For the purposes of this part, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:

Accredited veterinarian: A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of part 161 of this title to perform functions specified in parts 1, 2, 3, and 11 of subchapter A, and subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter, and to perform functions required by cooperative State-Federal disease control and eradication programs.

Administrator: The Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or any person authorized to act for the Administrator.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (APHIS).

APHIS representative: A veterinarian or other person employed by APHIS in animal health activities, who is authorized to perform the function involved.

Approved herd plan. A herd management and testing plan based on the disease history and movement patterns of an individual herd, designed by the herd owner and a State representative or APHIS representative to determine the disease status of livestock in the herd and to eradicate tuberculosis within the herd. The plan must be jointly approved by the State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge.

Cervid. All species of deer, elk, and moose raised or maintained in captivity for the production of meat and other products, for sport, or for exhibition.

Department: The United States Department of Agriculture.

Designated epidemiologist. An epidemiologist appointed by a cooperating State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge to perform functions specified by the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.”

Destroyed: Condemned under State authority and destroyed by slaughter or by death otherwise.

Herd. Any group of livestock maintained on common ground for any purpose, or two or more groups of livestock under common ownership or supervision, geographically separated but that have an interchange or movement of livestock without regard to health status, as determined by the Administrator.

Herd depopulation. Removal by slaughter or other means of destruction of all cattle, bison, and cervids in a herd prior to restocking with new cattle, bison, or cervids.

Livestock. Cattle, bison, cervids, swine, dairy goats, and other hoofed animals (such as llamas, alpacas, and antelope) raised or maintained in captivity for the production of meat and other products, for sport, or for exhibition.

Mortgage: Any mortgage, lien or other security or interest that is recorded under State law or identified in the indemnity claim form filed under § 50.12 and held by any person other than the one claiming indemnity.

Owner: Any person who has a legal or rightful title to livestock whether or not they are subject to a mortgage.

Permit: A permit for movement of cattle, bison, cervids, or swine direct to slaughter listing the disease status and identification of the animal, where consigned, cleaning and disinfecting requirements, and proof of slaughter certification; Provided, however, a permit for movement to a quarantined feedlot pursuant to § 50.16 is the same except that the permit is for movement to a quarantined feedlot instead of to slaughter and the proof of slaughter certification is not applicable.

Person: Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint stock company, or any organized group of any of the foregoing.

Quarantined feedlot: A confined area under the direct supervision and control of a State livestock official who shall establish procedures for the accounting of all livestock entering or leaving the area. The quarantined feedlot shall be maintained for finish feeding of livestock in drylot with no provision for pasturing and grazing. All livestock leaving such feedlot must only move directly to slaughter in accordance with established procedures for handling quarantined livestock.

Reactor cattle, bison, and cervids. Cattle and bison are classified as reactors for tuberculosis in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” based on a positive response to an official tuberculin test. Cervids are classified as reactors for tuberculosis in the same manner as cattle and bison.

Registered cattle, bison, or cervids. Cattle, bison, or cervids for which individual records of ancestry are maintained, and for which individual registration certificates are issued and recorded by a recognized breed association whose purpose is the improvement of the breed.

State: Any State, territory, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.

Tuberculosis: The contagious, infectious, and communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

Veterinarian in Charge: The veterinary official of APHIS who is assigned by the Administrator to supervise and perform official animal health work of APHIS in the State concerned.

The Administrator cooperates with the proper State authorities in the eradication of tuberculosis and pays Federal indemnities for the destruction of cattle, bison, cervids, or swine affected with or exposed to tuberculosis.

(a) Affected cattle, bison, and cervids. The Department may pay owners an indemnity for cattle, bison, and cervids affected with tuberculosis not to exceed $750 for each animal, but any joint State-Federal indemnity payments, plus salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal.

(b) Herd depopulation—cattle, bison, and cervids. The Administrator may authorize the payment of Federal indemnity to owners of cattle, bison, and cervids destroyed because of tuberculosis, not to exceed $450 for any animal which is a part of a known affected herd, when it has been determined by the Administrator that the destruction of all the exposed cattle, bison, and cervids in the herd will contribute to the Tuberculosis Eradication Program; but, the joint State-Federal indemnity payments, plus salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal.

(c) Exposed cattle, bison, and cervids. The Administrator may authorize the payment of Federal indemnity to owners of cattle, bison, and cervids destroyed because of tuberculosis not to exceed $450 for any animal which has been classified as exposed to tuberculosis in accordance with § 50.4(b) when it has been determined by the Administrator that the destruction of the exposed cattle, bison, or cervids will contribute to the Tuberculosis Eradication Program; but, the joint State-Federal indemnity payments, plus salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal.

(d) Exposed swine. The Administrator may authorize the payment of Federal indemnity to owners of swine destroyed because of tuberculosis not to exceed $200 for any animal, when such animals are found by APHIS to be exposed to tuberculosis by reason of association with a herd destroyed under § 50.3(b); but, the joint State-Federal indemnity payments, plus salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal.

When any cattle, bison, or cervid in a herd is classified by an APHIS or State representative or accredited veterinarian as a reactor to a test for tuberculosis, a complete test record shall be made for such herd, including the reactor tag number of each reacting animal and the registration name and number of each reacting registered animal. VS Form 6-22 or an equivalent State form shall be used for the record of any herd having any reactor to a tuberculin test. A copy of the applicable test record shall be given to the owner of any such herd, and one copy of each such record shall be furnished to the appropriate State veterinarian's office.

Cattle, bison, cervids, or swine to be destroyed because of tuberculosis must be identified within 15 days after being classified as reactors or otherwise condemned because of tuberculosis, except that the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge, for reasons satisfactory to him, may extend the time limit for identification to 30 days when a request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period allowed, and the Administrator may extend the time limit for identification beyond 30 days, upon request in specific cases and for reasons satisfactory to him.

