Category Archives: USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a draft policy statement through the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) on research with Brucella species in outdoor settings. The policy statement will allow researchers to conduct brucellosis studies in large animals that cannot be easily housed or studied indoors. The ability to conduct outdoor host animal studies involving swine, elk, bison, and cattle will help APHIS gain important tools and information to continue with brucellosis eradication. [Source: USDA 14 October 2020]

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to recognize the unprecedented challenge that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic poses to trade. To alleviate the impact on animal origin commodities imports, APHIS provides the following interim guidance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists assigned to review required import information for animal products and by-products regulated by USDA APHIS. This guidance replaces previous editions that were communicated with CBP. [Source: USDA 30 Sep 2020]

The USDA is accepting applications from non-federal, not-for-profit partners for projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine, which is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is making $12 million available and will accept applications through Nov. 5, in eight priority states during its second round of project funding. [Source: National Hog Farmer 25 Sep 2020]

This week the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) published its fifth annual report of aggregate program data, the 2019 Annual Report of the Federal Select Agent Program, as part of the program’s continued efforts to provide the American public with insight into the regulatory activities of the program. The annual publication of this report reflects FSAP’s continued commitment to increasing transparency and understanding of the program. [Source: USDA 24 Sep 2020]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking feedback on its proposed list of pests and diseases of concern that are likely to pose a high risk to U.S. agricultural and natural resources. [Source: USDA 6 August 2020]

USDA APHIS is focusing on the following issues and concerns regarding import permit time frames and standards including contingency plans for transit shipments. View the July 30, 2020 USDA announcement for more information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the availability of a sources sought notice that will be posted for 30 days to gather information from interested diagnostics manufacturers on their ability to supply test kits for three major livestock diseases: foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF). [Source: USDA 3 August 2020]

The newest video in the ongoing series, Feral Swine in America: Episode 2- Oklahoma looks at the impacts feral swine have on pecan orchards, native wildlife, and the rural way of life. [Source: USDA 21 July 2020]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a petition from a vaccine manufacturer seeking approval to produce foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine consisting of a modified non-infectious and non-transmissible strain of the virus on the U.S. mainland. [Source: USDA APHIS 13 July 2020]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking project proposals for fiscal year (FY) 2020 funding for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The 2018 Farm Bill provided funding for these programs as part of an overall strategy to help prevent animal pests and diseases from entering the United States and reduce the spread and impact of potential disease incursions through advance planning and preparedness. Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, September 14, 2020. [Source: USDA 15 July 2020]