The Federal Register

Asian Longhorned Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas in New York

Wed, Jul 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Asian longhorned beetle regulations by expanding the boundaries of the quarantined areas in New York and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from these areas. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the Asian longhorned beetle to noninfested areas of the United States.

Importation of Cooked Pork Skins

Wed, Jul 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the regulations to allow for the importation of cooked pork skins from regions affected with footand mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, African swine fever, and classical swine fever under certain conditions. We are taking this action after preparing a risk assessment that concluded that the cooking methods examined are sufficient to inactivate the pathogens of concern. This action would relieve restrictions on the importation of cooked pork skins while continuing to protect against the introduction of those diseases of concern.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Select Agent Registration

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations for the possession, use, and transfer of biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to human and animal health, to animal health, to plant health, or to animal products and plant products.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Treatments for Fruits and Vegetables

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations for the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help ensure that injurious plant pests are not spread to noninfested areas of the United States.

National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee; Meeting

Thu, Jun 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are giving notice of a meeting of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee.

Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for Importation of Guavas From Mexico Into the United States

Thu, Jun 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation into the United States of fresh guava fruit from Mexico. Based on that analysis, we believe 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 guavas from Mexico. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.

Consolidation of the Fruit Fly Regulations

Fri, Jun 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Correction

In rule document E812858 beginning on page 32431 in the issue of Monday, June 9, 2008, make the following correction:

Sec. 305.2 [Corrected]

On page 32439, in Sec. 305.2(h)(2)(ii), the table is corrected to appear as follows:
Location Commodity Pest Treatment schedule Areas in the United States under ....................... ....................... . Federal quarantine for the listed
pest.
* * * * * * * Any fruit or article All fruit fly species IR. listed in Sec. of the Family 301.322(a) of this Tephritidae. chapter.
* * * * * * * [FR Doc. Z812858 Filed 61908; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 150501D

Interstate Movement of Municipal Solid Waste From Hawaii; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of

Wed, Jun 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a regional programmatic environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact relative to the interstate movement of municipal solid waste from Hawaii to landfills in the States of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The environmental assessment contains a general assessment of the potential environmental effects associated with moving garbage interstate from Hawaii to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington subject to certain pest risk mitigation measures and documents our review and analysis of the environmental impacts associated with, and alternatives to, such movements. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.

Revision of the Hawaiian and Territorial Fruits and Vegetables Regulations

Tue, Jun 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to revise and reorganize the regulations pertaining to the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the territories to consolidate requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and references, and make various editorial and nonsubstantive changes to the regulations to make them easier to use. We are also proposing to make substantive changes to the regulations including establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for interstate movement in the United States and to acknowledge pestfree areas in Hawaii and U.S. territories
expeditiously, and removing the listing in the regulations of some specific commodities as regulated articles. These changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for approving certain regulated articles for interstate movement and pestfree areas while continuing to allow for pu

Movement of Hass Avocados From Areas Where Mexican Fruit Fly or Sapote Fruit Fly Exist

Thu, Jun 12 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would amend our domestic quarantine regulations to provide for the interstate movement of Hass avocados from Mexican fruit fly and sapote fruit fly quarantined areas in the United States with a certificate if the fruit is safeguarded after harvest in accordance with specific measures. The proposed rule would also amend our foreign quarantine regulations to remove trapping and bait spray treatment requirements related to Anastrepha spp. fruit flies for imported Hass avocados from Michoacan, Mexico. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

Consolidation of the Fruit Fly Regulations

Mon, Jun 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations to consolidate our domestic regulations regarding exotic fruit flies. Currently, these regulations are contained in six separate subparts, each of which covers a different species of fruit fly, and each of these subparts has parallel sections that are substantially the same as the corresponding sections in the other subparts. Therefore, we are combining these six subparts into a single subpart. We are also modifying the regulations by adding a mechanism through which quarantined areas can be removed from regulation expeditiously. These actions eliminate duplication and enhance the flexibility of our regulatory program.

