APHIS Increases Rules on Interstate Animal Transport

August 28, 2001

USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service has increased federal regulations for interstate sheep and goat transport in an effort to prevent the spread of scrapie. APHIS's plan was outlined in a final rule published in the Aug. 21 Federal Register.

The scrapie eradication program will require states to meet strict federal requirements in monitoring the disease. The final rule also implements new identification requirements for sheep and goats.

AHPIS will establish a list of states conducting an active statewide scrapie program consistent with federal guidelines and a set of guidelines for transporting sheep and goats between states with and without scrapie programs.

The rule will go into effect Sept. 20. The compliance date to identify animals that are not scrapie-positive animals, suspect animals, high-risk animals, exposed animals or animals from an infected or source flock is Nov.19.

To access the rule on the Internet, go to http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-20693-filed.