[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 4799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-01452]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    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 
are requested regarding; 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; the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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.
    Comments regarding this information collection received by February 
24, 2023 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for 
the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days 
of the publication of this notice on the following website 
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information 
collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for 
Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
    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: Approval of Laboratories to Conduct Official Testing.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0472.
    Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 
2002 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. The Secretary may also prohibit or restrict import or export 
of any animal or related material if necessary to prevent the spread of 
any livestock or poultry pest or disease. The AHPA is contained in 
Title X, Subtitle E, Sections 10401-18 of Public Law 107-171, May 13, 
2002, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. [7 U.S.C. 
8301 et seq.]
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations 
require APHIS approval or certification for laboratories conducting 
tests for disease management as well as live animal interstate 
movement, import and export.
    Need and Use of the Information: APHIS approval or certification 
requires various information collection activities. The regulations 
facilitate the approval of additional laboratories in emergency 
situations and serve to simplify regulatory oversight and compliance by 
providing defined application and inspection procedures using a 
checklist and approval agreement. The regulations also set requirements 
for testing procedures and methods, biosecurity measures, the use of 
quality systems and controls with documented guidelines and 
verification forms, details regarding training and reporting, 
recordkeeping, and program standards. In addition, laboratories must 
conduct testing using APHIS-approved assay methods and reporting, 
request test exemptions if the minimum number of tests are not 
performed during two consecutive reporting periods and submit sample 
copies of diagnostic reports. The approved laboratories must maintain 
approval status and provide proof of accreditation status and set forth 
general terms for probation status, suspension or rescission of 
approval, and appeals. Laboratories may also request removal of their 
approved status.
    If APHIS did not collection this information, it could not ensure a 
national ability to coordinate actions to prevent foreign animal 
disease outbreaks in the United States.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, 
Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 402.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 37,697.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-01452 Filed 1-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P