USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Proposes to Close Loophole on Retail Pet Sales to Ensure Health and Humane Treatment
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to revise its definition of “retail pet store” to close a loophole that has threatened the health and humane treatment of pets sold sight unseen over the Internet and via phone- and mail-based businesses. Under the current definition of “retail pet store,” which was developed over 40 years ago and predates the Internet, some breeders selling pets are taking advantage of a loophole that improperly exempts them from the basic requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The proposed rule will close this loophole, ensuring animals sold over the Internet and via phone- and mail-based businesses are better monitored for their overall health and humane treatment.
Update from USDA Regarding a Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2012 – USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service today released the following update on the BSE detection announced earlier this week:
Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford Regarding a Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States
Assures Consumers That Existing Safeguards Protected Food Supply; Reiterates Safety of Consuming Beef Products
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2012 – USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford today released the following statement on the detection of BSE in the United States:
Massachusetts Asian Longhorned Beetle Cooperative Eradication Program Determines Next Steps for Eradication Efforts in Worcester County
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced next steps in eradicating the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation from Worcester County, Massachusetts.
USDA Urges Americans to Prevent Invasive Pests, Protect American Agriculture
WASHINGTON, APRIL 2, 2012—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that it is dedicating the month of April to sharing information about the threat that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America's fruits, vegetables, trees, and other plants—and how the public can help prevent their spread. APHIS works each day to promote U.S. agricultural health and safeguard the nation’s agriculture, fishing and forestry industries.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations.
APHIS Proposes New Bovine Import Regulations in Line with International Animal Health Standards - Proposal Aims to Ensure Health of the U.S. Beef Herd, Assist in Negotiations
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today it is seeking public review and comment on a proposal to complete efforts to modernize the Agency’s import regulations for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
USDA Extends Comment Period for Corn Genetically Engineered for Herbicide Tolerance
WASHINGTON, Feb 22, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a public comment period extension through April 27 on a petition received from Dow AgroScience LLC seeking a determination of nonregulated status for corn designated as DAS-40278-9.
USDA Strengthens Service for America’s Agricultural Exporters
APHIS Announces Improvements to its Phytosanitary Certificate and Issuance Tracking System
WASHINGTON, February 16, 2012—America’s agricultural exporters play a vital role in building an economy that continues to grow, innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Farm exports in fiscal year (FY) 2011 showed record growth, reaching a high of $137.4 billion, and supported 1.15 million jobs here on the home front. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) supports trade and economic growth by continually striving to improve services for American exporters.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Seeks Comment on Interim Rule Regarding Plum Pox Compensation
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its plum pox regulations to provide for or increase compensation payments to owners of certain commercial orchards and nurseries that are economically affected by plum pox quarantine and eradication efforts.
USDA Continues Efforts to Eradicate Asian Longhorned Beetle in Ohio with Removal of Infested Trees
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2012--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today it is resuming efforts to remove Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infested trees in Bethel, Ohio.
USDA Streamlines Guidance on Live Animal Imports
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing changes to regulations governing requests to conduct animal health status evaluations. These evaluations are conducted at the request of foreign nations in order to determine eligibility for importing animals and animal products into the United States.
USDA Announces Biotechnology Regulatory Actions
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing four regulatory notices and supporting scientific evaluations related to the agency’s oversight of genetically-engineered plants. Three notices will be published in the Federal Register on Dec. 27 and a fourth was published on Dec. 16.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Announces Improvements to Veterinary Biologics Licensing Process
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced plans to streamline and improve several of the programmatic processes its customers use most, including the veterinary biologics licensing process. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted improvements to a host of USDA programs and processes, including veterinary biologics licensing, being made to help farmers, ranchers and businesses continue to drive America’s productive agricultural economy.
USDA Announces Improvements to Risk Assessment and Rulemaking Process
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced plans to dramatically streamline and improve several programmatic processes, including the Agency’s processes for conducting risk assessments and rulemaking. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted improvements to a host of USDA programs and processes, including to the risk assessment and rulemaking process, being made to help farmers, ranchers and businesses continue to drive America’s productive agricultural economy.
USDA Announces Improvements to Genetically Engineered Petition Process
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced plans to streamline and improve several of the programmatic processes its customers use most, including the agency’s process for making determinations on petitions for nonregulated status for genetically engineered (GE) plants. APHIS grants such petitions when it determines that a GE product does not pose a plant pest risk and should not be subject to APHIS regulation. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted improvements to a host of USDA programs and processes, including the GE petition process, being made to help farmers, ranchers and businesses continue to drive America’s productive agricultural economy.
