The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture promulgated in subpart H of part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative proceedings under the following statutory provisions:

(a) At any time prior to the issuance of a complaint seeking a civil penalty under any of the Acts listed in § 70.1, the Administrator, in his discretion, may enter into a stipulation with any person in which:

(1) The Administrator or the Administrator's delegate gives notice of an apparent violation of the Act, or the regulations issued thereunder, by such person and affords such person an opportunity for a hearing regarding the matter as provided by the Act;

(2) Such person expressly waives hearing and agrees to pay a specified penalty within a designated time; and

(3) The Administrator agrees to accept the penalty in settlement of the particular matter involved if the penalty is paid within the designated time.

(b) If the penalty is not paid within the time designated in such a stipulation, the amount of the stipulated penalty shall not be relevant in any respect to the penalty which may be assessed after issuance of a complaint.

Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication. The Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication (January 22, 1999, edition) has been approved for incorporation by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(a) The procedures specified in the Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication (January 22, 1999, edition) must be followed for the interstate movement of certain animals regulated under this part.

(b) Availability. Copies of the Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication:

(1) Are available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html;

(2) Are available for inspection at the APHIS reading room, room 1141, USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC; or

(3) May be obtained from the National Animal Health Programs, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231.

As used in this part, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section except as otherwise specified.

Accredited veterinarian. A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of part 161 of subchapter J to perform functions specified in subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter.

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

Affected herd. A herd of livestock in which there is strong and substantial evidence that Mycobacterium bovis exists. This evidence should include, but is not limited to, any of the following: Histopathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, bacterial isolation or detection, testing data, or epidemiologic evidence such as contact with known sources of infection.

Animal. All species of animals except man, birds, or reptiles.

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

Animal identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the United States providing a nationally unique identification number for each animal. The AIN contains 15 digits, with the first 3 being the country code (840 for the United States), the alpha characters USA, or the numeric code assigned to the manufacturer of the identification device by the International Committee on Animal Recording.

APHIS representative. An individual employed by APHIS who is authorized 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 APHIS in the State concerned.

Certificate. An official document issued by an APHIS representative, a State representative, or an accredited veterinarian at the point of origin of a shipment of livestock to be moved under this part, which shows the identification tag, tattoo, or registration number or similar identification of each animal to be moved; the number, breed, sex, and approximate age of the animals covered by the document; the purpose for which the animals are to be moved; the date and place of issuance; the points of origin and destination; the consignor and the consignee; and which states that the animal or animals identified on the certificate meet the requirements of this part.

Cooperating State and Federal animal health officials. The State and Federal animal health officials responsible for overseeing and implementing the National Cooperative State/Federal Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program.

Depopulate. To destroy all livestock in a herd by slaughter or by death otherwise.

Designated tuberculosis epidemiologist (DTE). A State or Federal epidemiologist designated by the Administrator to make decisions concerning the use and interpretation of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis and the management of tuberculosis affected herds. A DTE has the responsibility to determine the scope of epidemiologic investigations, determine the status of animals and herds, assist in the development of individual herd plans, and coordinate disease surveillance and eradication programs within the geographic area of the DTE's responsibility.

Epidemiologic investigation. An investigation that is conducted by a State in conjunction with APHIS representatives, in which an official test for tuberculosis is conducted on all livestock in any tuberculosis-affected herd in a State or zone, all livestock in any herd into which livestock from the affected herd have been moved, all potential tuberculosis source herds, and all livestock herds and animals that are likely to have been exposed to the affected herd.

Herd. Except for livestock assembled at feedlots, any group of livestock maintained for at least 4 months 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.

Interstate. From one State into or through any other State.

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, as well as previously free-ranging cervids that are captured, identified, and moved interstate.

Moved. Shipped, transported, or otherwise moved, or delivered or received for movement.

Moved directly. Moved without stopping or unloading at livestock assembly points of any type. Livestock being moved directly may be unloaded from the means of conveyance while en route only with permission of the State animal health official and only if the animals are isolated so that they cannot mingle with any livestock other than those with which they are being shipped.

Official eartag. An identification tag providing unique identification for individual animals. An official eartag which contains or displays an AIN with an 840 prefix must bear the U.S. shield. The design, size, shape, color, and other characteristics of the official eartag will depend on the needs of the users, subject to the approval of the Administrator. The official eartag must be tamper-resistant and have a high retention rate in the animal. Official eartags must adhere to one of the following numbering systems:

(1) National Uniform Eartagging System.

(2) Animal identification number (AIN).

(3) Premises-based number system. The premises-based number system combines an official premises identification number (PIN), as defined in this section, with a producer's livestock production numbering system to provide a unique identification number. The PIN and the production number must both appear on the official tag.

(4) Any other numbering system approved by the Administrator for the identification of animals in commerce.

Official seal. A seal issued by a State or APHIS representative, consisting of a serially numbered, metal or plastic strip, with a self-locking device on one end and a slot on the other end, which forms a loop when the ends are engaged and that cannot be reused if opened, or a serially numbered, self-locking button that can be used for this purpose.

