APHIS Publishes SVC Interim Rule
USDA/APHIS is establishing regulations to restrict the importation into the United States of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of fish species that are susceptible to spring viremia of carp, a serious contagious viral disease of carp.
Cases of spring viremia of carp confirmed in the United States in 2002 and 2004, and since eradicated, have been linked to the unregulated importation of fish infected with the virus. This action is necessary to prevent further introductions of spring viremia of carp into the United States.
DATES: This interim rule is effective September 29, 2006. USDA/APHIS will consider all comments received on or before October 30, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and, in the lower ``Search Regulations and Federal Actions'' box, select ``Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service'' from the agency drop-down menu, then click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0107 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's ``User Tips'' link.
Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0107, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state
that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0107.
Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Peter L. Merrill, Aquaculture Specialist, National Center for Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-0649; or Dr. Jill B. Rolland, Fishery Biologist, National Center for Animal Health
Programs, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-7727.