Notice of Determination of Pest-Free Areas Within the States of Cear[aacute] and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Mon, Jun 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we are recognizing 7 municipalities in the State of Cear[aacute] and 13 municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Norte as pestfree areas for the South American cucurbit fly. Based on our review of the documentation submitted by Brazil's national plant protection organization, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, the Administrator has determined that those municipalities meet the criteria in our regulations for recognition as pestfree areas.

Notice of Request for Revision and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Animal Identification

Fri, Jun 6 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 and extension of approval of an information collection associated with the National Animal Identification System.

Potato Cyst Nematode; Update of Quarantined Areas

Fri, Jun 6 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have made changes to the area in the State of Idaho that is quarantined to prevent the spread of potato cyst nematode. The description of the quarantined area was updated on November 1, 2007, when the potato cyst nematode regulations became effective; on November 28, 2007, when one additional field was found to be infested; on January 9, 2008, when some fields that had been quarantined were found not to have an association with an infested field; and on March 21, 2008, when 24 associated fields were removed from the quarantined area after having been surveyed and found to be free of potato cyst nematode.

Mexican Fruit Fly; Designation of Portion of Willacy County, TX, as a Quarantined Area

Thu, Jun 5 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Mexican fruit fly regulations by designating a portion of Willacy County, TX, as a quarantined area and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of the Mexican fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States.

Import/Export User Fees

Wed, Jun 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the regulations concerning user fees for import and exportrelated services that we provide for animals, animal products, birds, germ plasm, organisms, and vectors. We are proposing increases in those fees for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 in order to ensure that the fees accurately reflect the anticipated costs of providing these services each year. By publishing the annual user fee changes in advance, users can incorporate the fees into their budget planning. The user fees pay for the actual cost of providing these services.

National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions

Wed, May 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2006 National Plan Conference. These changes would keep the provisions of the Plan current with changes in the poultry industry and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

Amendments to Treatments for Plant Pests

Tue, May 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations for the treatment of plant pests by removing two treatment options that we now believe to be ineffective at neutralizing their target plant pests. A review of these treatments found these options to be ineffective. We are also removing two treatment schedules that are no longer authorized for use and clarifying the fruits and vegetables on which two methyl bromide treatments may be used. These changes are necessary to ensure that ineffective or unauthorized treatments are not used and to clarify the regulations.

Exotic Newcastle Disease; Quarantine Restrictions

Tue, May 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are making several changes to the exotic Newcastle disease domestic quarantine regulations, including adding an option for the movement of pet birds; adding restrictions on the interstate movement of live ratites out of quarantined areas; harmonizing our domestic and import regulations regarding the movement of dressed carcasses of dead birds and dead poultry; providing for the use of alternative procedures for treating manure and litter and for composting; and adding an additional surveillance period after the conditions for removing quarantine are met before quarantine is removed. We concluded that these changes are necessary based on our experiences during the eradication programs for the 20022003 outbreaks of exotic Newcastle disease in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. In the event of an exotic Newcastle disease outbreak, these changes will help to ensure that exotic Newcastle disease does not spread from quarantined areas and that exotic Newcastle disease is eradicated within qua

Availability of a Risk Analysis Evaluating the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Status of Surrey County, England

Fri, May 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that a risk analysis has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service concerning the footandmouth disease status of Surrey County, England, and the related disease risks associated with importing ruminants and swine and the fresh meat and other animal products of ruminants and swine from Surrey County, England. This evaluation will be used as a basis for determining whether to relieve certain restrictions on the importation of those articles into the United States from Surrey County, England. We are making this evaluation available to the public for review and comment.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; User Fee Regulations

Fri, May 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Permit for Reshipment of Swine From Slaughtering

Fri, May 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this [[Page 30044]]
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request approval of an information collection activity for reshipment of swine associated with regulations for livestock removed from slaughtering facilities.

