[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 19, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44067-44071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21902]



 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
 
 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
 Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
 week.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 160 / Tuesday, August 19, 1997 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 44067]]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Parts 145 and 147

[Docket No. 96-070-2]


National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the 
Plan) and its auxiliary provisions to establish new program 
classifications and provide new or modified sampling and testing 
procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. These 
changes, which were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at 
the Plan's 1994 and 1996 National Plan Conferences, will keep the 
provisions of the Plan current with changes in the poultry industry and 
provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 18, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Andrew R. Rhorer, Senior 
Coordinator, Poultry Improvement Staff, National Poultry Improvement 
Plan, Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA, 1500 Klondike Road, Suite A-
102, Conyers, GA 30207; (770) 922-3496.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The National Poultry Improvement Plan (referred to below as ``the 
Plan'') is a cooperative Federal-State-industry mechanism for 
controlling certain poultry diseases. The Plan consists of a variety of 
programs intended to prevent and control egg-transmitted, hatchery-
disseminated poultry diseases. Participation in all Plan programs is 
voluntary, but flocks, hatcheries, and dealers must qualify as ``U.S. 
Pullorum-Typhoid Clean'' before participating in any other Plan 
program. Also, the regulations in 9 CFR part 82, subpart C, which 
provide for certain testing, restrictions on movement, and other 
restrictions on certain chickens, eggs, and other articles due to the 
presence of Salmonella enteritidis, require that no hatching eggs or 
newly hatched chicks from egg-type chicken breeding flocks may be moved 
interstate unless they are classified ``U.S. S. Enteritidis Monitored'' 
under the Plan or they meet the requirements of a State classification 
plan that the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) has determined to be equivalent to the Plan, in 
accordance with 9 CFR 145.23(d).
    The Plan identifies States, flocks, hatcheries, and dealers that 
meet certain disease control standards specified in the Plan's various 
programs. As a result, customers can buy poultry that has tested clean 
of certain diseases or that has been produced under disease-prevention 
conditions.
    The regulations in 9 CFR parts 145 and 147 (referred to below as 
the regulations) contain the provisions of the Plan. APHIS amends these 
provisions from time to time to incorporate new scientific information 
and technologies within the Plan. On March 11, 1997, we published in 
the Federal Register (62 FR 11111-11117, Docket No. 96-070-1) a 
proposal to amend the regulations to:
    1. Standardize the time frame for the retesting of U.S. Pullorum-
Typhoid Clean breeding flocks retained for more than 12 months by 
requiring the retesting to occur a minimum of 4 weeks after the 
induction of molt;
    2. Establish a ``U.S. Salmonella Monitored'' program for primary 
meat-type chicken breeding flocks;
    3. Establish a ``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored'' classification 
for multiplier meat-type chicken breeding flocks that are not 
participating in the ``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Clean'' classification;
    4. Establish a ``U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored'' classification for 
multiplier meat-type chicken breeding flocks that are not participating 
in the ``U.S. M. Synoviae Clean'' classification;
    5. Amend the ``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Clean'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae 
Clean'' classifications for meat-type chicken breeding flocks by 
augmenting testing when adding (spiking) males;
    6. Add a procedure for swabbing or collecting chick papers for 
bacteriological examination for salmonella;
    7. Add a 4 to 6 week surveillance test for M. gallisepticum to the 
``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Clean'' classification for turkeys;
    8. Make the qualification test sample size for ``U.S. M. 
Meleagridis Clean'' consistent with that for the ``U.S. M. 
Gallisepticum Clean'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae Clean'' classifications 
for turkeys;
    9. Simplify the description of the procedure for determining the 
status of flocks reacting to tests for M. gallisepticum, M. synoviae, 
and M. meleagridis;
    10. Amend the ``U.S. Sanitation Monitored, Turkeys'' classification 
to remove the requirement for the environmental sampling of a laying 
house following the removal of a flock from the house;
    11. Establish a ``U.S. M. Synoviae Clean'' classification for 
waterfowl, exhibition poultry and game birds; and
    12. Raise from 75 to 150 the number of birds to be tested to 
qualify flocks for ``U.S. M. Synoviae Clean'' status.
    We solicited comments concerning the proposed rule for 60 days 
ending May 12, 1997. We received no comments by that date. Therefore, 
based on the rationale set forth in the proposed rule, we are adopting 
the provisions of the proposal as a final rule without change.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule 
has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive 
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.
    The changes contained in this document are based on the 
recommendations of representatives of member States, hatcheries, 
dealers, flockowners, and breeders who took part in the Plan's 1994 and 
1996 National Plan Conferences. The changes will amend the Plan and its 
auxiliary provisions by establishing new program classifications and 
providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan 
participants and participating flocks. These changes will keep the 
provisions of the Plan current with changes in the poultry industry