APHIS Unveils Customer-Driven Improvements and Solutions Changes Could Achieve Reductions in Processing Times Ranging from 20 to 76 Percent
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2011--As part of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s commitment to transform the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) into a customer-focused, high-performing organization, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has unveiled plans to dramatically decrease the time it takes for certain programmatic processes and procedures. These improvements, which could achieve reductions in various agency processing times ranging from 20 to 76 percent, will expedite and improve the delivery of their products and services and reinforce the Secretary’s dedication to achieving results.
USDA Announces Advancements in Massachusetts Eradication Efforts Against Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation -Survey Exceeds 1,500,000 Trees
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today progress in the fight to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) from Massachusetts
USDA Introduces ePermit Online Applications for Importers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the availability of ePermits for public use by applicants seeking import or transit permits for live animals.
USDA Announces Start of Tree Removal Efforts in Ohio Due to Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today it will begin tree removals for the eradication of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) from regulated areas within Clermont County, Ohio. Tree removals are scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 14, weather permitting.
USDA Begins Survey Effort to Determine Eradication of Asian Longhorned Beetle in New Jersey
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announces the beginning of visual survey work to determine whether Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has been effectively eradicated from Middlesex and Union counties, N.J.
USDA Ready to Respond to Destructive Aquatic Rodent Discovered Along Wicomico River
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2011--Biologists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have discovered at least one breeding colony of an invasive South American rodent along the Wicomico River between Salisbury and the mouth of the river on the Chesapeake Bay.
USDA Announces Changes to Sampling and Inspection Approach at Ports of Entry for Imported Plants for Planting
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing changes to its sampling and inspection approach at plant inspection stations for imported plants for planting. This action strengthens our ability to ensure that harmful plant pests and diseases do not enter the United States.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA to Hold Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health Meeting
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold a Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health meeting on November 1 and 2. The meeting will be held in the United States Access Board conference room, 1331 F Street NW., Suite 800, Washington, D.C., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. All committee meetings are open to the public.
USDA Announces Determination of Nonregulated Status for Insect Resistant Soybean
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its determination of nonregulated status for soybean which has been genetically engineered for insect resistance.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roundup Ready Sugar Beets
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the availability of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the potential environmental effects of making a determination of nonregulated status of sugar beets genetically engineered (GE) to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, known commercially as Roundup. These GE sugar beets are commonly referred to as Roundup Ready® (RR) sugar beets.
USDA Extends Comment Period for Proposed Rule on Traceability
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a 30-day extension of the comment period for the proposed rule on animal disease traceability.
USDA Announces Public Meeting on Federal Select Agent Program
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) select agent program will hold a public meeting on Nov. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) at the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy, 1640 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, Tenn. 37996.
USDA Upgrades New Mexico’s Bovine Tuberculosis Status, Lessening Restrictions on Movement of Cattle and Bison
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the boundaries of the bovine tuberculosis risk classification zones for the state of New Mexico.
USDA Upgrades Minnesota’s Bovine Tuberculosis Status, Lessening Restrictions on Movement of Cattle and Bison
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the boundaries of the bovine tuberculosis risk classification zones for the state of Minnesota.
USDA Announces Determination of Nonregulated Status for Pest-Resistant Cotton
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its determination of nonregulated status for cotton that is resistant to several insect pests.
USDA Announces Determination of Nonregulated Status for Altered Colored Roses
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its determination of nonregulated status for roses that have been genetically engineered to produce novel flower color.
USDA Announces Public Meeting on Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate and the Bovine Tuberculosis Program
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2011--The Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health will hold a public meeting on Friday, Sept. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. (EST) to consider and discuss various aspects of the recently published proposed rule on traceability for livestock moving interstate.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Proposes to Strengthen Health Requirements for Imported Dogs
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to prohibit, with certain exceptions, the importation of dogs into the continental United States for purposes of resale, research and veterinary treatment, unless they are in good health, have received all necessary vaccinations and are at least six months old.
USDA Announces End of Period for Election to Participate in National Veterinary Accreditation Program
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced to the public that veterinarians who are currently accredited in the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) may continue to perform accredited duties and may elect to continue to participate in the NVAP until Oct. 1, 2011.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Begins 2011 Oral Rabies Vaccine Efforts in Eastern United States
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) wildlife services (WS) program will begin its 2011 distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits in select areas along the East Coast in an effort to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies.
