspection prior to entry. We are proposing to amend the
regulations to remove distinctions between temporary and permanent
import by removing the requirement that horses presented for permanent
importation receive an inspection prior to entry. Requirements that
currently apply to both temporarily imported and permanently imported
horses would remain the same; horses would be allowed to enter the
United States when accompanied by an official, Canadian Food Inspection
Agency-endorsed health certificate issued within 30 days of the date of
entry into the United States and when there are negative results of a
test for equine infectious anemia taken within 180 days of entry.
APHIS considers the health status of temporarily and permanently
imported horses from Canada to be generally equivalent. Moreover, the
health certificate, which requires negative tests for diseases of pests
or livestock affecting horses, already provides sufficient evidence
that the horses presented for importation are free of communicable
disease. For these reasons, this change would not increase the risk of
introducing communicable diseases or pests of livestock into the United
States. Additionally, the proposed change would align APHIS import
requirements with Canada's requirements for import of horses from the
United States, which stipulates that U.S.-origin horses must meet the
same import requirements regardless of whether they are imported
temporarily or permanently.
This proposed change would not impact the special provisions for
horses from Canada imported for immediate slaughter or for horses from
Canada transported in-bond through the United States for immediate
export, which will continue to be inspected at the port of entry.
Horses From Central America and the West Indies
Section 93.319 contains import permit requirements for horses
imported from Central America and the West Indies. In that section
currently, only horses directly imported from Central America and the
West Indies are required to present an import permit and declaration
upon entry. Likewise, the requirements concerning health certificates,
quarantine, and testing listed in Sec. 93.320 currently only apply to
horses directly imported from these regions as well. Because horses
transiting through these regions present risks similar to those
presented by horses imported directly from them, we are proposing to
add horses that transit Central America or the West Indies en route to
the United States be required to comply with these requirements upon
entry as well. We would also clarify existing policy by adding to Sec.
93.319 that all horses imported from or transiting Central America and
the West Indies are required to have obtained an import permit in
accordance with Sec. 93.304; this requirement is currently implied by
the heading of the section, but not overtly stated in the text.
Shipping Containers
Section 93.302 governs the inspection, unloading, cleaning, and
disinfection requirements of certain aircraft and other means of
conveyance and shipping containers. We are proposing to amend the
regulations to include a paragraph that addresses the requirements for
shipping containers, including disinfection requirements, as well as
measures to ensure that horses are transported safely. This will
address the repeated health and safety issues present for equines
during transport and will provide APHIS with more regulatory authority
to enforce standards for shipping containers. We are proposing to
present these requirements as performance standards in the regulations.
Guidance on how to meet these requirements would be found in the Live
Animal Regulations (LAR), as amended, published by the International
Air Transport Association (IATA). If an importer wishes to use
alternative means of meeting the requirements other than those in the
LAR, they would be able to contact APHIS Live Animal Imports to ask for
approval by phone at (301) 851-3300, option 2, or by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d0b0e7311342b38731c3334303c317314302d322f297318252d322f291d282e393c733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eabcb9c4a6839c8fc4ab8483878b86c4a3879a85989ec4af929a85989eaa9f998e8bc48d859c">[email protected]</span></a>.
Miscellaneous
Lastly, in various sections, we are proposing to add language that
clarifies existing policy in order to reduce confusion and ensure that
the regulations are as clear as possible, as well as to update outdated
information.
Paragraph (d) of Sec. 93.301 governs the importation of Spanish
pure breed horses from Spain and racing thoroughbred horses from
France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Paragraph (d)(1)(ii)
stipulates that such horses must be accompanied by a health certificate
and outlines the requirements of such health certificates. We are
proposing to require that, for Spanish pure breed horses, the health
certificate state that the horses have been in Spain for a minimum of
60 days
[[Page 67664]]
immediately prior to export. For racing thoroughbreds from France,
Germany, Ireland and/or the United Kingdom, the health certificate must
state that the horses have been in one or more of these countries for a
minimum of 60 days immediately prior to export. We are proposing these
changes in response to confusion about what the phrases ``from Spain''
and ``from France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom'' mean in
the context of horses referred to in this paragraph.
