Karen Eggert (301) 734-7280
Angela Harless (202) 720-4623
USDA PROPOSES NEW TESTING REGIMEN FOR THE IMPORTATION OF TABLE EGGS FROM REGIONS WHERE EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE EXISTS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to amend its regulations regarding the importation of animal products. This proposed amendment will modify the testing requirements for importing of eggs (other than hatching eggs) from regions where Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) exists. This action is necessary to provide a more efficient and effective testing option for determining the disease status of egg-producing flocks. This proposal would keep the import restrictions in the United States current with the latest science while continuing to protect domestic poultry health from END.
The proposed regulation amendment provides for the use of a statistically valid testing regimen which would ensure a timely and effective method in detecting infected birds. This amendment would eliminate the need for excessive testing. The new proposal would replace the current options for flock testing with a new testing regimen. The new testing regimen would require that at least 1 cull bird be tested for the END virus at days 7 and 14 during a 21-day period for 10,000 live birds that occupy each poultry house certified for exporting table eggs. The tests and results must present no clinical or immunological evidence of END.
END is a contagious and fatal viral disease which affects all species of birds. Previously known as velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease, END is probably one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world. END is so virulent that many birds die without showing any clinical signs. A death rate of almost 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated poultry flocks. END can also infect and cause death in vaccinated poultry.
Notice of this proposed rule is published in the Aug. 13 Federal Register. Additionally, APHIS proposes new requirements regarding additional certification on egg drop syndrome and flock inspections and the issuance of health certificates.
Consideration will be given to comments received on or before Oct. 12. Send an original and three copies of postal mail or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0014, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737‑1238. Comment can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking portal Web site at www.regulations.gov. Select Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the agency drop‑down menu and click on Submit. In the Docket ID column, select APHIS‑2007‑0014 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
Comments are posted on the Regulations.gov Web site and also can be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th St. and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. To facilitate entry into the comment reading room, call (202) 690‑2817.
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