USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend animal disease traceability regulations and require electronic identification for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison. APHIS is also proposing to revise and clarify record requirements. The changes would strengthen the ability of the U.S. to quickly respond to significant animal disease outbreaks, the agency said.
“Major animal disease outbreaks hurt our ranchers and farmers and all those who support them along the supply chain, threaten our food security and impact our ability to trade America’s high quality food products around the world,” APHIS said. “Rapid traceability in a disease outbreak could help ranchers and farmers get back to selling their products more quickly; limit how long farms are quarantined; and keep more animals from getting sick.”
Interested stakeholders may view the proposed rule in the Federal Register here. Members of the public may submit comments beginning Jan. 19. All comments must be received by March 22, 2023, after which APHIS will review all comments and address them in a final rule.