The regulations currently require the veterinarian issuing such
health certificates to certify that he or she has examined the records
of the horse's activities maintained by a breed association. We are
proposing to add the words ``and identification'' after the word
``activities'' to better describe the information the veterinarian is
required to examine.
The current regulations require the veterinarian to compare records
kept by the breed association to records kept by the horse's trainer.
We are proposing to add the words ``including the competition or event
records'' after the words ``the records kept by the trainer'' to
provide veterinarians with more detailed guidance on which records they
are required to examine.
For Spanish pure breed horses from Spain, the veterinarian is
currently required to examine the breed association's records to ensure
that breeding of the horse has never been attempted since the horse
reached 731 days of age. To address current and future breeding
technologies and practices, we are proposing to clarify that this
prohibition on breeding applies to both live and artificial breeding.
We are also proposing to make a minor editorial change to this
section by adding the word ``racing'' in front of the words
``thoroughbred horses from France, Germany, Ireland, and the United
Kingdom'' in the introductory text to paragraph (d).
Paragraph (j) of Sec. 93.301 describes the general entry
requirements for horses from regions where screwworm exists. We are
proposing to move these requirements from Sec. 93.301 to Sec. 93.308,
where other import testing and examination requirements are listed. The
requirements for importation of horses from regions where screwworm
exists would be found in Sec. 93.308(a)(3).
We would also replace the phrase ``APHIS animal import center,''
which is currently provided as the location of quarantine, with the
more precise phrase ``port designated in Sec. 93.303.'' Additionally,
we would clarify that horses imported from regions where screwworm
exists must also obtain an import permit in accordance with Sec.
93.304.
Section 93.306 governs the inspection of imported horses at the
port of entry. Currently, the regulations state that all horses that
fail to meet the provisions part 93 will be refused entry. We would
clarify that this provision applies to horses dead upon presentation as
well.
Section 93.307 stipulates that no articles accompanying horses
during their importation shall be landed at the port of entry except as
directed by the inspector in charge of the port of entry. Currently,
the regulations include in the list of relevant articles ``other things
used for or about horses governed by the regulations this part.'' We
are proposing to replace this phrase with the more specific phrase
``other things used for or about horses governed under any law or
regulation administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for prevention
of the introduction or dissemination of any pests or diseases of
livestock.''
Paragraph (a)(1) of Sec. 93.308 governs the importation of horses
from regions where Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) exists.
Currently, paragraph (a)(1)(i) states that APHIS keeps a list of
regions free of VEE. This is incorrect. Instead, APHIS keeps a list of
regions affected with VEE. Paragraph (a)(1)(ii) explains the procedures
for adding and removing regions from this list, and, in doing so,
references the incorrect description of the nature of this list. We are
proposing to correct these statements.
Additionally, we are proposing to clarify existing policy by adding
that horses imported from regions where VEE exists must obtain an
import permit in accordance with Sec. 93.304 in addition to all other
requirements listed. We would also make minor syntactical changes to
improve readability and clarity.
Paragraph (b) of Sec. 93.308 describes temporary, privately owned
quarantine facilities in which some horses may complete quarantine. In
order to accurately reflect current practices, we are proposing to
clarify that horses originating from regions in which Venezuelan equine
encephalomyelitis or screwworm is declared to exist may not complete
quarantine in temporary, privately-owned quarantine facilities. Horses
from these regions cannot currently complete quarantine in such
facilities, nor have they been able to in the past, as the requirements
for temporary quarantine facilities are not sufficient to safeguard
against vector-borne foreign animal diseases (which include screwworm,
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, and African horse sickness).