USDA Seeks Comments on the Proposed Rule for Animal Disease Traceability
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a proposed rule to establish general regulations for improving the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate when animal disease events take place.
USDA Begins Survey Effort to Determine Eradication of Asian Longhorned Beetle in New York County
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the beginning of visual survey work to determine whether Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has been effectively eradicated from New York County, N.Y.
First Shipments of Mangoes from Pakistan Arrive in the United States
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the beginning of mango trade between the United States and Pakistan with the arrival of the first shipments of mangoes into the continental United States.
USDA Reopens Comment Period for Draft Environmental Assessment for Drought Tolerant Corn
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reopened the comment period for a petition received from the Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status for corn designated as MON 87460, which has been genetically engineered for drought tolerance. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments on the Monsanto petition and APHIS’ plant pest risk assessment and draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed determination of nonregulated status.
USDA Seeks Comment on the Risk Analysis Evaluating the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Status of Japan
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today released a risk analysis concerning the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) status of Japan and the risk of susceptible animals and animal products from Japan harboring the FMD virus.
USDA Proposes the Addition of 25 Member States of the European Union to List of Regions Free of Newcastle Disease
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products by recognizing 25 member states of the European Union as the APHIS-defined European Union poultry trade region and adding it to the list of regions APHIS considers to be free of Newcastle disease.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Restricts the Importation of Commercial and Noncommercial Quantities of Rice from Countries Where Khapra Beetle Is Known to Occur
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is restricting the importation of rice from countries known to have Khapra beetle, due to an increasing number of detections at U.S. ports of entry of infested shipments of rice from these countries. The introduction and establishment of Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) into the United States poses a serious threat to stored agricultural products, including spices, grains and packaged foods.
USDA Makes Four Training Modules Available for Veterinary Accreditation
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the availability of four APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) Web modules as part of the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP).
USDA Extends Comment Period on Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Program Framework
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced an extension through July 5 on a new framework being developed for the bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis programs in the United States.
USDA Responds to Regulation Requests Regarding Kentucky Bluegrass
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today made available online its responses to two separate inquiries regarding the regulation of genetically-engineered (GE) Kentucky bluegrass. In the first response, directed at Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, APHIS confirmed that the Scotts GE Kentucky bluegrass variety does not fall under APHIS biotechnology authority for regulation. In the second response, directed at the International Center for Technology Assessment (ICTA) and the Center for Food Safety (CFS), APHIS determined it would not regulate Kentucky bluegrass-neither Scotts GE Kentucky bluegrass nor traditional Kentucky bluegrass-as a Federal noxious weed under its authority.
USDA Urges Residents to be on the Lookout for the Asian Longhorned Beetle
Beetles Expected to Emerge in July
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is asking for the public's help in detecting and preventing the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis), a serious pest of hardwood trees.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment for Genetically Engineered Soybean
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a plant pest risk assessment and a draft environmental assessment (EA) to address a request from the Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status. The request is for soybeans that have been genetically engineered (GE) to have a modified fatty acid profile and a tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment for Soybean Genetically Engineered for Insect Resistance
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a plant pest risk assessment and a draft environmental assessment (EA) to address a request from the Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status. The request is for soybeans that have been genetically engineered (GE) to be insect resistant.
USDA Announces Decision to Deregulate Genetically Engineered Corn Seed
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its determination of nonregulated status for corn genetically engineered (GE) to produce hybrid corn seed that is non-transgenic.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment for Cotton Genetically Engineered for Insect Resistance and Herbicide Tolerance
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a plant pest risk assessment and a draft environmental assessment (EA) to address a request from Bayer CropScience seeking a determination of nonregulated status. The request is for cotton that has been genetically engineered (GE) to be tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate and resistant to several lepidopteran pests.
USDA Launches New Email Subscription Service for Plant Health Stakeholders
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plant protection and quarantine (PPQ) program is announcing the availability of a new email subscription service for plant health stakeholders.
Federal and State Officials Announce Tree Survey Efforts in Ohio Due to the Discovery of Asian Longhorned Beetle
Area Residents Are Encouraged to Report Any Signs of ALB And to Avoid Moving Firewood
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announce that surveys are under way in Bethel, Ohio, after the detection and identification of the Asian longhorned beetle. Bethel is located 30 miles southeast of Cincinnati.
