Press Release

Suzan Holl	(301) 734-6464
Jerry Redding	(202) 720-6959

USDA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR SECRETARY’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN ANIMAL AND POULTRY DISEASE

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2005—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Secretary’s advisory committee on foreign animal and poultry diseases is being renewed for a two-year period. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking membership nominations for the committee.

The purpose of the committee is to advise the Secretary on necessary actions needed to keep foreign livestock and poultry diseases out of the United States. The committee also advises on contingency planning and on maintaining a state of preparedness to deal with foreign animal diseases, if they were to be introduced.

The terms of current committee members will expire this August. Nominations for the two-year term are being solicited from interested organizations and individuals. The Secretary will select new members in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and USDA regulations.

The notice of solicitation for membership was published in the June 21 Federal Register. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Consideration will be given to nominations received on or before Aug. 5. Nominations should be addressed to Joseph Annelli, director of emergency management outreach and liaisons, emergency management, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-8073.

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