(a) Reactor cattle and bison. Reactor cattle and bison shall be identified by branding the letter “T,” at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size, high on the left hip near the tailhead and by attaching to the left ear an approved metal eartag bearing a serial number and the inscription “U.S. Reactor”, or a similar State reactor tag. Reactor cattle and bison may be moved interstate to slaughter without branding if they are permanently identified by the letters “TB” tattooed legibly in the left ear, they are sprayed on the left ear with yellow paint, and they are either accompanied by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to slaughter in vehicles closed with official seals. Such official seals must be applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(b) Exposed cattle and bison. Exposed cattle and bison shall be identified by branding the letter “S,” at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size, high on the left hip near the tailhead and by attaching to either ear an approved metal eartag bearing a serial number. Exposed cattle and bison may be moved interstate to slaughter without branding if they are either accompanied by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to slaughter in vehicles closed with official seals. Such official seals must be applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(c) Exposed swine. Swine destroyed under the provisions of § 50.3(d) shall be identified by tagging with a serially numbered metal eartag attached to either ear. All such animals to be destroyed shall be transported to the place of destruction in vehicles closed with seals provided by APHIS or shall be accompanied to the place of destruction by an APHIS or State representative: Provided, however, That animals destroyed and disposed of under the direct supervision of an APHIS or State representative on the premises where they were exposed do not require individual identification.

(d) Reactor cervids. Reactor cervids shall be identified by branding the letter “T” high on the left hip near the tailhead and at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size and by attaching to the left ear an approved metal eartag bearing a serial number and the inscription “U.S. Reactor”, or a similar State reactor tag. Reactor cervids may be moved interstate to slaughter without branding if they are permanently identified by the letters “TB” tattooed legibly on the left ear, they are sprayed on the left ear with yellow paint, and they are either accompanied by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to slaughter in vehicles closed with official seals. Such official seals must be applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(e) Exposed cervids. Exposed cervids shall be identified by branding the letter “S” high on the left hip near the tailhead and at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size and by attaching to either ear an approved metal eartag bearing a serial number. Exposed cervids may be moved interstate to slaughter without branding if they are either accompanied by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to slaughter in vehicles closed with official seals. Such official seals must be applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(a) Slaughter or disposal. Cattle, bison, cervids, or swine to be destroyed because of tuberculosis must be shipped direct to slaughter under permit to a Federal or State inspected slaughtering establishment or be disposed of by rendering, burial, or incinerating in an approved manner under supervision of an APHIS or State employee.

(b) Time limit for destruction of animals. Cattle, bison, cervids, or swine for which Federal indemnity may be paid because of tuberculosis must be destroyed and carcass disposal completed within 15 days after the date of appraisal, except that the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge, for reasons satisfactory to him, may extend the time limit for slaughter to 30 days when request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration of the original 15-day period allowed, and the Administrator may extend the time limit for slaughter beyond 30 days, upon request in specific cases and for reasons satisfactory to him.

The Department may pay, when approved in advance in writing by the Veterinarian in Charge, one half the expenses of transporting affected or exposed cattle, bison, and cervids to slaughter or to the point where disposal will take place, and one half the expenses of destroying, burying, incinerating, rendering, or otherwise disposing of affected or exposed cattle, bison, and cervids; Provided that, the Department may pay more than one-half of the expenses when the Administrator determines that doing so will contribute to the tuberculosis eradication program. For reimbursement to be made, the owner of the animals must present the Veterinarian in Charge with a copy of either a receipt for expenses paid or a bill for services rendered. Any bill for services rendered by the owner must not be greater than the normal fee for similar services provided by a commercial hauler or renderer.

Cattle, bison, cervids, or swine to be destroyed because of tuberculosis under § 50.3 shall be appraised within 15 days after being classified as affected or after otherwise being condemned because of tuberculosis, except that the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge, for reasons satisfactory to him, may extend the time limit for appraisal to 30 days when a request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period allowed, and the Administrator may extend the time limit for appraisal beyond 30 days, upon request in specific cases and for reasons satisfactory to him. The appraisal shall be by an independent professional appraiser at the expense of APHIS, except that the veterinarian in charge may waive the requirement for independent professional appraiser for reasons satisfactory to him. When cattle, bison, cervids, or swine are thus appraised, due consideration shall be given to their breeding value as well as to their dairy or meat value. Cattle, bison, cervids, or swine presented for payment as registered shall be accompanied by their registration papers. If the registration papers are temporarily not available, or if the cattle, bison, cervids, or swine are less than 3 years old and unregistered, the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge may grant a reasonable time for the presentation of their registration papers. APHIS may decline to accept any appraisal that appears to be unreasonable or out of proportion to the value of cattle, bison, cervids, or swine of like quality.

Appraisals of cattle, bison, cervids, and swine made in accordance with § 50.9 shall be recorded on forms furnished by APHIS. The appraisal form shall be signed by the appraiser and by the owner certifying his acceptance of the appraisal. The “date of appraisal” shall be the date that the owner signs the appraisal form. The original of the appraisal form and as many copies thereof as may be required for APHIS, the State, and the owner of the animals shall be sent to the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge.

A report of the salvage derived from the sale of each animal on which a claim for indemnity may be made under the provisions of § 50.3 shall be made on a salvage form acceptable to APHIS which shall be signed by the purchaser or his agent or by the selling agent handling the animals. If the cattle, bison, cervids, or swine are sold by the pound, the salvage form shall show the weight, price per pound, gross receipts, expenses if any, and net proceeds. If the cattle, bison, cervids, or swine are not sold on a per pound basis, the net purchase price of each animal must be stated on the salvage form and an explanation showing how the amount was arrived at must be submitted. In the event the animals are not disposed of through regular slaughterers or through selling agents, the owner shall furnish, in lieu of the salvage form, an affidavit showing the amount of salvage obtained by him and shall certify that such amount is all that he has received or will receive as salvage for said animals. In an emergency, a certificate executed by the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge will be acceptable in lieu of the owner's affidavit. The salvage shall be considered to be the net amount received for an animal after deducting freight, truckage, yardage, commission, slaughtering charges, and similar costs. The original of the salvage form or the affidavit of the owner or certificate of the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge, furnished in lieu thereof, shall be furnished to the Veterinarian in charge if it is not already in his possession. Additional copies may be furnished to the State officials, if required. Destruction of cattle, bison, cervids, and swine by burial, incineration or other disposal of carcasses shall be supervised by an APHIS or State representative who shall prepare and transmit to the Veterinarian in Charge a report identifying the animals and showing the disposition thereof.