[[Page 44068]]

and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.
    The Plan serves as a ``seal of approval'' for egg and poultry 
producers in the sense that tests and procedures recommended by the 
Plan are considered optimal for the industry. In all cases, the changes 
in this document have been generated by the industry itself with the 
goal of reducing disease risk and increasing product marketability.
    Because participation in the Plan is voluntary, individuals are 
likely to remain in the program as long as the costs of implementing 
the program are lower than the added benefits they receive from the 
program. Nine of the 12 amendments involve minor procedural changes 
that will have negligible economic consequences. Plan participants may 
realize some cost savings because the testing requirements for the new 
``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored'' 
classifications are not as stringent as the testing requirements for 
the ``clean'' classifications for M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae. 
These savings will, however, likely be offset by the amendments to the 
``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Clean'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae Clean'' programs 
that will require additional tests for meat-type chicken breeding 
flocks when spiking males are introduced. Of the 3,979 pullorum-typhoid 
clean flocks currently participating in the Plan, 2,842 flocks are 
classified as ``U.S. M. Gallisepticum Clean'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae 
Clean;'' the remaining 1,137 flocks are eligible for the new ``U.S. M. 
Gallisepticum Monitored'' and ``U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored'' programs. 
However, because participation in Plan programs is voluntary, the 
Agency cannot estimate the number of producers who may participate in 
the two new ``monitored'' classifications or use the new tests.
    Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Executive Order 12372

    This program/activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive Order 12372, 
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. (See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and 
regulations that are in conflict with this rule; (2) has no retroactive 
effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings before 
parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no new information collection or recordkeeping 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.).

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Parts 145 and 147

    Animal diseases, Poultry and poultry products, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Accordingly, 9 CFR parts 145 and 147 are amended as follows:

PART 145--NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

    1. The authority citation for part 145 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 429; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).

    2. Section 145.10 is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph (e), the words ``and Sec. 145.43(e)'' are removed 
and the words ``145.43(e), and Sec. 145.53(d)'' are added in their 
place.
    b. New paragraphs (o), (p), and (q) are added to read as set forth 
below.


Sec. 145.10  Terminology and classification; flocks, products, and 
States.

* * * * *
    (o) U.S. Salmonella Monitored. (See Sec. 145.33(i).)

BILLING CODE 3410-34-U
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19AU97.000


    (p) U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored. (See Sec. 145.33(j).)
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19AU97.001
    

    (q) U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored. (See Sec. 145.33(k).)
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19AU97.002
    

BILLING CODE 3410-34-C


Sec. 145.23  [Amended]

    3. Section 145.23 is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph (b), in the introductory text, the words ``at the 
discretion of the Official State Agency with the concurrence of the 
Service'' are removed and the words ``conducted a minimum of 4 weeks 
after the induction of molt'' are added in their place.
    b. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), in the introductory text, the words 
``75 birds'' are removed and the words ``150 birds'' are added in their 
place.
    4. Section 145.33 is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph (b), in the introductory text, the words ``at the 
discretion of the official State agency with the concurrence of the 
Service'' are removed and the words ``conducted a minimum of 4 weeks 
after the induction of molt'' are added in their place.
    b. A new paragraph (c)(4) is added to read as set forth below.
    c. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), in the introductory text, the words 
``75 birds'' are removed and the words ``150 birds'' are added in their 
place.
    d. A new paragraph (e)(4) is added to read as set forth below.
    e. New paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) are added to read as set forth 
below.