Current paragraph (a)(5)(i) of Sec. 93.314, which will be
redesignated as paragraph (a)(7)(i) in this proposed rule, stipulates
that health certificates must state that the horse has not been in a
CEM-affected region during the 12 months prior to their importation and
mentions that CEM-affected regions are listed in Sec. 93.301(c)(1).
However, Sec. 93.301(c)(1) does not list these regions, but instead
states that APHIS maintains such a list on the APHIS website. We are
proposing to change the phrase ``listed in Sec. 93.301(c)(1)'' to
``listed in accordance with Sec. 93.301(c)(1) on the APHIS website''
to correct this.
Section 93.321 outlines the import permit and inspection
requirements for horses imported from Mexico. We are proposing to add a
sentence stating that horses completing quarantine in the United States
must obtain an import permit as described in Sec. 93.304 in order to
clarify existing policy.
Footnotes in Sec. Sec. 93.308 and 93.324 refer to disease testing
protocol documents that no longer exist. We are proposing to replace
the information in these footnotes with references to the APHIS
website, where current guidance documents outlining the protocol for
testing horses in quarantine is available.
Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for
the purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 603, we have performed an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis, which is summarized below, regarding
the economic effects of this proposed rule on small entities. Copies of
the full analysis are available by contacting the person listed under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or on the <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> website (see
ADDRESSES above for instructions for accessing <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a>).
Based on the information we have, there is no reason to conclude
that adoption of this proposed rule would result in any significant
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. However, we
do not currently have all the data necessary for a comprehensive
analysis of the effects of this proposed rule on small entities.
Therefore, we are inviting comments on potential effects. In
particular, we are interested in determining the number and kind of
small entities that may incur benefits or costs from the implementation
of this proposed rule.
APHIS proposes amending elements of its equine import regulations.
[[Page 67665]]
First, APHIS proposes amending its regulations for temporary export
of horses to CEM-affected regions. The proposed changes will allow
horses to spend up to 90 days in a CEM-affected region.
The proposed amendments will also allow APHIS to correct
information in Sec. Sec. 93.308, 93.314, and 93.319. This includes
updating the website to reflect current policies and affected regions.
It also includes amending the description of health certification and
permit requirements.
Finally, APHIS proposes to amend requirements for import of horses
from Canada by removing distinctions between temporary and permanent
import.
Executive Order 12988
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State
and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule will
be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule; and
(3) administrative proceedings will not be required before parties may
file suit in court challenging this rule.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with Section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information collection
requirements included in this proposed rule have been submitted to OMB
as a new information collection for approval.
Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information
collection should be sent within 60 days of publication of this
document to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 60-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Please send
a copy of your comments to: (1) Docket No. APHIS-2016-0033, Regulatory
Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road,
Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238, and (2) Clearance Officer, OCIO,
USDA, Room 404-W, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if
OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this proposed rule.
The regulations at 9 CFR 93.301 govern import prohibitions,
restrictions, and requirements for horses, and are intended to prevent
the introduction of foreign equine diseases into the United States.
APHIS is proposing to amend these regulations to clarify and, in some
cases, broaden the protection they provide.
APHIS will use a variety of information collection procedures and
forms to gather data in its effort to prevent the introduction or
spread of disease. In addition to recordkeeping, information collected
includes, but is not limited to, applications for import or in-transit
permits and declarations of importation; government-issued health,
castration, and pre-export inspection certificates; and compliance with
identification requirements. These documents or actions are used to
properly identify and document the health and movement of horses into
the United States. Additional information collections include those
associated with CEM sampling specimen submissions that are required to
track CEM samples taken to confirm animal health, and oversight
agreements that are entered into by State governments to ensure the
States comply with Federal quarantining, testing, and treatment
requirements.
We are soliciting comments from the public (as well as affected
agencies) concerning our proposed information collection and
recordkeeping requirements. These comments will help us:
(1) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is
necessary for the proper performance of our agency's functions,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the
proposed information collection, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who
are to respond (such as through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology; e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses).