Claims for Federal indemnity for cattle, bison, cervids, or swine destroyed because of tuberculosis shall be presented on indemnity claim forms furnished by APHIS on which the owner of the animals covered thereby shall certify that the animals are or are not, subject to any mortgage as defined in this Part. If the owner states there is a mortgage, the APHIS indemnity claim form shall be signed by the owner and by each person holding a mortgage on the animals consenting to the payment of any indemnity allowed to the person specified thereon. Payment will be made only if the APHIS indemnity claim form has been approved by a proper State official and if payment of the claim has been recommended by the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge or an official designated by him. On claims for indemnity made under the provisions of § 50.3, the Veterinarian in Charge or official designated by him shall record on the APHIS indemnity claim form the amount of Federal and State indemnity payments that appear to be due to the owner of the animals. The owner of the animals shall be furnished a copy of the APHIS indemnity claim form. The Veterinarian in Charge or official designated by him shall then forward the APHIS indemnity claim form to the appropriate official for further action on the claim. No charges for holding the cattle, bison, cervids, or swine on the farm pending slaughter or for trucking by the owner shall be so deducted or otherwise paid by the Department.

All premises, including all structures, holding facilities, conveyances, or materials which are determined by the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge to constitute a health hazard to humans or animals because of tuberculosis shall be properly cleaned and disinfected, in accordance with procedures approved by the Department, within 15 days after the removal of tuberculosis affected or exposed livestock except that the Veterinarian in Charge, for reasons satisfactory to him, may extend the time limit for disinfection to 30 days when request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period allowed.

Claims for compensation for cattle, bison, or cervids destroyed because of tuberculosis shall not be allowed if any of the following circumstances exist:

(a) If the claimant has failed to comply with any of the requirements of this part.

(b) If all cattle, bison, and cervids 2 years of age or over in the claimants herd have not been tested for tuberculosis under APHIS or State supervision: Provided, however, That cattle, bison, and cervids destroyed because of tuberculosis under § 50.3(b) and § 50.3(c) are exempt from this requirement, if the cattle, bison, and cervids are subjected to a post-mortem examination for tuberculosis by a Federal or State veterinarian.

(c) If there is substantial evidence that the owner or his agent has in any way been responsible for any attempt unlawfully or improperly to obtain indemnity funds for such animals.

(d) If at the time of test or condemnation, the cattle, bison, or cervids belonged to or were upon the premises of any person to whom they had been sold, shipped, or delivered for slaughter unless or until all of the cattle, bison, and cervids remaining on the premises or in the herd from which the tested or condemned cattle, bison, or cervids originated are tested or otherwise examined for tuberculosis in a manner satisfactory to the Administrator or his designated representative.

(e) If the cattle, bison, or cervids were added to the herd while the herd was quarantined for tuberculosis, unless an approved herd plan was in effect for the herd at the time the claim was filed. As part of the approved herd plan, cattle, bison, or cervids added to a herd quarantined for tuberculosis must:

(1) Be from an accredited herd, as defined in § 77.1 of this chapter; or

(2)(i) Be from a herd that tested negative to an official tuberculin test (complete herd test), as defined in § 77.1 of this chapter, no more than 12 months before the cattle, bison, or cervids were added to the claimant's herd; and

(ii) Have been found negative to an official tuberculin test, as defined in § 77.1 of this chapter, during the 60 days before the cattle, bison, or cervids were added to the claimant's herd.

(f) For exposed cattle, bison, or cervids destroyed during herd depopulation, if a designated epidemiologist has determined that exotic bovidae (such as antelope) or other species of livestock in the herd have been exposed to tuberculosis by reason of association with tuberculous livestock, and those exotic bovidae or other species determined to have been exposed to tuberculosis have not been destroyed.

No claim for Federal indemnity for cattle or bison destroyed because of tuberculosis shall hereafter be paid under the regulations contained in part 53 of this chapter, but all such claims shall be presented and paid pursuant to and in compliance with the regulations contained in this part.

(a) The provisions of this part relating to indemnity for exposed cattle shall apply with respect to exposed cattle on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, except that: The Administrator may authorize the payment of Federal indemnity to owners of exposed cattle under two years of age, not to exceed $450 for any animal which has been found by APHIS to have been exposed by reason of association with tuberculous cattle, (the joint State-Federal indemnity payments, plus salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal), if the exposed cattle instead of being immediately destroyed are to be moved from the premises of origin on the island of Molokai (intrastate or interstate) to a quarantined feedlot and if the following conditions are met:

(1) The exposed cattle are sold for movement to the quarantined feedlot prior to their movement from the premises of origin;

(2) The exposed cattle, prior to movement from the premises of origin, are identified by tagging with an approval metal eartag bearing a serial number attached to either ear of each animal and by branding the letter “S” (or other brand approved by the Administrator based on a determination that the brand would adequately identify the animal as destined for slaughter) on the left jaw not less than 2 nor more than 3 inches high, Provided, however, such branding may be done upon arrival at the quarantined feedlot if the cattle are accompanied to the feedlot by an APHIS or State representative, or shipped in vehicles closed with official seals;

(3) The owner of the exposed cattle on the island of Molokai prior to sale for movement to the quarantined feedlot has entered into a compliance agreement 1 with APHIS whereby it is agreed that the salvage for cattle moved to a quarantined feedlot shall be the amount received from the sale of the animals and that such owner shall be eligible for indemnity only if all cattle on the island of Molokai under his or her control are destroyed or moved under permit directly from the premises of origin to a quarantined feedlot under paragraph (a) of this section and if he or she otherwise agrees to comply with any other provisions of this part applicable to him or her; and;

(4) The purchaser of the exposed cattle has entered into a compliance agreement 1 with APHIS whereby it is agreed that the cattle will be moved under permit directly from the premises of origin to the quarantined feedlot; whereby it is agreed that at the time such cattle are moved from the quarantined feedlot the cattle will be shipped under permit directly to a Federal or State inspected slaughtering establishment for slaughter or be disposed of by rendering, burial, or incinerating in an approved manner under supervision of an APHIS or State employee; whereby it is agreed that the exposed cattle shall not be sold prior to destruction unless the purchaser enters into a compliance agreement agreeing to the provisions contained in this paragraph.

