[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 140 (Thursday, July 20, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 45018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18368]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 140 / Thursday, July 20, 2000 / 
Notices  

[[Page 45018]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

[Docket No. 00-072-2]


Declaration of Emergency Because of an Atypical Transmissible 
Spongiform Encephalopathy (Prion Disease) of Foreign Origin

    A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) (prion disease) of 
foreign origin has been detected in the United States. It is different 
from TSE's previously diagnosed in the United States. The TSE was 
detected in the progeny of imported sheep. The imported sheep and their 
progeny are under quarantine in Vermont.
    Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are degenerative fatal 
diseases that can affect livestock. TSE's are caused by similar, as yet 
uncharacterized, agents that usually produce spongiform changes in the 
brain.
    Post-mortem analysis has indicated positive results for an atypical 
TSE of foreign origin in four sheep in Vermont. Because of the 
potentially serious consequences of allowing the disease to spread to 
other livestock in the United States, it is necessary to seize and 
dispose of those flocks of sheep in Vermont that are affected with or 
exposed to the disease, and their germ plasm.
    The existence of the atypical TSE of foreign origin represents a 
threat to U.S. livestock. It constitutes a real danger to the national 
economy and a potential serious burden on interstate and foreign 
commerce.
    APHIS has insufficient funds to carry out the seizure and disposal 
of animals and germ plasm necessary to eliminate this disease risk. 
These funds would be used to compensate the owners of the animals and 
germ plasm for their seizure and disposal in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
134a.
    Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 
September 25, 1981, as amended (7 U.S.C. 147b), I declare that there is 
an emergency that threatens the livestock industry of this country and 
hereby authorize the transfer and use of such funds as may be necessary 
from appropriations or other funds available to agencies or 
corporations of the United States Department of Agriculture to seize 
and dispose of animals that are affected with or exposed to this TSE, 
and their germplasm, in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 134a.

    Dated: This declaration of emergency shall become effective July 
14, 2000.
Dan Glickman,
Secretary of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 00-18368 Filed 7-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P