Importation of Baby Squash and Baby Courgettes From Zambia

Fri, May 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the continental United States of baby squash and baby courgettes from Zambia. As a condition of entry, both commodities would have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that would include requirements for pest exclusion at the production site, fruit fly trapping inside and outside the production site, and pestexcluding packinghouse procedures. Both commodities would also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the baby squash or baby courgettes have been produced in accordance with the proposed requirements. This action would allow for the importation of baby squash and baby courgettes from Zambia into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

Importation of Horses, Ruminants, Swine, and Dogs; Remove Panama From Lists of Regions Where Screwworm Is Considered

Fri, May 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the importation of live horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs by removing Panama from the lists of regions where screwworm is considered to exist. We are taking this action because the eradication of screwworm from Panama has been confirmed. This action would relieve certain screwwormrelated certification and inspection requirements for live animals imported into the United States from Panama.

Importation of Tomatoes From Souss-Massa, Morocco

Fri, May 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to allow the importation of commercial consignments of tomatoes from the SoussMassa region of Morocco subject to a systems approach similar to that which is already in place for tomatoes imported into the United States from other areas of Morocco. The tomatoes would have to be produced under conditions that would include requirements for pest exclusion at the production site, fruit fly trapping inside the production site, and pestexclusionary packinghouse procedures. The tomatoes would also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Moroccan national plant protection organization with an additional declaration stating that the tomatoes have been grown in registered greenhouses in the SoussMassa region and were 60 percent or less pink at the time of packing. This action would allow for the importation of commercial consignments of tomatoes from the SoussMassa region of Morocco into the United States while continuing to provide protection against t

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Fruits and Vegetables

Fri, May 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for Importation of Dragon Fruit From Vietnam Into the Continental

Fri, May 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation into the continental United States of dragon fruit from Vietnam. Based on that analysis, we believe 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 dragon fruit from Vietnam. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment. [[Page 26361]]

Foreign Quarantine Notices

Wed, May 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

CFR Correction

In title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 300 to 399, revised as of January 1, 2008, on page 401, in Sec. 319.5613, in the table in paragraph (a), under Thailand, the entries for Litchi and Longan are removed.
[FR Doc. E89962 Filed 5608; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 150501D

Interstate Movement of Fruit From Hawaii

Tue, May 6 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Hawaiian fruits and vegetables regulations to allow mangosteen, dragon fruit, melon, pods of cowpea and its relatives, breadfruit, jackfruit, and fresh moringa pods to be moved interstate from Hawaii under certain conditions. This action will allow the movement of these tropical fruits from Hawaii to the continental United States while continuing to provide protection against the spread of plant pests from Hawaii to the continental United States.

Importation of Nursery Stock; Postentry Quarantine Requirements for Potential Hosts of Chrysanthemum White Rust and

Tue, May 6 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have amended the nursery stock regulations to provide an option in which the postentry quarantine growing period for articles of Chrysanthemum spp., Leucanthemella serotina, and Nipponanthemum nipponicum that are imported from certain locations would have been reduced from 6 months to 2 months, provided that the grower of those plants implemented a systems approach to prevent the imported articles from being infected with chrysanthemum white rust. The proposed rule would also have amended the definition of from. We are taking this action after considering the comments we received following the publication of the proposed rule.

Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Field Testing Mannheimia Haemolytica-Pasteurella Multocida Vaccine,

Fri, May 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment concerning authorization to ship for the purpose of field testing, and then to field test, an unlicensed Mannheimia HaemolyticaPasteurella Multocida Vaccine, Avirulent Live Culture. The environmental assessment, which is based on a risk analysis prepared to assess the risks associated with the field testing of this vaccine, examines the potential effects that field testing this veterinary vaccine could have on the quality of the human environment. Based on the risk analysis, we have reached a preliminary determination that field testing this veterinary vaccine will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment, and that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. We intend to authorize shipment of this vaccine for field testing following the close of the comment period for this notice unless new substantial issues bearing on the effects of t

Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Blueberries from Guatemala into the Continental United

Thu, May 1 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States of blueberries from Guatemala. 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 believe 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 blueberries from Guatemala.

Karnal Bunt Compensation

Mon, Apr 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Karnal bunt regulations to provide compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed affected by Karnal bunt who had not been eligible for compensation, and for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that had been commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas in Texas. The compensation provided by the interim rule was necessary to encourage the participation of, and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt.