Estimate of burden: Public burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 0.52 hours per response.
Respondents: Animal importer and exporters, transport handlers,
veterinarians, owners of private quarantine facilities, and foreign
government and State animal health officials.
Estimated annual number of respondents: 343.
Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 214.
Estimated annual number of responses: 73,274.
Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 38,339 hours. (Due to
averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of
the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per
response.)
A copy of the information collection may be viewed on the
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> website or in our reading room. (A link to
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> and information on the location and hours of the
reading room are provided under the heading ADDRESSES at the beginning
of this proposed rule.) Information about the information collection
process may be obtained from Mr. Joseph Moxey, APHIS' Paperwork
Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301) 851-2483. APHIS will respond to any
information collection request related comments in the final rule. All
comments will also become a matter of public record.
E-Government Act Compliance
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is committed to
compliance with the E-Government Act to promote the use of the internet
and other information technologies, to provide increased opportunities
for citizen access to Government information and services, and for
other purposes. APHIS estimates that 25 percent of the total responses
can be processed electronically, either by downloading a fillable PDF
file, emailing a document, or for respondents with accounts, using
APHIS electronic information systems to process and submit information.
The remainder of the collection activities in this information
collection cannot be processed electronically because the instruments
typically must accompany the animals during transit or are prepared and
issued by foreign entities. For assistance with E-Government Act
compliance related to this proposed rule, please contact Mr. Joseph
Moxey, APHIS' Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301) 851-2483,
or the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 93
Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Poultry and poultry products,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Accordingly, we propose to amend 9 CFR part 93 as follows:
[[Page 67666]]
PART 93--IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS, BIRDS, FISH, AND POULTRY,
AND CERTAIN ANIMAL, BIRD, AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; REQUIREMENTS FOR
MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 93 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622 and 8301-8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a;
31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4.
0
2. Section 93.301 is amended as follows:
0
a. By adding a heading to paragraphs (a) and (b);
0
b. By revising the heading of paragraph (d);
0
c. By redesignating paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(A) through (E) as paragraphs
(d)(1)(ii)(B) through (F), respectively, and adding a new paragraph
(d)(1)(ii)(A);
0
d. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(C) introductory text, by
adding the words ``and identification'' after the word ``activities'';
0
e. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(C)(4)(iii), by adding the
words ``, either live or artificial'' after the word ``attempted'';
0
f. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D), by adding the words
``, including the competition or event records,'' after the word
``trainer'';
0
g. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(F), by removing
``(d)(1)(ii)(D)'' and adding ``(d)(1)(ii)(E)'' in its place'';
0
h. In paragraph (d)(2), by removing ``(d)(1)(ii)(D)'' each time it
appears and adding ``(d)(1)(ii)(E)'' in its place;
0
i. In paragraph (d)(3), by removing the words ``paragraph (h)(6) or
(h)(7)'' and adding the words ``paragraph (h)(7) or (8) in their place;
0
j. In paragraph (e)(2)(i), by removing ``(h)(6)'' and adding ``(h)(7)''
in its place, and by removing ``(h)(7)'' and adding ``(h)(8)'' in its
place;
0
k. In paragraph (e)(3)(i) introductory text, by adding the words ``by
an accredited veterinarian'' after the words ``of the stallion'';
0
l. In paragraph (e)(3)(i)(B), by adding the words ``(for the purposes
of this section, the day after the date of breeding is considered the
first day after breeding)'' after the words ``fourteenth day after
breeding'';
0
m. By revising paragraph (e)(4)(i);
0
n. In paragraph (f)(10)(i), by removing the words ``paragraph (h)(6) or
(h)(7)'' and adding the words ``paragraph (h)(7) or (8) in their place;
0
o. By revising paragraph (g) introductory text;
0
p. In paragraph (g)(4), by removing the words ``(a) through (c)'' and
adding the words ``(g)(1) through (3)'' in their place.