Officially identified. Identified by means of an official eartag or by means of an individual tattoo or hot brand that provides unique identification for each animal.

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

Premises identification number (PIN). A nationally unique number assigned by a State, Tribal, and/or Federal animal health authority to a premises that is, in the judgment of the State, Tribal, and/or Federal animal health authority, a geographically distinct location from other premises. The premises identification number is associated with an address, geospatial coordinates, and/or other location descriptors which provide a verifiably unique location. The premises identification number may be used in conjunction with a producer's own livestock production numbering system to provide a unique identification number for an animal. The premises identification number may consist of:

(1) The State's two-letter postal abbreviation followed by the premises' assigned number; or

(2) A seven-character alphanumeric code, with the right-most character being a check digit. The check digit number is based upon the ISO 7064 Mod 36/37 check digit algorithm.

Premises of origin identification. (1) An APHIS-approved eartag or tattoo bearing a premises identification number (PIN), as defined in this section;

(2) A name assigned by a State or Federal animal health authority to the premises on which the animals originated that, in the judgment of that State or Federal animal health authority, is a geographically distinct location from other livestock production units; or

(3) A brand registered with an official brand registry.

State. Any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any territory of the United States.

State animal health official. The State official responsible for livestock and poultry disease control and eradication programs.

State representative. A veterinarian or other person employed in livestock sanitary work of a State or a political subdivision of a State and who is authorized by such State or political subdivision of a State to perform the function involved under a memorandum of understanding with APHIS.

Transportation document. Any document accompanying the interstate movement of livestock, such as an owner's statement, manifest, switch order, or vehicle record, on which is stated the point from which the animals are moved interstate, the destination of the animals, the number of animals covered by the document, and the name and address of the owner or shipper.

Tuberculosis. The contagious, infectious, and communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. (Also referred to as bovine tuberculosis.)

Zone. A defined geographic land area identifiable by geological, political, manmade, or surveyed boundaries, with mechanisms of disease spread, epidemiological characteristics, and the ability to control the movement of animals across the boundaries of the zone taken into account.

The Administrator shall classify each State for tuberculosis in accordance with this part. A zone comprising less than an entire State will be given a particular classification upon request of the State only if the Administrator determines that:

(a) The State meets the requirements of this part for establishment of zones;

(b) The State has adopted and is enforcing regulations that impose restrictions on the intrastate movement of cattle, bison, and captive cervids that are substantially the same as those in place under this part for the interstate movement of cattle, bison, and captive cervids; and

(c) The designation of part of a State as a zone will otherwise be adequate to prevent the interstate spread of tuberculosis.

(a) A State animal health official may request at any time that the Administrator designate part of a State as having a different tuberculosis classification under this part than the rest of the State. The requested zones must be delineated by the State animal health authorities, subject to approval by the Administrator. The request from the State must demonstrate that the State complies with the following requirements:

(1) The State must have the legal and financial resources to implement and enforce a tuberculosis eradication program and must have in place an infrastructure, laws, and regulations that require and ensure that State and Federal animal health authorities are notified of tuberculosis cases in domestic livestock or outbreaks in wildlife;

(2) The State in which the intended zones are located must maintain, in each intended zone, clinical and epidemiologic surveillance of animal species at risk of tuberculosis at a rate that allows detection of tuberculosis in the overall population of livestock at a 2 percent prevalence rate with 95 percent confidence. The designated tuberculosis epidemiologist must review reports of all testing for each zone within the State within 30 days of the testing; and

(3) The State must enter into a memorandum of understanding with APHIS in which the State agrees to adhere to any conditions for zone recognition particular to that request.

(b) Retention of APHIS recognition of a zone is subject to annual review by the Administrator. To retain recognition of a zone, a State must continue to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section, as well as the requirements for maintaining or improving the tuberculosis risk classification of each zone in the State, and must retain for at least 2 years all certificates required under this part for the movement of cattle, bison, and captive cervids.

As used in subpart B, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section except as otherwise specified.

Accreditation preparatory State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis is prevalent in less than 0.5 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone.

Accredited-free State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” has zero percent prevalence of affected cattle and bison herds, and has had no findings of tuberculosis in any cattle or bison herds in the State or zone for the previous 5 years. Except that: The requirement of freedom from tuberculosis in herds is 2 years from the depopulation of the last affected herd in States or zones that were previously accredited free and in which all herds affected with tuberculosis were depopulated, 3 years in all other States or zones that have depopulated all affected herds, and 3 years in States or zones that have conducted surveillance that demonstrates that other livestock herds and wildlife are not at risk of being infected with tuberculosis, as determined by the Administrator based on a risk assessment conducted by APHIS.

Accredited herd. To establish or maintain accredited herd status, the herd owner must comply with all of the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” regarding accredited herds. All cattle and bison in a herd must be free from tuberculosis.

