[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 6 (Thursday, January 9, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 1308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-426]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 6 / Thursday, January 9, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 1308]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 96-091-1]


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Approved information collection extension; comment request.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of a currently approved information 
collection in support of the exportation of animals and animal 
products.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by March 10, 1997 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the accuracy of burden estimate, 
ways to minimize the burden (such as the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology), or any other 
aspect of this collection of information to: Docket No. 96-091-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please send an original and 
three copies, and state that your comments refer to Docket 96-091-1. 
Comments received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing 
to inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information regarding the import health 
requirements of other countries for animals and animal products 
exported from the United States, contact Dr. Andrea Morgan, Senior 
Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 
4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-8068; or 
e-mail: [email protected]. For copies of more detailed information 
on the information collection, contact Ms. Cheryl Groves, APHIS' 
Support Services Specialist, at (301) 734-5086.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: United States Origin Health Certificate.
    OMB Number: 0579-0020.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 6/30/97.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The export of agricultural commodities, including animals 
and animal products, is a major business in the United States and 
contributes to a favorable balance of trade. As part of its mission to 
facilitate the export of U.S. animals and products, the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Veterinary Services (VS), maintains information regarding the import 
health requirements of other countries for animals and animal products 
exported from the United States.
    Most countries require a certification that our animals are disease 
free. This certification generally must carry the USDA seal and be 
endorsed by an authorized veterinarian. VS Form 17-140, United States 
Origin Health Certificate, is generally used to meet these 
requirements. The requirements concerning origin health certificates 
for animals intended for export from the United States are contained in 
9 CFR part 91. These regulations are authorized by 21 U.S.C. 112.
    We are seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) to continue the use of this form.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
We need this outside input to help us:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, 
electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .5002 hours per response.
    Respondents: State and Federal veterinarians, accredited 
veterinarians.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,800.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 21,009 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval of the information collection.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of January 1997.
A. Strating,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 97-426 Filed 1-8-97; 8:45 am]
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