0
q. By redesignating paragraphs (h)(4) through (7) as paragraphs (h)(5)
through (8), respectively, and adding a new paragraph (h)(4);
0
r. By revising newly redesignated paragraphs (h)(7) and (8); and
0
s. By removing paragraph (j).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 93.301 General prohibitions; exceptions.
(a) General prohibitions. * * *
(b) General exceptions. * * *
* * * * *
(d) Spanish Pure Breed horses from Spain and racing thoroughbred
horses from France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
(1) * * *
(ii) * * *
(A) For Spanish Pure Breed horses, the horses have been in Spain
for a minimum of 60 days immediately prior to export; for racing
thoroughbreds residing in France, Germany, Ireland and/or the United
Kingdom, the horses have been in one or a combination of these
countries for a minimum of 60 days immediately prior to export;
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(4) * * *
(i) Mares to be used to test stallions for CEM shall be permanently
identified before the mares are used for such testing with the letter
``T'' or other permanent identification approved by APHIS on a case-by-
case basis. The marking shall be permanently applied by an inspector, a
State inspector, or an accredited veterinarian who shall use a hot
iron, freezemarking, a lip tattoo, or other APHIS-approved method. If a
hot iron or freezemarking is used, the marking shall not be less than 2
inches (5.08 cm) high and shall be applied to the left shoulder or left
side of the neck of the mare. If a lip tattoo is used, the marking
shall not be less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) high and 0.75 inch (1.9 cm)
wide and shall be applied to the inside surface of the upper lip of the
test mare.
* * * * *
(g) Special provisions for the importation of horses that have been
temporarily exported to a CEM-affected region. If a horse originating
from the United States has been temporarily exported for not more than
90 days to a CEM-affected region listed under paragraph (c)(1) of this
section and returns to the United States during that time, or if a
horse originating from a non-CEM affected region has been temporarily
exported for not more than 90 days to a CEM-affected region during the
12 months preceding its proposed importation to the United States, the
horse may be eligible for return, or for importation into the United
States, without meeting the requirements of paragraphs (d) through (f)
of this section, under the following conditions:
* * * * *
(h) * * *
(4) The State must agree to provide oversight during the test
breeding of quarantined stallions.
* * * * *
(7) A list of States approved by APHIS to receive stallions over
731 days of age imported under paragraph (e) of this section is
maintained on the APHIS website at [ADDRESS TO BE ADDED IN FINAL RULE].
Copies of the list will also be available via postal mail, fax, or
email upon request to the Regionalization Evaluation Services,
Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700
River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737.
(8) A list of States approved by APHIS to receive mares over 731
days of age imported under paragraph (e) of this section is maintained
on the APHIS website at [ADDRESS TO BE ADDED IN FINAL RULE]. Copies of
the list will also be available via postal mail, fax, or email upon
request to Live Animal Imports, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD
20737.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 93.302 is amended as follows:
0
a. By redesignating paragraphs (a) through (d) as paragraphs (b)
through (e), respectively, and adding a new paragraph (a); and
0
b. By adding a heading to newly redesignated paragraph (e).
The additions read as follows:
Sec. 93.302 Inspection of certain aircraft and other means of
conveyance and shipping containers thereon; unloading, cleaning, and
disinfection requirements.
(a) Shipping container requirements: Shipping containers used to
transport live equine(s) to the United States must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Containers must be new or cleaned and disinfected in a manner
that sufficiently reduces the risk of introduction or dissemination of
any pests or diseases of livestock into the United States.
(2) Containers must be of sufficient size and construction to
reasonably assure that live equine(s) are transported safely.
(3) Stocking density of live equine(s) must not be to an extent
that impinges
[[Page 67667]]
on the animals' safety during transportation.