[[Page 44069]]

Sec. 145.33  Terminology and classification; flocks and products.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Before male breeding birds may be added to a participating 
multiplier breeding flock, a sample of at least 3 percent of the birds 
to be added, with a minimum of 10 birds per pen, shall be tested for M. 
gallisepticum as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) or by a polymerase chain 
reaction (PCR)-based procedure approved by the Department. The male 
birds shall be tested no more than 14 days prior to their intended 
introduction into the flock. If the serologic testing of the birds 
yields hemagglutination inhibition titers of 1:40 or higher, or if the 
PCR testing is positive for M. gallisepticum, the male birds may not be 
added to the flock and must be either retested or destroyed.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) Before male breeding birds may be added to a participating 
multiplier breeding flock, a sample of at least 3 percent of the birds 
to be added, with a minimum of 10 birds per pen, shall be tested for M. 
synoviae as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) or by a polymerase chain 
reaction (PCR)-based procedure approved by the Department. The male 
birds shall be tested no more than 14 days prior to their intended 
introduction into the flock. If the serologic testing of the birds 
yields hemagglutination inhibition titers of 1:40 or higher, or if the 
PCR testing is positive for M. synoviae, the male birds may not be 
added to the flock and must be either retested or destroyed.
* * * * *
    (i) U.S. Salmonella Monitored. This program is intended to be the 
basis from which the breeding-hatching industry may conduct a program 
for the prevention and control of Salmonellosis. It is intended to 
reduce the incidence of Salmonella organisms in hatching eggs and 
chicks through an effective and practical sanitation program at the 
breeder farm and in the hatchery. This will afford other segments of 
the poultry industry an opportunity to reduce the incidence of 
Salmonella in their products.
    (1) A flock and the hatching eggs and chicks produced from it that 
have met the following requirements, as determined by the Official 
State Agency:
    (i) The flock shall originate from a source where sanitation and 
management practices, as outlined in Sec. 145.33(d)(1), are conducted;
    (ii) The flock is maintained in compliance with Secs. 147.21, 
147.24(a), and 147.26 of this chapter;
    (iii) If feed contains animal protein, the protein products should 
be purchased from participants in the Animal Protein Products Industry 
(APPI) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program. The protein products 
must have a minimum moisture content of 14.5 percent and must have been 
heated throughout to a minimum temperature of 190  deg.F or above, or 
to a minimum temperature of 165  deg.F for at least 20 minutes, or to a 
minimum temperature of 184  deg.F under 70 lbs. pressure during the 
manufacturing process;
    (iv) Feed shall be stored and transported in a manner to prevent 
possible contamination;
    (v) Chicks shall be hatched in a hatchery meeting the requirements 
of Secs. 147.23 and 147.24(b) and sanitized or fumigated (see 
Sec. 147.25 of this chapter).
    (vi) An Authorized Agent shall take environmental samples from the 
hatchery every 30 days; i.e., meconium and chick papers. An authorized 
laboratory for Salmonella shall examine the samples bacteriologically;
    (vii) An Authorized Agent shall take environmental samples as 
described in Sec. 147.12 of this chapter from each flock at 4 months of 
age and every 30 days thereafter. An authorized laboratory for 
Salmonella shall examine the environmental samples bacteriologically;
    (viii) Owners of flocks may vaccinate with a paratyphoid vaccine: 
Provided, That a sample of 350 birds, which will be banded for 
identification, shall remain unvaccinated until the flock reaches at 
least 4 months of age.
    (2) The Official State Agency may use the procedures described in 
Sec. 147.14 of this chapter to monitor the effectiveness of the egg 
sanitation practices.
    (3) In order for a hatchery to sell products of this 
classification, all products handled shall meet the requirements of the 
classification.
    (4) This classification may be revoked by the Official State Agency 
if the participant fails to follow recommended corrective measures.
    (j) U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored. (1) A multiplier breeding 
flock in which all birds or a sample of at least 20 birds per house has 
been tested for M. gallisepticum as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) when 
more than 4 months of age: Provided, birds per house shall be tested 
again at 36 to 38 weeks and at 48 to 50 weeks at a minimum: And 
provided further, That each 20-bird sample should come from two 
locations within the house (10 from the front half of the house and 10 
from the back half of the house). A representative sample of males and 
females should be sampled. The samples shall be marked ``male'' or 
``female.''
    (2) A participant handling U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored products 
shall keep these products separate from other products in a manner 
satisfactory to the Official State Agency: Provided, That U.S. M. 
Gallisepticum Monitored chicks from multiplier breeding flocks shall be 
produced in incubators and hatchers in which only eggs from flocks 
qualified under paragraph (j)(1) of this section are set. Eggs from 
U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored multiplier breeding flocks shall not be 
set in hatchers or incubators in which eggs from U.S. M. Gallisepticum 
Clean primary breeding flocks qualified under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of 
this section are set.
    (3) U.S. M. Gallisepticum Monitored chicks shall be boxed in clean 
boxes and delivered in trucks that have been cleaned and disinfected as 
described in Sec. 147.24(a) of this chapter.
    (k) U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored. (1) A multiplier breeding flock in 
which all birds or a sample of at least 20 birds per house has been 
tested for M. synoviae as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) when more than 4 
months of age: Provided, That to retain this classification, a minimum 
of 20 birds per house shall be tested again at 36 to 38 weeks and at 48 
to 50 weeks at a minimum: And provided further, That each 20-bird 
sample should come from two locations within the house (10 from the 
front half of the house and 10 from the back half of the house). A 
representative sample of males and females should be sampled. The 
samples shall be marked ``male'' or ``female.''
    (2) A participant handling U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored products 
shall keep these products separate from other products in a manner 
satisfactory to the Official State Agency: Provided, That U.S. M. 
Synoviae Monitored chicks from multiplier breeding flocks shall be 
produced in incubators and hatchers in which only eggs from flocks 
qualified under paragraph (k)(1) of this section are set. Eggs from 
U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored multiplier breeding flocks shall not be set 
in hatchers or incubators in which eggs from U.S. M. Synoviae Clean 
primary breeding flocks qualified under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this 
section are set.
    (3) U.S. M. Synoviae Monitored chicks shall be boxed in clean boxes 
and delivered in trucks that have been cleaned and disinfected as 
described in Sec. 147.24(a) of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 0579-0007)