(b) After indemnity has been paid for exposed cattle under paragraph (a) of this section, no additional indemnity shall be paid for such exposed cattle.

For the purposes of this part, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:

Accredited veterinarian. A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of part 161 of this title to perform functions specified in parts 1, 2, 3, and 11 of subchapter A, and subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter, and to perform functions required by cooperative state-federal disease control and eradication programs.

Administrator. The Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or any person authorized to act for the Administrator.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (APHIS or Service).

Animals. Cattle, bison, and breeding swine.

APHIS representative. An individual employed by APHIS who is authorized to perform the function involved.

Brucellosis exposed animal. Except for a brucellosis reactor animal, any animal that: (1) Is part of or has been in contact with a herd known to be affected; or (2) has been in contact with a brucellosis reactor animal for a period of 24 hours or longer; or (3) has been in contact with a brucellosis reactor animal which has aborted, calved or farrowed within the past 30 days, or has a vaginal or uterine discharge.

Brucellosis reactor animal. Any animal classified as a brucellosis reactor as provided in the definition of official test in § 78.1 of this chapter.

Claimant. A person who files a claim for indemnity under § 51.7 for animals destroyed under this part.

Condemn. The determination made by an APHIS representative, State representative, or accredited veterinarian that animals for which indemnity is sought under this Part shall be destroyed.

Dairy cattle. A female bovine of a recognized dairy breed over 20 months of age, which has calved or is within 90 days of parturition and which is a member of a dairy herd used to produce milk for commercial use.

Destroyed. Condemned under State authority and slaughtered or otherwise dies.

Herd. Any group of animals of the same species maintained on common ground for any purpose, or two or more groups of animals (of the same species) under common ownership or supervision, geographically separated but which have an interchange or movement of animals without regard to health status.

Herd Depopulation. Removal by slaughter or other means of destruction of all cattle, bison, or swine in a herd or from a specific premises or under common ownership prior to restocking such premises with new animals, except that steers and spayed heifers or barrows and gilts maintained for feeding purposes may be retained on the premises if the Veterinarian in Charge finds such retention to be compatible with eradication efforts. The Veterinarian in Charge may also permit removal of nonpregnant heifers, without payment of indemnity, to Quarantined Feedlots in lieu of immediate slaughter.

Herd known to be affected. Any herd in which any animal has been classified as a brucellosis reactor and which has not been released from quarantine.

Inbred or hybrid swine. Any breeding swine which are the progeny of two or more breeds of registered swine and which are maintained to produce inbred or hybrid swine, and for which records of ancestry exist through which such swine can be individually identified as progeny of said registered swine.

Mortgage. Any mortgage, lien, or other security or interest that is recorded under State law or identified in the indemnity claim form filed under § 51.7 and held by any person other than the one claiming indemnity.

Official seal. A serially numbered metal strip consisting of a self-locking device on one end and a slot on the other end, which forms a loop when the ends are engaged, which cannot be reused if opened, and is applied by a representative of the Veterinarian in Charge or the State animal health official.

Owner. Any person who has a legal or rightful title to animals whether or not they are subject to a mortgage.

Permit. An official document for movement of animals under this Part issued by an APHIS representative, state representative, or accredited veterinarian listing the disease status and identification of the animal, where consigned, cleaning and disinfecting requirements, and proof of slaughter certification.

Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint stock company, or other legal entity.

Recognized slaughtering establishment. Any slaughtering establishment operating under the Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601-695) or a State meat inspection act.1

Registered breed association. An association formed and perpetuated for the maintenance of records of pure-breeding of animal species for a specific breed whose characteristics are set forth in Constitutions, By-Laws, and other rules of the association. The records maintained by such an association shall include an Official Herd Book or other recordkeeping format and Certificates of Registration or Recordation which identify an animal as a registered animal of that registered breed association. Known registered breed associations are: American Angus Association, American Beefalo Association, Inc., The American Black Maine-Anjou Association, American Blonde d'Aquitaine Association, American Brahman Breeders Association, American Brahmental Association, American Breed Association, Inc., American Chianina Association, American Dexter Cattle Association, American Galloway Breeders Association, American Gelbvieh Association, American Guernsey Cattle Club, American Hereford Association, American International Charolais Association, American (International Marchigiana Society, American Jersey Cattle Club, American Maine-Anjou Association, American Milking Shorthorn Society, American Murray Grey Association, American Normande Association, American Pinzgauer Association, American Polled Hereford Association, American Red Brangus Association, American Red Poll Association, American Salers Association, American Scotch Highland Breeders Association, American Shorthorn Association, American Simmental Association, Inc., American Tarentaise Asssociation, Ankina Breeders, Inc., Ayrshire Breeders Association, Barzona Breed Association of America, Beefmaster Breeders Universal, Belted Galloway Society, Brahmanstein Breeders Association, Brown Swiss Beef International, Inc., Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association of U.S.A., Char-Swiss Breeders Association, Devon Cattle Association, Inc., Dutch Belted Cattle Association of America, Inc., Foundation Beefmaster Association, Galloway Cattle Society of America, Inc., Galloway Performance International, Holstein-Friesian Association of America, International Braford Association, International Brangus Breeders Association, Inc., International Maine-Anjou Association, Marky Cattle Association, Mid America RX3 Cattle Company, National Beefmaster Association, North American Limousin Foundation, Pan American Zebu Association, Red and White Dairy Cattle Association, Red Angus Association of America, Red Poll Beef Breeders International, Red Poll Cattle Club of America, Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Simbrah Association, South Devon Breed Society, Sussex Cattle Association of America, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, and White Park Cattle Association of America.

Registered cattle. Cattle for which individual records of ancestry are recorded and maintained by a breed association whose purpose is the improvement of the bovine species, and for which individual registration certificates are issued and recorded by such breed association.

Registered swine. Any breeding swine for which a certificate of pure breeding has been issued by a purebred swine association.