Approved feedlot. A confined area approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator for feeding cattle and bison for slaughter, with no provisions for pasturing or grazing.

Approved slaughtering establishment. A slaughtering establishment operating under the provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or a State-inspected slaughtering establishment that has inspection by a State inspector at the time of slaughter.

Cattle and bison not known to be affected. All cattle and bison except those originating from tuberculosis affected herds or from herds containing tuberculosis suspect cattle or bison.

Department. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Exposed cattle and bison. Cattle and bison, except reactor cattle and bison, that are part of an affected herd.

Feedlot. A facility for congregating finished fed cattle prior to their being shipped to slaughter.

Finished fed cattle. Cattle fattened on a ration of feed concentrates to reach a slaughter condition equivalent to that which would be attained on full feed with a high concentrate grain ration for 90 days.

Modified accredited advanced State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.01 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone for each of the most recent 2 years. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 30,000 herds to have up to 3 affected herds for each of the most recent 2 years, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Modified accredited State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.1 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone for the most recent year. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 10,000 herds to have up to 10 affected herds for the most recent year, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Negative cattle and bison. Cattle and bison that are classified negative for tuberculosis in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” based on the results of an official tuberculin test.

Nonaccredited State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that does not meet the standards of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” or in which tuberculosis is prevalent in 0.5 percent or more of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone.

Official tuberculin test. Any test for tuberculosis conducted on cattle or bison in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.”

Permit. An official document issued for movement of cattle or bison under this part by an APHIS representative, State representative, or an accredited veterinarian at the point of origin of a shipment of cattle or bison to be moved directly to slaughter, that shows the tuberculosis status of each animal (reactor, suspect, or exposed), the eartag number of each animal and the name of the owner of such animal, the establishment to which the animals are to be moved, the purpose for which the animals are to be moved, and that they are eligible for such movement under the applicable provisions of §§ 77.17 and 77.18.

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 and bison. Cattle and bison that are classified as reactors for tuberculosis in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.”

Suspect cattle and bison. Cattle and bison that are classified as suspects for tuberculosis in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.”

Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication. Uniform methods and rules for eradicating bovine tuberculosis in the United States, approved by APHIS on January 22, 1999, which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1.

Whole herd test. An official tuberculin test of all cattle and bison in a herd that are 12 months of age or older, and of all cattle and bison in the herd that are less than 12 months of age and were not born into the herd, except those cattle and bison that are less than 12 months of age and were born in and originated from an accredited herd.

Zero percent prevalence. No finding of tuberculosis in any cattle, bison, or goat herd in a State or zone.

All references in this subpart to the tuberculosis status of States and zones pertain to such status for cattle and bison only.

(a) The following are accredited-free States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

(b) The following are accredited-free zones:

(1) A zone in Michigan known as the Upper Peninsula that comprises Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft Counties.

(2) All of the State of New Mexico except for the zone that comprises those portions of Curry and Roosevelt Counties, NM, described in § 77.9(b)(2).

(c) If an affected herd is detected in a State or zone classified as accredited-free, and the herd is depopulated and an epidemiologic investigation is completed within 90 days of the detection of the affected herd with no evidence of the spread of tuberculosis, the State or zone may retain its accredited-free status. If two or more affected herds are detected in an accredited-free State or zone within a 48-month period, the State or zone will be removed from the list of accredited-free States or zones and will be reclassified as modified accredited advanced.

(d) If any livestock other than cattle or bison are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999, edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, to those other livestock in the same manner as to cattle and bison. Failure to do so will result in reclassification of the State or zone as modified accredited advanced.

(e) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within an accredited-free State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will lose its accredited-free status and will be reclassified as modified accredited advanced.

(f) Accredited-free State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of accredited-free State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone within the State complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

Cattle or bison that originate in an accredited-free State or zone may be moved interstate without restriction.

(a) The following are modified accredited advanced States: Minnesota.

(b) The following are modified accredited advanced zones:

(1) All of the State of Michigan except for the zones that comprise those counties or portions of counties in Michigan described in § 77.7(b)(1) and § 77.11(b).

(2) The zone in New Mexico that comprises those portions of Curry and Roosevelt Counties, NM, described as follows:

(i) Curry County (A) In T. 1 N., R. 34 E., of the New Mexico Prime Meridian (NMPM): S1/2 sec. 1; S1/2 sec. 2; SW1/4 sec. 3; SE1/4 sec. 4; W1/2 sec. 5; W1/2SE1/4 sec. 8; S1/2NE1/4 sec. 9; secs. 10 through 17; secs. 20 through 29; secs. 32 through 36.

(B) In T. 1 N., R. 35 E., of the NMPM: S1/2 sec. 6; secs. 7 through 9; S1/2 sec. 10; secs. 15 through 22; W1/2 sec. 23; W1/2 sec. 26; secs. 27 through 35.

