21 February 2011

2 minute read

North America

APHIS has spent much of the past year developing a framework for US animal disease traceability. Through the framework, APHIS intends to implement a flexible yet coordinated approach to animal disease traceability that uses the strengths and expertise of states, tribes and producers by empowering them to find and use the traceability methods that work best for them.

APHIS conducted extensive outreach on the traceability framework and continues to seek input through the committee. The committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the means to prevent, conduct surveillance on, monitor, control or eradicate animal diseases of national importance. In doing so, the committee considers public health, conservation of natural resources and the stability of livestock economies.

This and two other meetings, one on 13 May and the other on 15 July, will be conducted as teleconferences and are open to the public, although public participants will be in listen-only mode. Those who wish to participate must send an e-mail through the access portal on the committee's web site [click here] or by email to the committee directly [email protected]. Participants should note their name, organizational affiliation (if any) and should identify the meeting(s) they wish to join. Participants will receive a telephone number and pass code to join the meeting. Questions and written statements for the committee's consideration at the meeting on 4 March should be submitted by 1 March.

Notice of this action is published in Federal Register for 18 February

For the May and June meetings, questions and written statements may be submitted up to five days before those meetings.

For more information, contact Michael R. Doerrer, chief operating officer, veterinary services, USDA, APHIS, 4700 River Rd., Unit 37, Riverdale, Md. 201737, or e-mail [email protected].