Wildlife Damage Management

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY:  The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS) has prepared a supplement to an Environmental Assessment (EA) entitled Field Trial of an Experimental Rabies Vaccine, Human Adenovirus Type 5 Vector, in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia.  The EA evaluated potential environmental impacts to the quality of the human environment from the implementation of a field trial to determine the safety and immunogenicity of the human adenovirus type 5 – rabies glycoprotein (AdRG1.3) rabies vaccine in the above mentioned states.  A Decision and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued on August 13, 2012.  The supplement to the EA examines the potential environmental impacts of WS’ program as is relates to expanding the geographic range of the field trial zone in New York.  Additionally, the supplement to the EA presents new information that has become available from public comments, research findings, and data gathering since the issuance of the Decision/FONSI.  The scope of the EA is limited to WS’ actions. The proposed field trial will serve as a complement to the current national ORV program.  APHIS-WS is requesting public review and comments on the supplement to the EA.

Public Noticed Until July 5, 2013

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Interested parties may view the EA and Supplement by clicking on the following links:

2013 Supplement to the Environmental Assessment: Field Trial of an Experimental Rabies Vaccine, Human Adenovirus Type 5 Vector in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia

2012 Environmental Assessment: Field Trial of an Experimental Rabies Vaccine, Human Adenovirus Type 5 Vector in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia

Or by contacting:

Staff Wildlife Biologist
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
140-C Locust Grove Road
Pittstown, NJ 08867
Phone: (908) 735-5654
Fax: (908) 735-0821

Comments must be received in writing at the address indicated above by COB July 5, 2013 in order to receive full consideration.  When faxing a comment, please include a mailing address.  A copy of comments should also be mailed to ensure that a complete version of the text is received.  All comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record and will be released for public review as required and allowed by law.

Additionally, interested parties may view the documents and submit electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal by going to Regulations.gov