(ii) Roosevelt County. (A) In T. 1 S., R. 34 E., of the NMPM: Secs. 1 through 5; secs. 9 through 14; secs. 23 through 26; secs. 35 through 36.

(B) In T. 1 S., R. 35 E., of the NMPM: Secs. 2 through 10; secs. 15 through 22; SW1/4 sec. 23; W1/2SE1/4 sec. 26; secs. 27 through 35.

(C) In T. 2 S., R. 34 E., of the NMPM: Secs. 1 and 2; secs. 11 through 13; N1/2SE1/4 sec. 14; N1/2SW1/4 sec. 23; N1/2SE1/4 sec. 24.

(D) In T. 2 S., R. 35 E., of the NMPM: Secs. 2 through 11; secs. 14 through 21; N1/2SW1/4 sec. 22; N1/2NW1/4 sec. 23; W1/2 sec. 30.

(c) If any livestock other than cattle or bison are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to cattle and bison. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of modified accredited advanced States or zones and its being reclassified as modified accredited.

(d) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within a modified accredited advanced State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as modified accredited.

(e) Modified accredited advanced State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of a modified accredited advanced State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(f) To qualify for accredited-free status, a modified accredited advanced State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” has zero percent prevalence of affected cattle and bison herds, and has had no findings of tuberculosis in any cattle or bison in the State or zone for the previous 5 years. Except that: The requirement of freedom from tuberculosis is 2 years from the depopulation of the last affected herd in States or zones that were previously accredited free and in which all herds affected with tuberculosis were depopulated, 3 years in all other States or zones that have depopulated all affected herds, and 3 years in States or zones that have conducted surveillance that demonstrates that other livestock herds and wildlife are not at risk of being infected with tuberculosis, as determined by the Administrator based on a risk assessment conducted by APHIS.

Cattle or bison that originate in a modified accredited advanced State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The cattle or bison are moved directly to slaughter at an approved slaughtering establishment.

(b) The cattle or bison are sexually intact heifers moved to an approved feedlot, or are steers or spayed heifers; and are either officially identified or identified by premises of origin identification.

(c) The cattle or bison are from an accredited herd and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the accredited herd completed the testing necessary for accredited status with negative results within 1 year prior to the date of movement.

(d) The cattle or bison are sexually intact animals; are not from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that they were negative to an official tuberculin test conducted within 60 days prior to the date of movement.

(a) The following are modified accredited States: None.

(b) The following are modified accredited zones: A zone in Michigan that comprises Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and those portions of Iosco and Ogemaw Counties that are north of the southernmost boundary of the Huron National Forest and the Au Sable State Forest.

(c) If any livestock other than cattle or bison are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999, edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to cattle and bison. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of modified accredited States or zones and its being reclassified as accreditation preparatory.

(d) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within a modified accredited State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as accreditation preparatory.

(e) Modified accredited State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of a modified accredited State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(f) To qualify for modified accredited advanced status, a modified accredited State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.01 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone for the most recent 2 years. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 30,000 herds to have up to 3 affected herds for each of the most recent 2 years, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

(a) The following are accreditation preparatory States: None.

(b) The following are accreditation preparatory zones: None.

(c) If any livestock other than cattle or bison are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999 edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to cattle and bison. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of accreditation preparatory States or zones and its being reclassified as nonaccredited.

(d) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within an accreditation preparatory State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as nonaccredited.

(e) Accreditation preparatory State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of accreditation preparatory State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(f) To qualify for modified accredited status, an accreditation preparatory State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.1 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone for the most recent year. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 10,000 herds to have up to 10 affected herds for the most recent year, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Cattle or bison that originate in an accreditation preparatory State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The cattle or bison are moved directly to slaughter at an approved slaughtering establishment.

(b) The cattle or bison are sexually intact heifers moved to an approved feedlot, or are steers or spayed heifers; are officially identified or identified by a premises of origin identification; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the herd from which they originated was negative to a whole herd test conducted within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved were negative to an additional official tuberculin test conducted within 60 days prior to the date of movement, except that the additional test is not required if the animals are moved interstate within 6 months following the whole herd test.

(c) The cattle or bison are from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the accredited herd completed the testing necessary for accredited status with negative results within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the animals to be moved were negative to an official tuberculin test conducted within 60 days prior to the date of movement.

(d) The cattle or bison are sexually intact animals; are not from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the herd from which they originated was negative to a whole herd test conducted within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved were negative to two additional official tuberculin tests conducted at least 60 days apart and no more than 6 months apart, with the second test conducted within 60 days prior to the date of movement, except that the second additional test is not required if the animals are moved interstate within 60 days following the whole herd test.

(a) The following are nonaccredited States: None.

(b) The following are nonaccredited zones: None.

(c) To qualify for accreditation preparatory status, a nonaccredited State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis is prevalent in less than 0.5 percent of the total number of herds of cattle and bison in the State or zone.