[[Page 44070]]

Sec. 145.43  [Amended]

    5. Section 145.43 is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph (b), in the introductory text, the words ``at the 
discretion of the official State agency with the concurrence of the 
Service'' are removed and the words ``conducted a minimum of 4 weeks 
after the induction of molt'' are added in their place.
    b. In paragraph (c)(1), at the end of the paragraph, the words 
``and at 4-6 week intervals thereafter'' are added immediately after 
the words ``28-30 weeks of age''.
    c. In paragraph (d)(1)(i), the words ``60 birds'' are removed and 
the words ``100 birds'' are added in their place.
    d. In paragraph (d)(2), at the end of the paragraph, the words ``of 
this chapter'' are added immediately after the citation 
``Sec. 147.6(b)''.
    e. Paragraph (f)(7) is removed and paragraph (f)(8) is redesignated 
as paragraph (f)(7).
    6. Section 145.53 is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 145.53  Terminology and classification; flocks and products.

* * * * *
    (d) U.S. M. Synoviae Clean. (1) A flock maintained in compliance 
with the provisions of Sec. 147.26 of this chapter and in which freedom 
from Mycoplasma synoviae has been demonstrated under the criteria 
specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (i) It is a flock in which a minimum of 300 birds has been tested 
for M. synoviae as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) when more than 4 months 
of age: Provided, That to retain this classification, a sample of at 
least 150 birds shall be tested at intervals of not more than 90 days: 
And provided further, That a sample comprised of fewer than 150 birds 
may be tested at any one time with the approval of the Official State 
Agency and the concurrence of the Service, provided that a minimum of 
150 birds is tested within each 90-day period; or
    (ii) It is a multiplier breeding flock that originated as U.S. M. 
Synoviae Clean chicks from primary breeding flocks and from which a 
sample comprised of a minimum of 75 birds has been tested for M. 
synoviae as provided in Sec. 145.14(b) when more than 4 months of age: 
Provided, That to retain this classification, the flock shall be 
subjected to one of the following procedures:
    (A) At intervals of not more than 90 days, a sample of 50 birds 
shall be tested: Provided, That a sample of fewer than 50 birds may be 
tested at any one time, provided that a minimum of 30 birds per flock 
with a minimum of 15 birds per pen, whichever is greater, is tested 
each time and a total of at least 50 birds is tested within each 90-day 
period; or
    (B) At intervals of not more than 30 days, egg yolk testing shall 
be conducted in accordance with Sec. 147.8 of this chapter.
    (2) A participant handling U.S. M. Synoviae Clean products shall 
keep those products separate from other products in a manner 
satisfactory to the Official State Agency: Provided, That U.S. M. 
Synoviae Clean chicks from primary breeding flocks shall be produced in 
incubators and hatchers in which only eggs from flocks qualified under 
paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) of this section are set.
    (3) U.S. M. Synoviae Clean chicks shall be boxed in clean boxes and 
delivered in trucks that have been cleaned and disinfected as described 
in Sec. 147.24(a) of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 0579-0007)