USDA Makes Permit Inspection Findings Available Online
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will begin posting website notices on findings of pharmaceutical, industrial and phytoremediation permit inspections.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Efforts Boost Sea Turtle Numbers
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wildlife services program is highlighting its efforts to protect threatened and endangered sea turtles and shore birds in Florida. APHIS provides expertise to reduce threats to our nation’s more vulnerable animals and habitats.
USDA Announces Public Meeting on Veterinary Biologics Labeling
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced it is hosting a public meeting to discuss a draft guideline concerning effectiveness indications statements in veterinary biologics labeling. This draft policy guideline, including a concept paper, will also be available for review and comment.
Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health to Hold Two Public Meetings
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2011-- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced he will hold two meetings of the advisory committee on animal health to discuss matters of animal health, including the pending proposed rule implementing USDA’s traceability framework and establishing an aquaculture subcommittee. The meetings will be held in May and June and conducted as a multisite teleconference.
USDA Prepares Draft Environmental Assessment for Drought Tolerant Corn
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) and a draft environmental assessment (EA) to address a request from the Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status for corn, designated as MON 87460, that has been genetically engineered (GE) for drought tolerance.
USDA Prepares Draft Environmental Assessment for Pest-Resistant Cotton
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is advising the public it has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) to address a petition from Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. The company is seeking a determination of nonregulated status for its genetically engineered cotton that is resistant to lepidopteran insect damage.
USDA Holds Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Regulatory Working Group Public Meetings
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold a total of four public meetings in May and June 2011 to discuss the regulatory framework developed by the Veterinary Services (VS) bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis regulatory working group.
USDA and Navajo Nation Holds a National Veterinary Stockpile Exercise on Tribal Land
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in partnership with the Navajo Nation, held a national veterinary stockpile logistics exercise on Wednesday, April 27. This was the first full-scale exercise to be held on tribal lands.
USDA Reopens Comment Period for High Pathogenic Avian Influenza Requirements for Importing Birds, Poultry and Hatching Eggs
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening, for review and comment, an interim rule that amended the regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of live birds, poultry and poultry products from regions where any subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is considered to exist. APHIS’ previous restrictions covered only the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza. The changes are necessary to prevent the introduction of HPAI into the United States.
USDA Wildlife Specialists Dust Prairie Dog Burrows to Combat Plague
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011--Wildlife specialists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) dusted portions of a 40,000 acre ranch in Texas during the last week of April to combat a suspected plague outbreak in prairie dog colonies. They spread insecticide in burrows to kill fleas that transmit the deadly plague to prairie dogs.
USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine in Florida
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits beginning on or around May 9 to reduce the incidence of raccoon rabies in parts of west-central Florida as part of ongoing cooperative rabies control efforts aimed at raccoon rabies elimination.
USDA Allows Interstate Movement of Citrus Nursery Stock from Certain Quarantine Areas
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced an interim rule that allows the interstate movement of regulated nursery stock, under certain conditions, from areas quarantined for citrus canker, citrus greening and/or the Asian citrus psyllid to any area within the United States. Previously, this interstate movement had been either prohibited or restricted depending on the area of quarantine.
USDA Treats Trees in Suffolk County, Mass., Against Asian Longhorned Beetle
WASHINGTON, April 25, 201--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will treat 3,200 trees susceptible to the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) with injections of the insecticide imidacloprid in Suffolk County, Mass.
USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine in Massachusetts and Ohio
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will soon begin distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits on Cape Cod and in the Cleveland metro area to reduce the incidence of raccoon rabies. APHIS' wildlife services program will begin the baiting work on or about April 25 on Cape Cod, Mass., and in five Ohio counties the first week of May.
USDA Prepares Draft Environmental Assessment for Altered Colored Roses
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is advising the public it has prepared a draft plant pest risk assessment and an environmental assessment (EA) to address a request from Florigene Pty., Ltd seeking a determination of nonregulated status for roses that have been genetically engineered (GE) to produce novel flower color.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Posts Video on Oiling of Resident Canada Goose Eggs
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a video to assist the public in treating the eggs of resident Canada geese in areas where overabundant localized flocks are causing safety hazards or damage. The video offered by the wildlife services (WS) program in the Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS) depicts the basic process for egg oiling, a step which can deter hatching.