Control of Russian Knapweed; Availability of an Environmental Assessment

Thu, Apr 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to the environmental release of the gall wasp Aulacidea acroptilonica for the biological control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). The environmental assessment documents our review and analysis of environmental impacts associated with, and alternatives to, the release of this biological control agent. We are making this environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.

National Poultry Improvement Plan; General Conference Committee Meeting and Biennial Conference

Fri, Apr 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are giving notice of meetings of the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan and of the Biennial Conference.

General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan; Solicitation for Membership

Wed, Apr 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are giving notice that the Secretary of Agriculture is soliciting nominations for the election of regional membership for the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Importation of Uncooked Pork and Pork Products

Tue, Apr 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Correction

In final rule document E86800 beginning on page 17881, in the issue of Wednesday, April 2, 2008, make the following correction:

On page 17883 Table 2 is corrected to read as set forth below: Table 2.U.S. Global Imports of Fresh or Frozen Pork, 20032007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (JanFeb)
Source Metric Metric Metric Metric Metric $Million tons $Million tons $Million tons $Million tons $Million tons Canada.......................... $644.806 349422.6 $760.886 320339.3 $745.496 315136.5 $681.313 288624.2 $103.11 46102.2 Denmark......................... 156.324 45735.7 182.794

Notice of Request for Revision and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Emergency Management Response

Fri, Apr 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Restricted and Controlled

Fri, Apr 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 importation into the United States of restricted and controlled animal and poultry products and byproducts, organisms, and vectors.

Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison; State and Zone Designations; Minnesota

Wed, Apr 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the bovine tuberculosis regulations regarding State and zone classifications by removing Minnesota from the list of modified accredited advanced States and adding it to the list of modified accredited States. This action is necessary to help prevent the spread of tuberculosis because Minnesota no longer meets the requirements for modified accredited advanced State status.

Karnal Bunt; Removal of Regulated Areas in Texas

Mon, Apr 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to remove certain areas or fields in Baylor, Knox, Throckmorton, and Young Counties, TX, from the list of regulated areas based on our determination that those fields or areas meet our criteria for release from regulation. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that are no longer necessary.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Phytosanitary Export Certification

Mon, Apr 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for plants or plant products being exported to foreign countries.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Endangered Species Regulations and

Mon, Apr 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations to protect endangered species of terrestrial plants and with regulations concerning procedures related to the forfeiture of plants or other property.

Importation of Uncooked Pork and Pork Products

Wed, Apr 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations for importing animal products to allow the importation of uncooked pork and pork products from regions where classical swine fever (CSF) is considered to exist if the uncooked pork and pork products originate in a region free of CSF and meet certain other conditions with respect to processing and shipping. This action removes some restrictions on the importation of uncooked pork and pork products while continuing to protect against an incursion of CSF into the United States.

Movement of Hass Avocados From Areas Where Mexican Fruit Fly or Sapote Fruit Fly Exist

Wed, Apr 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to relieve certain restrictions regarding the movement of Hass variety avocados. Specifically, we are proposing to amend our domestic quarantined regulations to provide for the interstate movement of Hass avocados from Mexican fruit fly and sapote fruit fly quarantined areas in the United States with a certificate if the fruit is safeguarded after harvest in accordance with specific measures. We are also proposing to amend our foreign quarantined regulations to remove trapping and bait spray treatment requirements related to Anastrepha spp. fruit flies for imported Hass avocados from Michoacan, Mexico. These actions are warranted in light of research demonstrating the limited host status of Hass avocados to various species of fruit flies in the genus Anastrepha, including Mexican fruit fly and sapote fruit fly. By amending our domestic and foreign quarantined regulations, we would make our domestic and foreign requirements for movement of Hass avocados consistent with each othe

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Hawaiian and Territorial Quarantine Notices

Tue, Apr 1 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Addition of Armenia to the List of Regions Where African Swine Fever Exists

Thu, Mar 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products by adding Armenia to the list of regions where African swine fever exists. We took that action because outbreaks of African swine fever had been confirmed in various locations in the northern portion of Armenia. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the introduction of African swine fever into the United States.