PART 147--AUXILIARY PROVISIONS ON NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

    7. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 429; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).

    8. Section 147.6 is amended as follows:
    a. Paragraph (a) is removed and paragraph (b) is redesignated as 
paragraph (a).
    b. The introductory text of newly redesignated paragraph (a) is 
revised to read as set forth below.
    c. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(2), the words ``paragraphs 
(b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5)'' are removed and the words ``paragraphs 
(a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(5)'' are added in their place.
    d. In newly redesignated paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(9), 
and (a)(10), the words ``paragraph (b)(6)'' are removed and the words 
``paragraph (a)(6)'' are added in their place.
    e. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(5), in the first sentence, 
the words ``in conjunction with any of the criteria described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section,'' are removed and, in the second 
sentence, the words ``but none of the criteria described in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section are evident,'' are removed.
    f. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(13), the word ``both'' is 
removed.
    g. A new paragraph (b) is added and reserved.


Sec. 147.6  Procedure for determining the status of flocks reacting to 
tests for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, and Mycoplasma 
meleagridis.

* * * * *
    (a) The status of a flock for Mycoplasma shall be determined 
according to the following criteria:
* * * * *
    9. Section 147.12 is amended by adding a new paragraph (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 147.12  Procedures for collecting environmental samples and 
cloacal swabs for bacteriological examination.

* * * * *
    (c) Chick box papers. Samples from chick box papers may be 
bacteriologically examined for the presence of salmonella. The Plan 
participant may collect the samples in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section or submit chick box papers directly to a laboratory in 
accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
    (1) Instructions for collecting samples from chick box papers:
    (i) Collect 1 chick box paper for each 10 boxes of chicks placed in 
a house and lay the papers on a clean surface.
    (ii) Clean your hands and put on latex gloves. Do not apply 
disinfectant to the gloves. Change gloves after collecting samples from 
10 chick box papers or any time a glove is torn.
    (iii) Saturate a sterile 3-by-3 inch gauze pad with double-strength 
skim milk (see footnote 11 to this section) and rub the pad across the 
surface of five chick box papers. Rub the pad over at least 75 percent 
of each paper and use sufficient pressure to rub any dry meconium off 
the paper. Pouring a small amount of double-strength skim milk (1 to 2 
tablespoons) on each paper will make it easier to collect samples.
    (iv) After collecting samples from 10 chick box papers, place the 
two gauze pads used to collect the samples (i.e., one pad per 5 chick 
box papers) into an 18 oz. Whirl-Pak bag and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of 
double-strength skim milk.
    (v) Promptly refrigerate the Whirl-Pak bags containing the samples 
and transport them, on ice or otherwise refrigerated, to a laboratory 
within 48 hours of collection. The samples may be frozen for longer 
storage if the Plan participant is unable to transport them to a 
laboratory within 48 hours.
    (2) The Plan participant may send chick box papers directly to a 
laboratory, where samples may be collected as described in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section. To send chick box papers directly to a 
laboratory, the Plan participant shall:

[[Page 44071]]

    (i) Collect 1 chick box paper for each 10 boxes of chicks placed in 
a house and place the chick papers immediately into large plastic bags 
and seal the bags.
    (ii) Place the plastic bags containing the chick box papers in a 
clean box and transport them within 48 hours to a laboratory. The 
plastic bags do not require refrigeration.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 0579-0007)

    Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of August 1997.
Terry L. Medley,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 97-21902 Filed 8-18-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-U