Federal Register #APHIS-2023-0069

APHIS Proposes Regulatory Change for HPAI-Related Avian Imports

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory amendment by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), under the Department of Agriculture, regarding import requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): - Government Buyer: - Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory proposal, not a procurement action. - Products/Services Affected: - Imports of live birds, poultry, hatching eggs, avian products, and related commodities - No specific part numbers, quantities, or commercial products are requested - Notable Requirements: - Proposal to reduce the waiting period for eligible avian commodities from 90 days to 28 days prior to export to the U.S., provided they are not exposed to HPAI or sourced from quarantined premises - Updates to certification and permit processes for importers - Alignment with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidance and current scientific understanding of HPAI transmission - APHIS is seeking public comments on the proposed rule and its impact on small entities - No procurement of goods or services is involved; this is a regulatory change impacting importers and exporters of avian commodities

Description

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend regulations to reduce the timeframe during which live birds and other avian commodities must not have been exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or sourced from quarantined premises before export to the United States. The current 90-day period would be reduced to 28 days to align with updated international standards and scientific understanding of HPAI transmission. This change aims to allow foreign regions to resume exports sooner following an outbreak while maintaining safeguards against HPAI dissemination in the U.S. The proposal includes updates to related regulatory provisions and invites public comments until November 23, 2026.

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