Sexually intact exposed female calf. A female bovine less than 6 months of age that is nursed by a brucellosis reactor at the time such reactor is condemned, and that has not been altered to make it incapable of reproduction.

Specifically approved stockyard. Premises approved by the Administrator, in accordance with § 71.20 of this chapter, for assembling cattle or bison for sale.2

State. Any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States.

State animal health official. The individual employed by a State who is responsible for livestock and poultry disease control and eradication programs in that State.

State representative. An individual employed in animal health activities by a State or a political subdivision thereof, and who is authorized by such State or political subdivision to perform the function involved under a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Unofficial vaccinate. Any cattle or bison which have been vaccinated for brucellosis other than in accordance with the provisions for official vaccinates set forth in § 78.1 of this chapter.

Veterinarian in Charge. The veterinary official of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, who is assigned by the Administrator to supervise and perform offical animal health work of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in the State concerned.

The Administrator has been delegated the authority to cooperate with the proper State authorities in the eradication of brucellosis and to pay indemnities for the destruction of brucellosis-reactor animals or brucellosis-exposed animals.

(a) Cattle and bison. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to any owner whose cattle or bison are destroyed as affected with brucellosis.

(1) Brucellosis reactor cattle and bison. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to owners whose cattle or bison are destroyed as brucellosis reactors. Except for cattle and bison destroyed as part of whole herd depopulation in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, the indemnity shall not exceed $250 for any registered cattle or $50 for any nonregistered cattle or bison, except that, for nonregistered dairy cattle the indemnity shall not exceed $250, and except that in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands indemnity shall not exceed $250 for any registered cattle or $150 for any nonregistered cattle or bison, except that, for nonregistered dairy cattle the indemnity shall not exceed $250. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction 4 shall be furnished to the veterinarian in charge.

(2) Herd depopulation. (i) Eligibility. The Administrator may authorize payment of Federal indemnity 3 by the United States Department of Agriculture to any owner whose herd of cattle or bison is destroyed because of brucellosis. The United States Department of Agriculture shall pay Federal indemnity for brucellosis exposed cattle or brucellosis exposed bison in the herd only when the Administrator determines that destruction of all cattle and bison in the herd will contribute to the brucellosis eradication program. Proof of destruction 4 must be furnished to the Veterinarian in Charge prior to payment of Federal indemnity.

(ii) Amount of Federal indemnity. Payments of Federal indemnity shall be made at the rates in effect at the time the Administrator approves depopulation for the herd. In States other than Class Free States, the amount of Federal indemnity shall not exceed $250 for any nonregistered cattle other than dairy cattle, and $250 for any bison. For any registered cattle, nonregistered dairy cattle, or, in Class Free States, any cattle or bison from herds affected with brucellosis, the amount of Federal indemnity shall not exceed the lesser of 95 percent of appraised value, minus salvage value, or $750. The appraisal shall be conducted by an independent appraiser assigned by the Administrator.

(3) Exposed female calves. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity to any owner whose exposed female calf or calves are destroyed because of brucellosis. The indemnity for such animals shall not exceed $50 per head. Except for sexually intact exposed female calves destroyed as part of herd depopulation under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the indemnity for sexually intact exposed female calves destroyed because of brucellosis shall not exceed $50 per head. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction shall be furnished to the veterinarian in charge.

(4) Cattle or bison from a brucellosis-affected herd. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to any owner who has brucellosis exposed cattle or bison destroyed that were previously sold or traded from any herd that has subsequent to the sale or trade been found to be affected with brucellosis. Epidemiological information such as test results, herd history, and related evidence would be used to establish a probable date when the herd was first infected with brucellosis. Animals sold after that date would be considered to be exposed; those sold before that date would not. In all States except Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States, the amount of Federal indemnity shall not exceed $250 for any registered cattle, $250 for any nonregistered dairy cattle, $150 for any nonregistered cattle other than dairy cattle, and $150 for any bison. In States other than Class Free States, the amount of Federal indemnity shall not exceed $250 for any nonregistered cattle other than dairy cattle, and $250 for any bison. For any registered cattle, nonregistered dairy cattle, or, in Class Free States, any cattle or bison from herds affected with brucellosis, the amount of Federal indemnity shall not exceed the lesser of 95 percent of appraised value, minus salvage value, or $750. The appraisal shall be conducted by an independent appraiser assigned by the Administrator. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction 4 shall be furnished to the veterinarian in charge.

(b) Swine. (1) Brucellosis reactor swine. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to an owner whose breeding swine are destroyed as brucellosis reactors. The indemnity shall not exceed $25 per head for registered, inbred, or hybrid swine, or $10 per head for all other breeding swine. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction 4 shall be furnished to the Veterinarian in Charge.

(2) Herd depopulation. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to an owner whose herd of breeding swine or whose whole herd is destroyed because of brucellosis. The indemnity shall not exceed $150 per head for registered, inbred, or hybrid breeding swine, and $65 per head for all other breeding swine, except that in the case of whole herd depopulation, indemnity payments shall be paid on all swine in the herd at fair market value, as determined by the Administrator, based on an appraisal conducted by an independent appraiser assigned by the Administrator. In cases where indemnity is paid for whole herd depopulation, indemnity payments, plus any salvage, must not exceed the appraised value of each animal. Indemnity payment shall be made only for brucellosis exposed swine or for swine from a herd known to be affected and only when the Administrator determines that the destruction of all swine in the herd will contribute to the Brucellosis Eradication Program. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction 4 shall be furnished to the Veterinarian in Charge.

(3) Exposed swine. The Administrator may authorize 3 the payment of Federal indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture to an owner whose breeding swine are destroyed because of brucellosis. The indemnity shall not exceed $150 per head for registered, inbred, or hybrid swine, or $65 per head for all other breeding swine. Indemnity payment shall be made only for such brucellosis exposed swine and only when the Administrator determines that the destruction of such swine will contribute to the Brucellosis Eradication Program. Prior to payment of indemnity, proof of destruction 4 shall be furnished to the Veterinarian in Charge.

