[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 155 (Friday, August 12, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47078-47079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16013]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 78

[Docket No. 05-009-2]


Brucellosis in Swine; Add Florida to List of Validated 
Brucellosis-Free States

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim 
rule that amended the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate 
movement of swine by adding Florida to the list of validated 
brucellosis-free States. The interim rule was based on our 
determination that Florida meets the criteria for classification as a 
validated brucellosis-free State. That action relieved certain 
restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from Florida.

DATES: The interim rule became effective on May 2, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Korslund, Staff Veterinarian 
(Swine Health), Aquaculture, Swine, Equine, and Poultry Programs, 
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road 
Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-5914.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 47079]]

Background

    Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria of the genus 
Brucella. The disease mainly affects cattle, bison, and swine, but 
goats, sheep, horses, and even humans are susceptible. In its principal 
animal hosts, it causes loss of young through spontaneous abortion or 
birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. 
There is no economically feasible treatment for brucellosis in 
livestock. In humans, brucellosis initially causes flu-like symptoms, 
but the disease may develop into a variety of chronic conditions, 
including arthritis. Humans can be treated for brucellosis with 
antibiotics.
    The brucellosis regulations in 9 CFR part 78 (referred to below as 
the regulations) contain specific provisions for cattle, bison, and 
swine. Under the regulations, States, herds, and individual animals are 
classified according to their brucellosis status. Interstate movement 
requirements for animals are based upon the disease status of the 
individual animals or the herd or State from which the animal 
originates.
    In an interim rule effective and published in the Federal Register 
on May 2, 2005 (70 FR 22588-22589, Docket No. 05-009-1), we amended the 
regulations by adding Florida to the list of validated swine 
brucellosis-free States in Sec.  78.43.
    Comments on the interim rule were required to be received on or 
before July 1, 2005. We did not receive any comments. Therefore, for 
the reasons given in the interim rule, we are adopting the interim rule 
as a final rule.
    This action also affirms the information contained in the interim 
rule concerning Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Executive Orders 12372 and 12988, and the Paperwork Reduction Act.
    Further, for this action, the Office of Management and Budget has 
waived its review under Executive Order 12866.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 78

    Animal diseases, Bison, Cattle, Hogs, Quarantine, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

PART 78--BRUCELLOSIS

0
Accordingly, we are adopting as a final rule, without change, the 
interim rule that amended 9 CFR part 78 and that was published at 70 FR 
22588-22589 on May 2, 2005.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 5th day of August 2005.
Elizabeth E. Gaston,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16013 Filed 8-11-05; 8:45 am]
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