[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 17, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48751-48752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24669]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 94

[Docket No. 97-021-2]


Change in Disease Status of Northern Ireland and Norway Because 
of Exotic Newcastle Disease

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim 
rule that amended the regulations by removing Northern Ireland and 
Norway from the list of countries that are considered to be free of 
exotic Newcastle disease. We took this action based on reports we 
received from the Office International des Epizooties and the 
Governments of Northern Ireland and Norway that outbreaks of exotic 
Newcastle disease have occurred in Northern Ireland and Norway. This 
action restricts the importation of live birds, poultry, and poultry 
products into the United States from Northern Ireland and Norway.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The interim rule was effective on April 15, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Cougill, Staff Veterinarian, 
Animal Products Program, National Center for Import and Export, VS, 
APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-
3399; or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    In an interim rule effective April 15, 1997, and published in the 
Federal Register on April 18, 1997 (62 FR 19032-19033, Docket No. 97-
021-1), we amended the regulations in 9 CFR part 94 by removing 
Northern Ireland and Norway from the list of countries in 
Sec. 94.6(a)(2) that are considered to be free of exotic Newcastle 
disease.
    Comments on the interim rule were required to be received on or 
before June 17, 1997. We did not receive any comments. The facts 
presented in the interim rule still provide a basis for the rule.
    This action also affirms the information contained in the interim 
rule concerning Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Executive Order 12988, and the Paperwork Reduction Act.
    Further, for this action, the Office of Management and Budget has 
waived the

[[Page 48752]]

review process required by Executive Order 12866.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 94

    Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Meat and meat products, Milk, 
Poultry and poultry products, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

PART 94--RINDERPEST, FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE, FOWL PEST (FOWL 
PLAGUE), EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE, AFRICAN SWINE FEVER, HOG 
CHOLERA, AND BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY: PROHIBITED AND 
RESTRICTED IMPORTATIONS

    Accordingly, we are adopting as a final rule, without change, the 
interim rule that amended 9 CFR part 94 and that was published at 62 FR 
19032-19033 on April 18, 1997.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 147a, 150ee, 161, 162, and 450; 19 U.S.C. 
1306; 21 U.S.C. 111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134f, 136, and 136a; 31 
U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331 and 4332; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 
371.2(d).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 11th day of September 1997.
Terry L. Medley,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 97-24669 Filed 9-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P