The claimant shall be responsible for providing information to an APHIS representative, State representative, or accredited veterinarian so that a complete test record may be made by such person on an APHIS approved form for each herd known to be affected, including the reactor tag number of each brucellosis reactor animal and the registration name and number of each brucellosis reactor registered animal. A copy of the applicable test record shall be given to the owner of any such herd, and one copy of each such record shall be furnished to the appropriate State veterinarian's office by such person who completes the test record.

(a) The claimant shall be responsible for insuring that any animal for which indemnity is claimed shall be identified in accordance with the provisions of this section within 15 days after having been classified as a reactor or for any other animal subject to this part within 15 days after having been condemned. The veterinarian in charge may extend the time limit to 30 days when a request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration date of the original 15 day period allowed, and when he determines that the extension will not adversely affect the brucellosis eradication program; and except further, that the Administrator shall upon request in specific cases, extend the time limit beyond the 30-day period when unusual or unforeseen circumstances occur which prevent or hinder the identification of the animals within the 30-day period, such as, but not limited to, floods, storms, or other Acts of God which are beyond the control of the owner, or when identification is delayed due to requirements of another Federal Agency.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, cattle and bison to be destroyed because of brucellosis shall be individually identified prior to moving interstate by attaching to the left ear a metal tag bearing a serial number and the inscription “U.S. Reactor,” or a similar State reactor tag, and must be:

(1) “B” branded (as defined in § 78.1); or

(2) Accompanied directly to slaughter by an APHIS or State representative; or

(3) Moved in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative. The official seal numbers must be recorded on the accompanying permit.

(4) Reactor and exposed cattle and bison in herds scheduled for herd depopulation may be moved interstate without eartagging or branding if they are identified by USDA approved backtags and either accompanied directly to slaughter by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to slaughter in vehicles closed with official seals. Such official seals must be applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(c) Swine shall be individually identified by tagging with a metal tag bearing a serial number and inscription “U.S. Reactor” or a similar State reactor tag or other identification approved by the Administrator, upon request in specific cases, attached to the left ear of each animal.

(a) Cattle. The claimant shall be responsible for ensuring that cattle subject to this part shall be sold under permit to a recognized slaughtering establishment or to a specifically approved stockyard for sale to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(b) Bison. The claimant shall be responsible for insuring that bison subject to this part shall be sold under permit to a State or Federal slaughtering establishment approved by the Administrator for this purpose or to a stockyard approved by the Administrator for sale to such a slaughtering establishment, Provided, However, That the Administrator may approve such other bison slaughtering establishments as may be deemed necessary to accomplish destruction of bison subject to this part.

(c) Swine. The claimant shall be responsible for insuring that swine subject to this part shall be sold under permit to a slaughtering establishment where State or Federal Meat inspection is available, or to a market approved by the State Animal Health Official, or to a market approved by the Administrator, for sale to such slaughtering establishment; 5 except that in the case of indemnity for whole herd depopulation, as provided for in § 51.3, swine shall be destroyed, if possible, on the premises where the animals are held or penned at the time the indemnity is approved, or may be moved for destruction to another location when movement to the location is approved in advance by an APHIS representative. In cases where the swine are destroyed other than at a slaughtering establishment, the carcasses of the swine shall be disposed of by burial, incineration, or other disposal means authorized by applicable State law. The destruction and disposition of animals destroyed in accordance with this section other than at a slaughtering establishment shall be performed in the presence of an APHIS representative.

(d) Time limit for destruction of animals. Payment of indemnity shall be made under this part only if the animals are destroyed within 15 days after the date of identification, pursuant to § 51.5 of the regulations in this part, except that the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge may extend the time limit to 30 days when request for such extension is received from the owner prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period allowed, or when the animals were sold for slaughter prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period, and when the Veterinarian in Charge determines that such extension will not adversely affect the Brucellosis Eradication Program; and except further, that the Administrator shall, upon request in specific cases, extend the time limit beyond the 30-day period when unusual and unforeseen circumstances occur which prevent or hinder the destruction of the animals within the 30-day period, such as, but not limited to, floods, storms, or other Acts of God which are beyond the control of the owner, or when destruction is delayed due to requirements of another Federal Agency.

(a) Claims for indemnity for animals destroyed because of brucellosis shall be presented on indemnity claim forms furnished by APHIS on which the owner of the animals covered thereby shall certify that the animals are or are not subject to any mortgage as defined in this part. If the owner states there is a mortgage, the APHIS indemnity claim form shall be signed by the owner and by each person holding a mortgage on the animals, consenting to the payment of any indemnity allowed to the person specified thereon. Payment will be made only if the claimant has submitted a complete indemnity claim form to, and such claim has been approved by the Veterinarian in Charge or by an APHIS representative designated by him. On claims for indemnity made under the provisions of § 51.3, the Veterinarian in Charge or an APHIS representative designated by him shall record on the APHIS indemnity claim form the amount of Federal and State indemnity payments that appear to be due to the owner of the animals. The owner of the animals shall be furnished a copy of the completed APHIS indemnity claim form. The Veterinarian in Charge or an APHIS representative designated by him shall then forward the completed APHIS indemnity claim form to the Administrator for further action on the claim. No charges for holding the animals on the farm pending slaughter or for trucking by the owner shall be so deducted or otherwise paid by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(b) Claims for indemnity for registered cattle shall be accompanied by the cattle's registration papers issued in the name of the owner. If the registration papers are unavailable or if the cattle are less than 1 year old and are not registered at the time the claim for indemnity is submitted, the Veterinarian in Charge may grant a 60-day extension or the Administrator may grant an extension longer than 60 days for the presentation of registration papers.

All premises, including all structures, holding facilities, conveyances, and materials, contaminated because of occupation or use by brucellosis reactor or exposed animals shall be properly cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant permitted by APHIS in accordance with recommendations of the APHIS or State representative within 15 days from the date reactors were removed from the premises, except that the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge may extend the time limit for disinfection to 30 days when request for such extension is received by him prior to the expiration date of the original 15-day period allowed, and when he determines that such extension will not adversely affect the Brucellosis Eradication Program; and except further, that the Administrator may, upon request in specific cases, extend the time limit beyond the 30-day period when unusual and unforeseen circumstances occur, such as but not limited to floods, storms, or other Acts of God, which are beyond the control of the owner, preventing or hindering the disinfection of premises, conveyances, and materials. Certain premises may be exempted from such cleaning and disinfecting requirements by approval of the appropriate Veterinarian in Charge on written recommendations by the APHIS or State representative or when a written report by the APHIS or State representative determines that there are no buildings, holding facilities, conveyances, or other materials on the premises that would require such cleaning and disinfection.