Cattle or bison that originate in a nonaccredited State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only if the cattle or bison are accompanied by VS Form 1-27 and are moved interstate for slaughter in an officially sealed means of conveyance directly to an approved slaughtering establishment.

All conveyances and associated equipment, premises, and structures that are used for receiving, holding, shipping, loading, unloading, and delivering cattle or bison in connection with their interstate movement and that are determined by cooperating State and Federal animal health officials to be contaminated because of occupation or use by tuberculous or reactor livestock must be cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of the cooperating State or Federal animal health officials. Such cleaning and disinfecting must be done in accordance with procedures approved by the cooperating State or Federal animal health officials. Cleaning and disinfection must be completed before the premises, conveyances, or materials may again be used to convey, hold, or in any way come in contact with any livestock.

As used in subpart C, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section except as otherwise specified.

Accreditation preparatory State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis is prevalent in less than 0.5 percent of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone.

Accredited herd. A herd of captive cervids that has tested negative to at least two consecutive official tuberculosis tests of all eligible captive cervids in accordance with § 77.33(f) and that meets the standards set forth in § 77.35. The tests must be conducted at 9-15 month intervals.

Accredited-free State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” has zero percent prevalence of affected captive cervid herds, and has had no findings of tuberculosis in any captive cervid herds in the State or zone for the previous 5 years. Except that: The requirement of freedom from tuberculosis in herds is 2 years from the depopulation of the last affected herd in States or zones that were previously accredited free and in which all herds affected with tuberculosis were depopulated, 3 years in all other States or zones that have depopulated all affected herds, and 3 years in States or zones that have conducted surveillance that demonstrates that other livestock herds and wildlife are not at risk of being infected with tuberculosis, as determined by the Administrator based on a risk assessment conducted by APHIS.

Captive cervid. All species of deer, elk, moose, and all other members of the family Cervidae raised or maintained in captivity for the production of meat and other agricultural products, for sport, or for exhibition, including time such animals are moved interstate; or any wild cervid that is moved interstate, during the period of time from capture until release into the wild. A captive cervid that escapes will continue to be considered a captive cervid as long as it bears an official eartag or other identification approved by the Administrator as unique and traceable with which to trace the animal back to its herd of origin.

Comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) test. The intradermal injection of biologically balanced USDA bovine PPD tuberculin and avian PPD tuberculin at separate sites in the mid-cervical area to determine the probable presence of bovine tuberculosis (M. bovis) by comparing the response of the two tuberculins at 72 hours (plus or minus 6 hours) following injection.

Designated accredited veterinarian. An accredited veterinarian who is trained and approved by cooperating State and Federal animal health officials to conduct the single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test on captive cervids.

Exposed captive cervid. Any captive cervid that has been exposed to tuberculosis by reason of associating with captive cervids, cattle, bison, or other livestock from which M. bovis has been isolated.

Modified accredited State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.1 percent of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone for the most recent year. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 10,000 herds to have up to 10 affected herds for the most recent year, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Modified accredited advanced State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State that has the authority to enforce and complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and in which tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.01 percent of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone for the most recent 2 years. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 30,000 herds to have up to 3 affected herds for each of the most recent 2 years, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Monitored herd. A herd on which identification records are maintained on captive cervids inspected for tuberculosis at an approved slaughtering establishment or an approved diagnostic laboratory and on captive cervids tested for tuberculosis in accordance with interstate movement requirements, and which meets the standards set forth in § 77.37.

Negative. Showing no response to the SCT test or the CCT test, or classified negative for tuberculosis by the testing veterinarian based upon history, supplemental tests, examination of the carcass, and histopathology and culture of selected tissues.

No gross lesions (NGL). Having no visible lesions indicative of bovine tuberculosis detected upon necropsy or slaughter inspection.

Nonaccredited State or zone. A State or zone that is or is part of a State or zone that does not meet the standards of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” or in which tuberculosis is prevalent in 0.5 percent or more of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone.

Official tuberculosis test. Any of the following tests for bovine tuberculosis in captive cervids, applied and reported in accordance with this part:

(1) The single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test.

(2) The comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT) test.

Permit. An official document issued by a representative of APHIS, a State representative, or an accredited veterinarian that must accompany any reactor, suspect, or exposed captive cervid moved interstate.

Purified protein derivative (PPD). Protein extract from an M. bovis culture that is resuspended in solution at a standard concentration of 1 mg protein per 1 mL of solution.

Qualified herd. A herd of captive cervids that has tested negative to at least one official tuberculosis test of all eligible captive cervids (see § 77.33(f)) within the past 12 months and that is not classified as an accredited herd.

Quarantine. Prohibition from interstate movement, except for slaughter or necropsy.

Reactor. Any captive cervid that shows a response to the SCT test or the CCT test and is classified a reactor by the testing veterinarian; or any suspect captive cervid that is classified a reactor upon slaughter inspection or necropsy after histopathology and/or culture of selected tissues by the USDA or State veterinarian performing or supervising the slaughter inspection or necropsy.