USDA Announces Interim Rule Regarding the Importation of Horses from Contagious Equine Metritis - Affected Countries
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its regulations regarding the importation of horses from countries affected with contagious equine metritis (CEM).
USDA Treats New York Trees against Asian Longhorned Beetle
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will treat a total of 29,764 trees susceptible to the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) with the insecticide imidacloprid in New York this spring.
USDA to Host Multi-Agency Public Meeting on Federal Select Agent Program
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in collaboration with our federal partners, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will host a workshop on the Federal Select Agent Program in Ames, Iowa, on Tuesday, May 10. In addition to APHIS, CDC and FBI personnel, representatives from other executive branch departments will be present.
USDA Launches New Asian Longhorned Beetle Science Curriculum
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a new educational curriculum designed to help the public detect any infestations of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (ALB).
USDA APHIS Celebrating World Veterinary Year by Highlighting its Veterinary Staff
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) employs a large contingent of veterinarians to help the agency achieve its mission of protecting American agriculture. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the first veterinary school in Lyon, France, 2011 has been declared World Veterinary Year. APHIS and USDA are joining with organizations around the world, including the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization and the American Veterinary Medical Association to celebrate this milestone by highlighting the work of veterinarians.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011— The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Treats Worcester County, Mass., Trees Against Asian Longhorned Beetle
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will treat 96,000 trees susceptible to the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) this spring with the insecticide imidacloprid in Worcester County, Mass. ALB treatments will start the week of April 25, weather permitting, within portions of the city of Worcester, as well as portions of the towns of Holden, West Boylston, Boylston and Shrewsbury.
USDA Veterinarian to Serve One-Year Deployment to Assist Agriculture Officials in Pakistan
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has deployed one of its veterinarians to Islamabad, Pakistan, where he will spend a year assisting local officials with animal health projects.
USDA Proposes to Allow Importation of Ovine Meat from Uruguay
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend regulations to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) ovine meat from Uruguay.
USDA to Hold Meeting of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 – Animal disease traceability in the United States will be the primary discussion topic at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) meeting of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on March 4.
APHIS Launches Free Image Gallery
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today launched its APHIS Image Gallery, which contains free, high-resolution photographs of the agency's work that are available for public use.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2011 ^€“ The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
USDA Announces Decision to Deregulate Genetically Engineered Corn
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its decision to deregulate corn genetically engineered (GE) to produce a common enzyme called alpha-amylase that breaks down starch into sugar, thereby facilitating a vital step in ethanol production.
USDA Seeks Nominations for the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced it has reestablished the Secretary's National Wildlife Services (WS) Advisory Committee for a two-year period.^ The Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack is soliciting nominations for membership on the 20-member committee.
USDA Extends Comment Period on Revisions to Testing and Certification Requirements for the National Brucellosis Program
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a 14-day extension of the comment period for an interim rule that amends its current brucellosis regulations.
USDA Announces Partial Deregulation for Roundup Ready Sugar Beets
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its decision on the petition to partially deregulate sugar beets that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide commonly known as Roundup®.
North American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank Provides Vaccine to the Republic of Korea
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 – The North American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank, administered jointly by commissioners from the United States, Canada and Mexico, is providing the Republic of Korea with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine needed to assist the country with its ongoing FMD outbreak. The vaccine bank will provide the antigen needed to manufacture 2.5 million doses of vaccine to vaccinate pigs and cattle in the Republic of Korea.
USDA Announces Decision to Fully Deregulate Roundup Ready Alfalfa
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced its decision to grant non-regulated status for alfalfa that has been genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide commercially known as Roundup.
USDA Amends High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Requirements for Importing Birds, Poultry and Hatching Eggs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued an interim rule prohibiting the importation of birds and poultry products from regions where any subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) exists. APHIS’ previous restrictions covered only the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza. The changes are necessary to prevent the introduction of HPAI into the United States.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Bird Hazard Reduction at New York City Airport
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. The SEIS updates and expands the 1994 final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for bird damage management.
USDA Revises Heat Treatment Schedule for Emerald Ash Borer
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a revision to the heat treatment schedule for ash logs and all hardwood firewood moving interstate from an emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantined area.
USDA Announces Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Enforcement Actions
Jan. 13, 2011 - APHIS is continuing to move more swiftly and consistently to take enforcement action in response to animal welfare violations. As part of its effort to make its actions transparent and accessible to the public, APHIS is highlighting enforcement actions taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).