Claims for compensation for animals destroyed because of brucellosis shall not be allowed if any of the following circumstances exist:

(a) If the claimant has failed to comply with any of the requirements of this part.

(b) If the existence of brucellosis in the animal was determined based on the results of an official test, as defined in § 78.1 of this chapter, and specific instructions for the administration of the official test had not previously been issued to the individual performing the test by APHIS and the State animal health official.

(c) If all cattle, bison, and swine eligible for testing in the claimant's herd have not been tested for brucellosis under APHIS or State supervision.

(d) If the animals are barrows or gilts maintained for feeding purposes, or are spayed heifers or steers unless the steers are work oxen.

(e) If the animals are classified as reactors and are unofficial vaccinates, unless there is either a record of a negative official test made not less than 30 days following the date of unofficial vaccination or unless other APHIS approved tests show the unofficial vaccinates are affected with virulent Brucella.

(f) If there is substantial evidence that the owner or his agent has in any way been responsible for any unlawful or improper attempt to obtain indemnity funds for such animal.

(g) If, at the time of test or condemnation, the animals belonged to or were upon the premises of any person to whom they had been sold for slaughter; shipped for slaugher, or delivered for slaughter.

(h) If any known brucellosis reactor animal remains in the herd, unless, in the opinion of the Veterinarian in Charge, a reasonable search has been made for the brucellosis reactor animal and the brucellosis reactor animal could not be found and removed.

(i) If the animals are brucellosis reactor animals which are slaughtered other than as part of a herd depopulation, and which are from a herd: (1) That was already classified as a “herd known to be affected” at the time the animals were identified as brucellosis reactor animals and (2) for which an approved action plan or approved individual herd plan (as defined in § 78.1 of this chapter) was not in effect at the time the claim was filed.

No claim for indemnity for animals destroyed because of brucellosis shall hereafter be paid under the regulations contained in part 53 of this chapter, but all such claims shall be presented and paid pursuant to and in compliance with regulations contained in this part.

(a) The Director of Division is hereby authorized to invite the proper State authorities to cooperate with the Department in the control and eradication of any disease within the meaning of § 53.1(f).

(b) Upon agreement of the authorities of the State to enforce quarantine restrictions and orders and directives properly issued in the control and eradication of such a disease, the Director of Division is hereby authorized to agree, on the part of the Department, to cooperate with the State in the control and eradication of the disease, and to pay 50 percent (and in the case of exotic Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza, up to 100 percent) of the expenses of purchase, destruction and disposition of animals and materials required to be destroyed because of being contaminated by or exposed to such disease: Provided, however, That if the animals were exposed to such disease prior to or during interstate movement and are not eligible to receive indemnity from any State, the Department may pay up to 100 percent of the purchase, destruction, and disposition of animals and materials required to be destroyed: Provided, further, That the cooperative program for the purchase, destruction, and disposition of birds shall be limited to birds which are identified in documentation pursuant to Cooperative Agreements,1 as constituting a threat to the poultry industry of the United States: And provided further, That the Secretary may authorize other arrangements for the payment of such expenses upon finding that an extraordinary emergency exists.

(a) Animals affected by or exposed to disease, and materials required to be destroyed because of being contaminated by or exposed to disease shall be appraised by an APHIS employee and a representative of the State jointly, or, if the State authorities approve, by an APHIS employee alone.

(b) The appraisal of animals shall be based on the fair market value and shall be determined by the meat, egg production, dairy or breeding value of such animals. Animals may be appraised in groups providing they are the same species and type and providing that where appraisal is by the head each animal in the group is the same value per head or where appraisal is by the pound each animal in the group is the same value per pound.

(c) Appraisals of animals shall be reported on forms furnished by APHIS. Reports of appraisals shall show the number of animals of each species and the value per head or the weight and value by pound.

(d) Appraisals of materials shall be reported on forms furnished by APHIS. Reports of appraisals of materials shall, when practicable, show the number, size or quantity, unit price, and total value of each kind of material appraised.

(a) Animals affected by or exposed to disease shall be killed promptly after appraisal and disposed of by burial or burning, unless otherwise specifically provided by the Administrator in extraordinary circumstances.

(b) The killing of animals and the burial, burning, or other disposal of carcasses of animals pursuant to the regulations in this part shall be supervised by an APHIS employee who shall prepare and transmit to the Administrator a report identifying the animals and showing the disposition thereof.

(a) In order to prevent the spread of disease, materials contaminated by or exposed to disease shall be disinfected: Provided, however, That in all cases in which the cost of disinfection would exceed the value of the materials or disinfection would be impracticable for any reason, the materials shall be destroyed, after appraisal as provided in § 53.3.

(b) The disinfection or destruction of materials under this section shall be under the supervision of an APHIS employee who shall prepare and transmit to the Administrator a certificate identifying all materials which are destroyed, showing the disposition thereof.

Animals of species not susceptible to the disease for which a quarantine has been established, but which have been exposed to the disease, shall be disinfected when necessary by such methods as the Administrator shall prescribe from time to time.

All premises, including barns, corrals, stockyards and pens, and all cars, vessels, aircraft, and other conveyances, and the materials thereon, shall be cleaned and disinfected under supervision of an APHIS employee whenever necessary for the control and eradication of disease. Expenses incurred in connection with such cleaning and disinfection shall be shared according to the agreement reached under § 53.2 with the State in which the work is done.

Claims for (a) compensation for the value of animals, (b) cost of burial, burning or other disposition of animals, (c) the value of material destroyed, and (d) the expenses of destruction, shall each be presented, through the inspector in charge, to APHIS on separate vouchers in form approved by the Administrator.