Regular-kill slaughter animal. An animal that is slaughtered for food or any reason other than because of a disease regulated under 9 CFR chapter I (such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, or any other livestock disease for which movement of animals is restricted under 9 CFR chapter I).

Single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test. The intradermal injection of 0.1 mL (5,000 tuberculin units) of USDA PPD bovis tuberculin in the mid-cervical area with a reading by visual observation and palpation at 72 hours (plus or minus 6 hours) following injection.

Suspect. Any captive cervid that is not negative to the SCT test or the CCT test and that is not classified as a reactor by the testing veterinarian.

Tuberculin. A product that is approved by and produced under USDA license for injection into cervids and other animals for the purpose of detecting bovine tuberculosis.

Tuberculous. Having lesions indicative of tuberculosis, infected with tuberculosis based on isolation of M. bovis, or being from a herd in which M. bovis has been isolated.

USDA. The United States Department of Agriculture.

Whole herd test. An official tuberculosis test of all captive cervids in a herd that are 12 months of age or older, and of all captive cervids in the herd that are less than 12 months of age and were not born into the herd, except those captive cervids that are less than 12 months of age and were born in and originated from an accredited herd.

Zero percent prevalence. No finding of tuberculosis in any herd of captive cervids in a State or zone.

All references in this subpart to the tuberculosis status of States and zones pertain to such status for captive cervids.

(a) The following are accredited-free States: None.

(b) The following are accredited-free zones: None.

(c) If an affected herd is detected in a State or zone classified as accredited-free, and the herd is depopulated and a complete epidemiologic investigation is completed within 120 days of the detection of the affected herd with no evidence of the spread of tuberculosis, the State or zone may retain its accredited-free status. If two or more affected herds are detected in an accredited-free State or zone within a 48-month period, the State or zone will be removed from the list of accredited-free States or zones and will be reclassified as modified accredited advanced.

(d) If any livestock other than captive cervids are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999 edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, to those other livestock in the same manner as to captive cervids. Failure to do so will result in reclassification of the State or zone as modified accredited advanced.

(e) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within an accredited-free State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will lose its accredited-free status and will be reclassified as modified accredited advanced.

(f) Accredited-free State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of accredited-free State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone within the State complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this part, captive cervids that originate in an accredited-free State or zone may be moved interstate without restriction.

(a) The following are modified accredited advanced States: None.

(b) The following are modified accredited advanced zones: None.

(c) If any livestock other than captive cervids are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999 edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to captive cervids. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of modified accredited advanced States or zones and its being reclassified as modified accredited.

(d) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within a modified accredited advanced State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as modified accredited.

(e) Modified accredited advanced State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of a modified accredited advanced State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with all the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” regarding modified accredited advanced States. The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(f) To qualify for accredited-free status, a modified accredited advanced State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication,” has zero percent prevalence of affected captive cervid herds, and has had no findings of tuberculosis in any captive cervids in the State or zone for the previous 5 years. Except that: The requirement of freedom from tuberculosis is 2 years from the depopulation of the last affected herd in States or zones that were previously accredited-free and in which all herds affected with tuberculosis were depopulated, 3 years in all other States or zones that have depopulated all affected herds, and 3 years in States or zones that have conducted surveillance that demonstrates that other livestock herds and wildlife are not at risk of being infected with tuberculosis, as determined by the Administrator based on a risk assessment conducted by APHIS.

Captive cervids that originate in a modified accredited advanced State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The captive cervids are moved directly to slaughter at an approved slaughtering establishment.

(b) The captive cervids are from an accredited herd, qualified herd, or monitored herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the herd completed the requirements for accredited herd, qualified herd, or monitored herd status within 24 months prior to the date of movement.

(c) The captive cervids are officially identified and are accompanied by a certificate stating that they were negative to an official tuberculin test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement.

(a) States listed in paragraph (b) of this section must submit to APHIS 1 by October 23, 2001 data demonstrating that the State complies with the UMR or the State will be redesignated as nonaccredited. If a State does submit surveillance data by October 23, 2001 that meets the UMR standards, and that APHIS believes qualifies the State for a classification other than modified accredited, APHIS will initiate rulemaking to change the State's classification.

(b) The following are modified accredited States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

(c) The following are modified accredited zones: None.

(d) If any livestock other than captive cervids are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999, edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to captive cervids. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of modified accredited States or zones and its being reclassified as accreditation preparatory.

(e) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within a modified accredited State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as accreditation preparatory.

(f) Modified accredited State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of a modified accredited State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(g) To qualify for modified accredited advanced status, a modified accredited State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.01 percent of the total number of captive cervids in the State or zone for the most recent 2 years. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 30,000 herds to have up to 3 affected herds for each of the most recent 2 years, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Except for captive cervids from a qualified herd or monitored herd, as provided in §§ 77.36 and 77.37, respectively, captive cervids that originate in a modified accredited State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The captive cervids are moved directly to slaughter at an approved slaughtering establishment.