(4) Guidance on how to meet these requirements may be found in the
Live Animal Regulations (LAR), as amended, published by the
International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Administrator may
also approve alternative guidance than that described in the LAR.
* * * * *
(e) Shipping container: * * *
Sec. 93.304 [Amended]
0
5. In Sec. 93.304, paragraph (a)(1)(i) is amended, in the first
sentence, by adding the words ``or transiting'' after the words ``For
horses from'', adding the words ``Federal quarantine or'' after the
words ``quarantine at a'', and removing the words ``except as otherwise
provided for in Sec. Sec. 93.315, 93.319, and 93.321,'', and in the
next to last sentence, by adding the words ``, or other attestation
regarding the health of the animals'' after the word ``subjected''.
Sec. 93.306 [Amended]
0
5. Section 93.306 is amended by adding the words ``, to include horses
dead upon presentation,'' after the words ``all other horses'' in the
second sentence.
0
6. Section 93.307 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 93.307 Articles accompanying horses.
No litter or manure, fodder or other aliment, nor any equipment
such as boxes, buckets, ropes, chains, blankets, or other things used
for or about horses governed under any law or regulation administered
by the Secretary of Agriculture for prevention of the introduction or
dissemination of any pests or diseases of livestock, shall be landed
from any conveyance except under such restrictions as the inspector in
charge at the port of entry shall direct.
0
v7. Section 93.308 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. By redesignating paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) as paragraphs (a)(4) and
(5), respectively, and adding a new paragraph (a)(3);
0
c. By revising footnote 11;
0
d. In paragraph (b) introductory text, by adding the words ``, except
horses originating from regions in which Venezuelan equine
encephalomyelitis or screwworm is declared to exist,'' after ``Sec.
93.303(e)''; and
0
e. In paragraph (c)(4)(v)(B), by removing ``(a)(4)'' and adding
``(a)(5)'' in its place.
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 93.308 Quarantine requirements.
(a) * * *
(1) Except as provided in Sec. Sec. 93.317 (horses from Canada)
and 93.324 (horses from Mexico), horses intended for importation from
regions that APHIS considers to be affected with Venezuelan equine
encephalomyelitis shall be quarantined at a port designated in Sec.
93.303 to be evaluated for signs of Venezuelan equine
encephalomyelitis. Each horse must be accompanied at the time of
importation by an import permit in accordance with Sec. 93.304.
(i) A list of regions that APHIS considers affected with Venezuelan
equine encephalomyelitis is maintained on the APHIS website at <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/animal-health-status-of-regions">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/animal-health-status-of-regions</a>. Copies of
the list can be obtained via postal mail or email upon request to
Regionalization Evaluation Services, Strategy and Policy, Veterinary
Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road,
Unit 38, Riverdale, Maryland 20737; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3071435b625557595f5e515c594a5144595f5e70454354511e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3475475f6651535d5b5a55585d4e55405d5b5a74414750551a535b42">[email protected]</span></a>.
(ii) APHIS will add a region to the list upon determining that the
disease exists in the region based on reports APHIS receives of
outbreaks of the disease from veterinary officials of the exporting
country, from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), or from
other sources the Administrator determines to be reliable. APHIS will
remove a region from the list after conducting an evaluation of the
region in accordance with Sec. 92.2 of this subchapter and finding
that the disease is not present in the region. In the case of a region
formerly not on this list that is added due to an outbreak, the region
may be removed from the list in accordance with the procedures for
reestablishment of a region's disease-free status in Sec. 92.4 of this
subchapter.
* * * * *
(3) Horses from regions where APHIS considers screwworm to exist
may be imported into the United States only if they meet the
requirements in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (vii) of this section,
obtain an import permit in accordance with Sec. 93.304, and meet all
other applicable requirements of this part. A list of regions where
screwworm is considered to exist is maintained on the APHIS website at
<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/disease-status-of-regions">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/disease-status-of-regions</a>.