Notice of Availability of Assessments of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H5N1 Status of Denmark and

Thu, Mar 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared assessments of the animal health status of Denmark and France relative to the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), following single outbreaks of HPAI subtype H5N1 in domestic poultry in each of those countries. The assessments present our evaluation of the HPAI H5N1 detection, control, and eradication measures in place in Denmark and France at the time of the outbreaks and of the actions taken by each country in response to the outbreaks, as well as our assessment of the present status of each country with respect to HPAI subtype H5N1. We are making these risk assessments available to the public for review and comment.

Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Dropwort Leaves With Stems from South Korea Into the

Thu, Mar 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation of dropwort leaves with stems from South Korea into the continental United States subject to the requirements specified in the risk management analysis. 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 believe 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 dropwort leaves with stems from South Korea.
Effective Date: March 20, 2008.

Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would remove the current ambient temperature requirements in the Animal Welfare Act regulations for various stages in the transportation of live animals other than marine mammals. The proposal would replace those requirements with a single performance standard for climatic and environmental conditions during their transportation. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

Public Meeting; Veterinary Biologics

Thu, Mar 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This is the second notice to producers and users of veterinary biological products and other interested individuals that we will be holding our 14th public meeting to discuss regulatory and policy issues related to the manufacture, distribution, and use of veterinary biological products. This notice provides information on the agenda, as well as the dates, times, and place of the meeting. It also identifies a contact person for obtaining registration forms, lodging information, and copies of the agenda.

Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Nomination Request Form; Animal Disease Training

Tue, Mar 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 an information collection activity associated with training related to animal diseases.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Infectious Salmon Anemia; Payment of

Tue, Mar 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Used Farm Equipment From

Mon, Mar 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations for the importation of used farm equipment into the United States from regions affected with footand mouth disease.

Determination of Pest-Free Areas Within the States of Cear[aacute] and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Request for

Mon, Mar 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have received a request from the Government of Brazil to recognize 7 municipalities in the State of Cear[aacute] and 13 municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Norte as pestfree areas for the South American cucurbit fly. After reviewing the documentation submitted in support of that request, the Administrator has determined that those municipalities meet the criteria in our regulations for recognition as pestfree areas. We are making that determination, as well as an evaluation document we have prepared in connection with this action, available for review and comment.

Importation of Fruits and Vegetables

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations by eliminating a treatment requirement for Ya pears imported from Shandong Province, China; clarifying the conditions that apply to the importation of sand pears from the Republic of Korea and Japan; and clarifying the distinction between plant parts that would be considered plant litter or debris and those that would not. These changes eliminate a treatment requirement that we have determined is no longer necessary and clarify some existing provisions in order to make the regulations easier to understand and implement.

Brucellosis in Cattle; Research Facilities

Tue, Feb 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending brucellosis regulations by providing an exception in the definition of herd for animals held within a federally approved brucellosis research facility, in order to facilitate research on brucellosisexposed or infected animals in those facilities. Prior to this rule, such animals constituted a herd, and the presence of brucellosispositive herds within a State can adversely affect that State's brucellosis classification. By providing an exception for brucellosisexposed or infected animals held within federally approved research facilities, this rule will enable initiation of necessary brucellosis research in Class Free States.

Add Mauritius to the List of Regions Where African Swine Fever Exists

Wed, Feb 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products by adding Mauritius to the list of regions where African swine fever exists. We are taking this action because outbreaks of African swine fever have been
[[Page 9175]]
confirmed in various locations throughout Mauritius. This action will restrict the importation of pork and pork products into the United States from Mauritius and is necessary to prevent the introduction of African swine fever into the United States.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly; Add Portion of Los Angeles County, CA, to the List of Quarantined Areas

Wed, Feb 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Mediterranean fruit fly regulations by adding a portion of Los Angeles County, CA, to the list of quarantined areas and by restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of Mediterranean fruit fly.