(b) The captive cervids are from an accredited herd and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the accredited herd completed the testing necessary for accredited status with negative results within 24 months prior to the date of movement.

(c) The captive cervids are sexually intact animals; are not from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the herd from which they originated was negative to a whole herd test conducted within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved were negative to an additional official tuberculin test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement, except that the additional test is not required if the animals are moved interstate within 6 months following the whole herd test.

(a) The following are accreditation preparatory States: None.

(b) The following are accreditation preparatory zones: None.

(c) If any livestock other than captive cervids are included in a newly assembled herd on a premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, the State or zone must apply the herd test requirements contained in the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” (January 22, 1999, edition), which is incorporated by reference at § 77.1, for such newly assembled herds to those other livestock in the same manner as to captive cervids. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the State or zone from the list of accreditation preparatory States or zones and its being reclassified as nonaccredited.

(d) If tuberculosis is diagnosed within an accreditation preparatory State or zone in an animal not specifically regulated by this part and a risk assessment conducted by APHIS determines that the outbreak poses a tuberculosis risk to livestock within the State or zone, the State or zone must implement a tuberculosis management plan, approved jointly by the State animal health official and the Administrator, within 6 months of the diagnosis. The management plan must include provisions for immediate investigation of tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and in livestock and wildlife; the prevention of the spread of the disease to other animals held for exhibition and to livestock and wildlife; increased surveillance for tuberculosis in animals held for exhibition and wildlife; eradication of tuberculosis from individual herds; a timeline for tuberculosis eradication; and performance standards by which to measure yearly progress toward eradication. If a State or zone does not implement such a plan within the required 6 months, the State or zone will be reclassified as nonaccredited.

(e) Accreditation preparatory State or zone status must be renewed annually. To qualify for renewal of accreditation preparatory State or zone status, a State must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State or zone complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication.” The report must be submitted to APHIS each year between October 1 and November 30.

(f) To qualify for modified accredited status, an accreditation preparatory State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis has been prevalent in less than 0.1 percent of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone for the most recent year. Except that: The Administrator, upon his or her review, may allow a State or zone with fewer than 10,000 herds to have up to 10 affected herds for the most recent year, depending on the veterinary infrastructure, livestock demographics, and tuberculosis control and eradication measures in the State or zone.

Except for captive cervids from a qualified herd or monitored herd, as provided in §§ 77.36 and 77.37, respectively, captive cervids that originate in an accreditation preparatory State or zone, and that are not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis, may be moved interstate only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The captive cervids are moved directly to slaughter at an approved slaughtering establishment.

(b) The captive cervids are from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the accredited herd completed the testing necessary for accredited status with negative results within 24 months prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved were negative to an official tuberculin test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement.

(c) The captive cervids are sexually intact animals; are not from an accredited herd; are officially identified; and are accompanied by a certificate stating that the herd from which they originated was negative to a whole herd test conducted within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved were negative to two additional official tuberculin tests conducted at least 90 days apart and no more than 6 months apart, with the second test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement, except that the second additional test is not required if the animals are moved interstate within 6 months following the whole herd test.

(a) The following are nonaccredited States: None.

(b) The following are nonaccredited zones: None.

(c) To qualify for accreditation preparatory status, a nonaccredited State or zone must demonstrate to the Administrator that it complies with the provisions of the “Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication” and that tuberculosis is prevalent in less than 0.5 percent of the total number of herds of captive cervids in the State or zone.

(a) Except for movement from accredited-free States and zones in accordance with § 77.23, movement from accredited herds in accordance with § 77.35, and movement to slaughter in accordance with §§ 77.25(a), 77.27(a), 77.29(a), and 77.31(d), no captive cervid may be moved interstate unless it has been tested using an official tuberculosis test, and it is moved in compliance with this part.

(b) No captive cervid with a response to any official tuberculosis test is eligible for interstate movement unless the captive cervid subsequently tests negative to a supplemental official tuberculosis test or is moved interstate directly to slaughter or necropsy in accordance with § 7.40.

(c) Except for captive cervids moving interstate under permit directly to slaughter or necropsy under § 77.40, each captive cervid or shipment of captive cervids to be moved interstate must be accompanied by a certificate issued within 30 days of the movement by a State or Federal animal health official or an accredited veterinarian.

(d) Captive cervids in zoological parks that have been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) are exempt from the regulations in this part when the captive cervids are moved directly interstate between AZA member facilities. Any captive cervids moved interstate that are not moved directly from an AZA member facility to another AZA member facility must be moved in accordance with the regulations in this subpart.

(a) Approved testers. Except as explained in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, official tuberculosis tests may only be given by a veterinarian employed by the State in which the test is administered or by a veterinarian employed by USDA.

(1) A designated accredited veterinarian may conduct the SCT test, except as provided in § 77.34(a)(2) and § 77.39(e) and (f).