Copies of the list will also be available via postal mail, fax, or
email upon request to the Regionalization Evaluation Services, Strategy
and Policy, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737;
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7031031b221517191f1e111c190a1104191f1e30050314115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bcaf8e0d9eeece2e4e5eae7e2f1eaffe2e4e5cbfef8efeaa5ece4fd">[email protected]</span></a>. APHIS will add a region to the list upon
determining that screwworm exists in the region based on reports APHIS
receives of detections of the pest from veterinary officials of the
exporting country, from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE),
or from other sources the Administrator determines to be reliable.
APHIS will remove a region from the list after conducting an evaluation
of the region in accordance with Sec. 92.2 of this subchapter and
finding that screwworm is not present in the region. In the case of a
region formerly not on this list that is added due to a detection, the
region may be removed from the list in accordance with the procedures
for reestablishment of a region's disease-free status in Sec. 92.4 of
this subchapter.
(i) A veterinarian must treat horses with ivermectin 3 to 5 days
prior to the date of export to the United States according to the
recommended dose prescribed on the product's label.
(ii) Horses must be examined for screwworm by a full-time salaried
veterinary official of the exporting country within 24 hours prior to
shipment to the United States. The official must fully examine the
horses, including their external genitalia. If horses are found to be
infested with screwworm, they must be treated until free from
infestation.
(iii) At the time horses are loaded onto a means of conveyance for
export, a veterinarian must treat any visible wounds on the animals
with a solution of coumaphos dust at a concentration of 5 percent
active ingredient.
(iv) Horses must be accompanied to the United States by a
certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the
exporting country. The certificate must state that the horses,
including their external genitalia, have been thoroughly examined and
found free of screwworm and that the horses have been treated in
accordance with paragraphs (a)(3)(i) and (iii) of this section.
(v) Horses must be quarantined upon arrival in the United States at
a port designated in Sec. 93.303 for at least 7 days.
(vi) Horses must be examined for screwworm by a veterinarian within
24 hours after arrival at a port designated in Sec. 93.303. The
examining veterinarian must examine horses, including their external
genitalia, to determine whether the horse is infested with screwworm.
(vii) Horses must be held at the animal import center for a minimum
of
[[Page 67668]]
7 days. On day 7, prior to the horses' release, the horses must be
examined by a veterinarian at the expense of the owner or broker. For
this examination, male horses must be tranquilized or sedated so that
the external genitalia of the horses can be thoroughly examined. If
screwworm is found during this examination, the horses must be held in
quarantine and treated until free of infestation.
* * * * *
\11\ Protocols for testing equines in import quarantine are
available on the APHIS website at <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/animal-import-and-export/equine/guidelines-docs-related-to-importing-equine">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/animal-import-and-export/equine/guidelines-docs-related-to-importing-equine</a>.
0
8. Section 93.314 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and (a)(1);
0
b. By redesignating paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) as paragraphs (a)(6) and
(7), respectively, and adding new paragraphs (a)(4) and (5);
0
c. By revising newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(i); and
0
d. By adding paragraph (d).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 93.314 Horses, certification, and accompanying equipment.
