Madelaine Fletcher (301) 734-6125
Jerry Redding (202) 720-4623
USDA ADOPTS FINAL RULE ADDING NAMIBIA TO THE LIST OF REGIONS CONSIDERED FREE OF FOOT‑AND‑MOUTH DISEASE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2006--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its import regulations regarding live swine, certain pork and pork products to add Namibia, except for the region north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF), to the list of regions considered free of foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) and added the entire country to the list of regions free of rinderpest.
APHIS has determined that the region of Namibia south of the VCF is free from FMD, and the entire country is free of rinderpest. However, Namibia will still be subject to certain import restrictions for FMD and rinderpest because of its proximity to or trading relationships with regions that are not free of these diseases.
This action relieves FMD and rinderpest import restrictions on certain live animals and animal products from all regions of Namibia, except the region north of the VCF. However, since Namibia is affected with African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine vesicular disease, the importation of live swine, certain pork and pork products into the United States would continue to be restricted. Additionally, because Namibia is considered to be affected with other animal diseases that are exotic to the United States, live ruminants and germplasm will continue to be restricted.
These actions update the disease status of Namibia with regard to FMD and rinderpest while continuing to provide additional requirements that protect the United States from an introduction of these diseases.
Comments on the rule change were solicited, but none were received. Notice of this final rule is published in the Oct. 24 Federal Register and becomes effective Nov. 24.
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