When animals or materials have been destroyed pursuant to the requirements contained in this part, any claim for indemnity shall be presented on forms furnished by APHIS on which the owner of the animals or materials shall certify that the animals or materials covered thereby, are, or are not, subject to any mortgage as defined in this part. If the owner states there is a mortgage, forms furnished by APHIS shall be signed by the owner and by each person holding a mortgage on the animals or materials, consenting to the payment of any indemnity allowed to the person specified thereon.

(a) The Department will not allow claims arising under the terms of this part if the payee has not complied with all quarantine requirements.

(b) Expenses for the care and feeding of animals held for destruction will not be paid by the Department, unless the payment of such expense is specifically authorized or approved by the Administrator.

(c) The Department will not allow claims arising out of the destruction of animals or materials unless they shall have been appraised as prescribed in this part and the owners thereof shall have executed a written agreement to the appraisals.

(d) The Department will not allow claims arising out of the destruction of animals or materials which have been moved or handled by the owner thereof or its officer, employee, or agent, acting within the scope of his or its office, employment or agency, in violation of a law or regulation administered by the Secretary for the prevention of the introduction into or the dissemination within the United States of any communicable disease of livestock or poultry for which the animal or material was destroyed, or in violation of a law or regulation for the enforcement of which the Secretary enters or has entered into a cooperative agreement for the control and eradication of such disease.

For the purpose of this part, the following words, names, and terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:

Accredited veterinarian. A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with part 161 of this chapter to perform functions specified in parts 1, 2, 3, and 11 of subchapter A of this chapter and subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter, and to perform functions required by cooperative State-Federal disease control and eradication programs.

Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or any employee of the United States Department of Agriculture to whom the Administrator has delegated authority to act in his or her stead.

Affected animal. An animal for which a diagnosis of scrapie has been made by an APHIS representative or State representative.

Animal. A sheep or goat.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

APHIS. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

APHIS representative. An individual employed by APHIS in animal health activities who is authorized by the Administrator to perform the function involved.

Area Veterinarian in Charge. The veterinary official of APHIS, who is assigned by the Administrator to supervise and perform the official animal health work of the APHIS in the State concerned.

Bloodline animal. The dam of an affected animal and the dam's first generation progeny, the maternal granddam of an affected animal, the first generation progeny of an affected animal, and all succeeding generations of female progeny from female progeny of an affected female animal.

Breed association and registries. Organizations which maintain the permanent records of ancestry or pedigrees of animals (including the animal's sire and dam), individual identification of animals, and ownership of animals.

Department. The U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Destroyed. Killed by slaughter or by such other means as may be authorized by the Administrator in an exceptional situation.

Exposed animal. Any animal which has been in the same flock at the same time within the previous 60 months as a scrapie-positive animal, excluding limited contacts. Limited contacts are contacts between animals that occur off the premises of the flock, and do not occur during or immediately after parturition for any of the animals involved. Limited contacts do not include commingling (when animals concurrently share the same pen or same section in a transportation unit where there is uninhibited physical contact).

Flock. All animals maintained on any single premises; and all animals under common ownership or supervision on two or more premises which are geographically separated, but among which there is an interchange or movement of animals.

Flock plan. A written flock management agreement designated by the owner of a flock, an accredited veterinarian, and an APHIS representative or State representative in which each participant agrees to undertake actions specified in the flock plan to control the spread of scrapie from, and eradicate scrapie in, an infected flock, source flock, or trace flock. The flock plan shall require an edipemiologic investigation to identify high-risk animals that must be removed from the flock, and shall include other requirements found necessary by the APHIS representative or State representative to control scrapie in the flock. These other requirements may include, but are not limited to, cleaning and disinfection of flock premises, education of the owner of the flock and personnel working with the flock in techniques to recognize clinical signs of scrapie and control the spread of scrapie, and maintaining records of animals in the flock.

High-risk animal. An animal which is:

(1) The progeny of a scrapie-positive dam;

(2) Born in the same flock during the same lambing season as progeny of a scrapie-positive dam, unless the progeny of the scrapie-positive dam are from separate contemporary lambing groups (groups that are managed as separate units and are not commingled during lambing and for 60 days following the date of the last lamb is born in a lambing season, and that do not use the same lambing facility unless the lambing facility is cleaned and disinfected between lambings by removing all organic matter and spraying the lambing facility with a 2 percent sodium hydroxide solution or 0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution); or

(3) Born in a source or trace flock during the same lambing season as a scrapie-positive ewe or ram in the same flock.

Infected flock. Any flock in which an APHIS representative or a State representative has determined an animal to be a scrapie-positive animal after March 31, 1989. A flock will no longer be an infected flock after it has completed the requirements of a flock plan.

Mortgage. Any mortgage, lien, or other security or beneficial interest held by any person other than the one claiming indemnity.

Owner. A person, partnership, company, or corporation who has legal or rightful title to animals whether or not they are subject to a mortgage.

Scrapie-positive animal. An animal for which a diagnosis of scrapie has been made by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, United States Department of Agriculture, or another laboratory authorized by the Administrator to conduct scrapie tests in accordance with this part, through histological examinations of central nervous system samples from the animal for microscopic lesions in the form of neuronal vacuoles or spongy degeneration, or by the use of protease-resistant protein analysis or other confirmatory techniques used in conjunction with histological examinations.

Source flock. A flock in which an APHIS representative or a State representative has determined that at least two animals were born that were diagnosed as scrapie-positive animals at an age of 54 months or less. In order for the flock to be a source flock, the second scrapie-positive diagnosis must have been made within 60 months of the first scrapie-positive diagnosis and after March 31, 1989. A flock will no longer be a source flock after it has completed the requirements of a flock plan.

State. Any State or Territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.

State representative. An individual employed in animal health activities by a State or a political subdivision of a State, and who is authorized by the State or political subdivision to perform the function involved.

Trace flock. A flock in which an APHIS representative or a State representative has determined that one animal was born that was diagnosed as a scrapie-positive animal at an age of 54 months or less. In order for the flock to be a trace flock, the scrapie-positive diagnosis must have been made after March 31, 1989. A flock will no longer be a trace flock after it has completed the requirements of a flock plan.

Uniform methods and rules—voluntary scrapie flock certification. Uniform methods and rules for reducing the incidence and controlling the spread of scrapie through flock certification.1