Mexican Fruit Fly; Designation of Portion of San Diego County, CA, as a Quarantined Area

Wed, Feb 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Mexican fruit fly regulations by designating a portion of San Diego County, CA, as a quarantined area and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of the Mexican fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States.

Notice of Availability of a Risk Analysis for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Status of the Republic of South Africa

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that a risk analysis has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service concerning the footandmouth disease status of the Republic of South Africa and the related disease risks associated with importing animals and animal products into the United States from the Republic of South Africa. This risk analysis will be used as a basis for determining whether to relieve certain prohibitions and restrictions on the importation of ruminants and swine and the fresh meat and other animal products of ruminants and swine into the United States from the Republic of South Africa. We are making this risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.

Draft Guideline: Target Animal Safety for Veterinary Live and Inactivated Vaccines

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for the Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH) has developed a draft guideline titled ``Target Animal Safety for Veterinary Live and Inactivated Vaccines.'' This draft guideline provides guidance for designing and executing studies to evaluate the safety of the final formulation of veterinary live and inactivated vaccines in animals. Because the draft guideline may have an effect on the requirements for vaccines that are regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the VirusSerumToxin Act, we are requesting comments on the scope of the guideline and its provisions so that we may include any relevant public input on the draft in the Agency's comments to the VICH Steering Committee.

Oregon State University; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared for a proposed controlled field release of genetically engineered (transgenic) clones of Populus species and hybrids. The purpose of this controlled field release is to examine the effects of the genetic constructs on the intended traits of reproductive sterility, reduced stature, reduced light response, and modified lignin content. After assessing the application, reviewing pertinent scientific information, and considering public comments, we have concluded that this field release will not present a plant pest risk, nor will it have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on the environmental analysis that there are no significant impacts associated with this controlled field release, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that a finding of no significant impact is appropriate and therefore an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for this field releas

SemBioSys Genetics, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared for a proposed field release of a safflower line genetically engineered to express, within its seeds, human proinsulin fused to an Arabidopsis oleosin molecule. After our assessment of the application, review of pertinent scientific information, and consideration of comments provided by the public, we have concluded that this field release will not present a risk of introducing or disseminating a plant pest, nor will it have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for these field releases.

Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Record of Decision

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This notice advises the public of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's record of decision for the supplement to the Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Planet Biotechnology, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have prepared an environmental assessment for a proposed field release involving a Nicotiana hybrid line that has been genetically engineered to produce an antimicrobial antibody that binds to a bacterium (Streptococcus mutans) associated with tooth decay in humans. The purpose of this field release is to generate plant biomass from which the antibody will be extracted after harvest. The environmental assessment provides a basis for our conclusion that this field release will not present a risk of introducing or disseminating a plant pest and will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for this field release.
Effective Date: February 15, 2008.

South American Cactus Moth; Quarantine and Regulations

Mon, Feb 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the domestic quarantine regulations to establish regulations to restrict the interstate movement of South American cactus moth host material, including nursery stock and plant parts for consumption, from infested areas of the United States. This action would help prevent the artificial spread of South American cactus moth into noninfested areas of the United States.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Poultry Meat and Other

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

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 regulations for the importation of poultry meat and other poultry products from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico.

Wood Packaging Material; Treatment Modification

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations for the importation of unmanufactured wood articles to bring the methyl bromide treatment schedule into alignment with current international phytosanitary standards. The interim rule was necessary because international phytosanitary standards had changed, and our regulations needed to be updated to reflect the current standards.

Notice of Request for Revision and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Domestic Quarantine

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Pork and Poultry Products From Mexico

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for Importation of Blueberries From Guatemala Into the Continental

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation into the continental United States of blueberries from Guatemala. Based on that analysis, we believe 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 blueberries from Guatemala. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.

Imported Fire Ant; Additions to the List of Quarantined Areas

Tue, Feb 5 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the imported fire ant regulations by designating as quarantined areas all or portions of 2 counties in Arkansas, 3 in North Carolina, and 3 in Tennessee, by expanding the quarantined area in 1 county in Arkansas and 15 in Tennessee, and by designating the entire State of South Carolina as a quarantined area. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ant to noninfested areas of the United States. As a result of the interim rule, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those quarantined areas is restricted.