(a) Horses offered for importation from any part of the world shall
be accompanied by an original certificate endorsed by a salaried
veterinary officer of the national government of the region of origin,
or if exported from Mexico, shall be accompanied either by such a
certificate or by a certificate issued by a veterinarian accredited by
the National Government of Mexico and endorsed by a full-time salaried
veterinary officer of the National Government of Mexico, thereby
representing that the veterinarian issuing the certificate was
authorized to do so. The certificate shall specify the name and address
of the importer; the species, breed, number or quantity of horses or
horse test specimens to be imported; the purpose of the importation;
individual horse identification which requires a description of the
horse, name, age, markings and, when present, registration number,
tattoo, microchip, eartag, brand, if any; the region and premises of
origin; the name and address of the exporter; and the destination
address for release into the United States; and shows that:
(1) The horses described in the certificate have been in said
region during the 60 days preceding exportation, or, for horses
described in Sec. 93.301(g), for the duration of their temporary
exportation to each CEM-affected region;
* * * * *
(4) The horse, if applicable, has not been gelded during the 14
days preceding exportation. If gelded, the horse is accompanied by
certificate of castration including date of completion and removal of
both testicles;
(5) The horse will be accompanied by documentation of pre-export
examination occurring within 48 hours of export endorsed by a salaried
veterinary medical officer;
* * * * *
(7) * * *
(i) The horses, except horses described in Sec. 93.301(f), have
not been in any region listed in accordance with Sec. 93.301(c)(1) on
the APHIS website as affected with CEM during the 12 months immediately
prior to their importation into the United States;
* * * * *
(d) For purposes of this section, the term ``original'' means
documentation is prepared and issued directly from the national
government of the region of origin or annotated by the national
government of the region of origin to indicate how the documentation
may be verified. Any declaration, permit, or other required document
for horses may be issued and presented using a United States Government
electronic information exchange system or other method authorized by
APHIS.
0
9. Section 93.317 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising paragraph (a);
0
b. In paragraph (b), by removing the words ``, without USDA veterinary
port inspection,'' after the words ``30-day-period''; and
0
c. By redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (d) and adding a new
paragraph (c).
The revision and addition read as follows:
Sec. 93.317 Horses from Canada.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, horses
from Canada shall be accompanied by a certificate as required by Sec.
93.314, which shall include evidence of a negative test for equine
infectious anemia for which blood samples were drawn during the 180
days preceding exportation to the United States and which test was
conducted in a laboratory approved by the Canada Department of
Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture. Horses
accompanying their dams, which were foaled after their dam was so
tested negative, need not be so tested and shall otherwise be handled
as provided in Sec. 93.314. Certificates required for horses from
Canada must be issued and endorsed by a salaried veterinarian of the
Canadian Government.
* * * * *
(c) Any horse imported into the United States from Canada through
air or ocean ports of entry must obtain an import permit under Sec.
93.304 and shall otherwise be handled as provided in Sec. Sec. 93.305
and 93.314.
* * * * *
Sec. 93.318 [Amended]
0
10. In Sec. 93.318, paragraph (b) is amended by removing the words ``:
And, provided further, That all horses offered for re-entry upon
examination by the veterinary inspector at the U.S. port of entry, are
found by the inspector to be free of pests or diseases of livestock and
exposure thereto and are determined to be the identical horses covered
by said certificates or are the natural increase of such horses born
after official test dates certified on the dam's health certificate''
after the words ``offered for return to the United States''.
0
11. Section 93.319 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 93.319 Import permit and declaration for horses.
For all horses offered for importation from or transiting through
regions of Central America or of the West Indies, the importer or his
or her agent shall have obtained an import permit under Sec. 93.304
and shall present two copies of a declaration as provided in Sec.
93.305.
Sec. 93.320 [Amended]
0
12. Section 93.320 is amended by adding the words ``or transiting
through'' after the word ``from''.
0
13. Section 93.321 is amended by adding a sentence after the last
sentence to read as follows:
Sec. 93.321 Import permits and applications for inspection for
horses.
* * * Horses quarantined at a U.S. facility designated in Sec.
93.303 must obtain an import permit under Sec. 93.304.
0
14. Section 93.324 is amended by revising footnote 19 to read as
follows:
Sec. 93.324 Detention for quarantine.
* * * * *
\19\ Protocols for testing equines in import quarantine are
available on the APHIS website at <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/animal-import-and-export/equine/guidelines-docs-related-to-importing-equine">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/animal-import-and-export/equine/guidelines-docs-related-to-importing-equine</a>.
[[Page 67669]]
Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of November 2021.
Jack Shere,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25613 Filed 11-26-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.