[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 204 (Friday, October 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54776-54777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25554]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 20, 2009.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    Title: Specimen Submission.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0090.
    Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 
(AHPA) is the primary Federal law governing the protection of animal 
health. The law gives the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to 
detect, control, or eradicate pests or diseases of livestock or 
poultry. Disease prevention is the most effective method for 
maintaining a healthy animal population and for enhancing the United 
States' ability to globally compete in the trade of animals and animal 
products. VS Forms 10-4 and 10-4A, Specimen Submission are critical 
components of APHIS' disease

[[Page 54777]]

surveillance mission. They are used routinely when specimens (such as 
blood, milk, tissue, or urine) from any animal (including cattle, 
swine, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry) are submitted to APHIS' 
National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for disease testing. 
VS Form 5-38, Parasite Submission form, is completed by State 
veterinarians or other State representatives, accredited veterinarians, 
private laboratories, research institutions, and individuals/
households.
    Need and Use of the Information: Using APHIS form VS 10-4, State or 
Federal veterinarians, accredited veterinarians, or other State and 
Federal representatives will document the collection and submission of 
specimens for laboratory analysis. The form identifies the individual 
animal from which the specimen is taken as well as the animal's herd or 
flock; the type of specimen submitted, and the purpose of submitting 
the specimen. The National Tick Surveillance Program is based on the 
information submitted on VS Form 5-38, in addition to critical 
surveillance information needed for the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication 
Program. This information identifies the individual submitting the tick 
samples. Without the information contained on these forms, personnel at 
the National Veterinary Services Laboratories would have no way of 
identifying or processing the specimens/species being sent to them for 
analysis.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; 
Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 3,208.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 9,266.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E9-25554 Filed 10-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P