Notice of Request for Revision and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Self-Certification Medical

Tue, Feb 5 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Brucellosis in Cattle; State and Area Classifications; Texas

Fri, Feb 1 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate movement of cattle by changing the classification of Texas from Class A to Class Free. We have determined that Texas meets the standards for Class Free status. This action relieves certain restrictions on the interstate movement of cattle from Texas.

Change in Disease Status of Surrey County, England, Because of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations governing the importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products by removing Surrey County, England, from the list of regions considered to be free of footandmouth disease (FMD). We are taking this action because the existence of FMD has been confirmed in that area. This action is necessary to prevent the introduction of FMD into the United States. As a result of this interim rule the importation of ruminants and swine and the fresh meat and other animal products of ruminants and swine from Surrey County, England, is restricted.

Notice of Decision to Issue Permits for the Importation of Sweet Cherries From Australia Into the Continental United

Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States and Hawaii of sweet cherries from Australia. 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 believe 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 sweet cherries from Australia.

Citrus Canker; Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery Stock From Quarantined Areas

Tue, Jan 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are reopening the comment period for our interim rule that amended the citrus canker quarantine regulations to explicitly prohibit, with limited exceptions, the interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from a quarantined area. One of those exceptions was a provision that allows calamondin and kumquat plants, two types of citrus plants that have been considered to be highly resistant to citrus canker, to be moved interstate from a quarantined area under a protocol designed to ensure that they are free of citrus canker prior to movement. However, following publication of the interim rule, several samples from calamondin plants growing in a quarantined area were found to be infected with citrus canker. Based on that finding, it appears that it will be necessary to remove calamondin plants from the protocol when we publish an upcoming rule that will finalize the interim rule. Before we publish that final rule, however, we are reopening the comment period for the interim rule to provide int

Mexican Fruit Fly; Removal of Quarantined Area

Tue, Jan 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the Mexican fruit fly regulations by removing Willacy County, TX, from the list of quarantined areas and thus removing restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from this area. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that are no longer needed to prevent the spread of the Mexican fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States. We have determined that the Mexican fruit fly no longer exists in Willacy County, TX, and that the quarantine and restrictions are no longer necessary.

Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, AZ

Tue, Jan 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tickborne diseases may be imported into the United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis, AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such cattle under the regulations. We would also amend the regulations to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tickborne diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed. These proposed changes would make an additional port of entry available and relieve restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican ca

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Gypsy Moth Identification Worksheet

Tue, Jan 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions; Identification of Ruminants, and Processing and Importation

Fri, Jan 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations regarding the importation of animals and animal products to remove several restrictions regarding the identification of animals and the processing of ruminant materials from regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States. We are removing these restrictions because they are not necessary to prevent the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States.

Addition of Armenia to the List of Regions Where African Swine Fever Exists

Mon, Jan 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products by adding Armenia to the list of regions where African swine fever exists. We are taking this action because outbreaks of African swine fever have been confirmed in various locations in the northern portion of Armenia. This action will restrict the importation of pork and pork products into the United States from Armenia and is necessary to prevent the introduction of African swine fever into the United States.

Environmental Impact Statement; Determination of Regulated Status of Alfalfa Genetically Engineered for Tolerance to

Mon, Jan 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service intends to prepare an environmental impact statement in connection with making a determination on the status of the Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International alfalfa lines designated as events J101 and J163 as regulated articles. This notice identifies potential issues and alternatives that will be studied in the environmental impact statement and requests public comment to further delineate the scope of the issues and regulatory alternatives.

General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan; Meeting

Mon, Jan 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are giving notice of a meeting of the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Arugula Leaves With Stems From Panama Into the Continental

Fri, Jan 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States of arugula leaves with stems from Panama. 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 believe 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 arugula leaves with stems from Panama.

Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine

Thu, Jan 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of those animals. We would replace those requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This proposal replaces a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as par