(2) [Reserved]

(b) Approved diagnostic laboratories. (1) With one exception, histopathology and culture results for all tuberculosis diagnoses will be accepted only from the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, IA. The exception is that results will be accepted from a laboratory of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, for tissue examination of regular-kill slaughter animals in those cases where no submission is made to NVSL.

(2) [Reserved]

(c) Identification. Any captive cervid tested with an official tuberculosis test must bear official identification in the form of an official eartag, or another identification device or method approved by the Administrator as unique and traceable, at the time of the official tuberculosis test. Use of any identification device or method other than an official eartag must first be approved by the Administrator as unique and traceable. Written requests for approval must be sent to National Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231.

(d) Reporting of tests—(1) SCT and CCT tests. For the SCT and CCT tests, the testing veterinarian must submit a report to cooperating State and Federal animal health officials of the State in which the captive cervid is tested. The report must include the following information for all SCT and CCT tests administered: The number of the individual eartag or other identification approved by the Administrator; the age, sex, and breed of each captive cervid tested; a record of all responses; the size of each response for the CCT test; and the test interpretation.

(2) [Reserved]

(e) Test interpretation.(1) Interpretation of an SCT test will be based upon the judgment of the testing veterinarian after observation and palpation of the injection site, in accordance with the classification requirements described in § 77.34(a).

(2) Interpretation of a CCT test will be in accordance with the classification requirements described in § 77.34(b).

(3) [Reserved]

(f) Captive cervids eligible for testing. Except as provided in § 77.35(a)(1) and § 77.36(a)(1), testing of herds for individual herd classification must include all captive cervids 1 year of age or over and any captive cervids other than natural additions (captive cervids born into the herd) under 1 year of age.

(a) Single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test. (1) The SCT test is the primary test to be used in individual captive cervids and in herds of unknown tuberculous status. Each captive cervid that responds to the SCT test must be classified as a suspect until it is retested with the CCT test and is either found negative for tuberculosis or is classified as a reactor, unless, with the exception of a designated accredited veterinarian, the testing veterinarian determines that the captive cervid should be classified as a reactor based on its response to the SCT test. A designated accredited veterinarian must classify a responding captive cervid as a suspect, unless the DTE determines, based on epidemiological evidence, that the captive cervid should be classified as a reactor.

(2) The SCT test is the primary test to be used in affected herds and in herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd. When used with affected herds or in herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd, the SCT test may only be administered by a veterinarian employed by the State in which the test is administered or employed by USDA. In affected herds or herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd, each captive cervid that responds to the SCT test must be classified as a reactor, unless the DTE determines that the captive cervid should be classified as a suspect because of possible exposure to a tuberculous animal.

(b) Comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) test. (1) The CCT test is a supplemental test that may only be used for retesting captive cervids classified as suspects. The CCT test may be used in affected herds only after the herd has tested negative to at least two whole herd SCT tests and only with the prior written consent of the DTE. The CCT test may not be used as a primary test for herds of unknown tuberculous status.

(2) A captive cervid tested with the CCT test must be classified as negative if it has a response to the bovine PPD tuberculin that is less than 1 mm.

(3) Unless the testing veterinarian determines that the captive cervid should be classified as a reactor because of possible exposure to a tuberculous animal, a captive cervid tested with the CCT test must be classified as a suspect if:

(i) It has a response to the bovine PPD tuberculin that is greater than 2 mm and that is equal to the response to the avian PPD tuberculin; or

(ii) It has a response to the bovine PPD tuberculin that is equal to or greater than 1mm and equal to or less than 2mm and that is equal to or greater than the response to the avian PPD tuberculin.

(4) A captive cervid tested with the CCT test must be classified as a reactor if:

(i) It has a response to the bovine PPD tuberculin that is greater than 2 mm and that is at least 0.5 mm greater than the response to the avian PPD tuberculin; or

(ii) It has been classified as a suspect on two successive CCT tests.

(iii) Any exceptions to reactor classification under the conditions in paragraph (b)(4)(i) and (b)(4)(ii) of this section must be justified by the testing veterinarian in writing and have the concurrence of the DTE.

(a) Qualifications. To be recognized as a qualified herd:

(1) All captive cervids in the herd eligible for testing in accordance with § 77.33(f) must have tested negative to one official tuberculosis test that was administered to the herd within a 7-month period. However, captive cervids under 1 year of age that are not natural additions do not have to be tested if they were born in and originate from an accredited, qualified, or monitored herd.

(2) The owner of the herd must have a document issued by cooperating State and Federal animal health officials stating that the herd has met the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and is classified as a qualified herd.

(b) Movement allowed. Except as provided in § 77.23 with regard to captive cervids that originate in an accredited-free State or zone, and except as provided in § 77.31 with regard to captive cervids that originate in a nonaccredited State or zone, a captive cervid from a qualified herd may be moved interstate only if:

(1) The captive cervid is not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis; and

(2) The captive cervid is accompanied by a certificate, as provided in § 77.32(c), that includes a statement that the captive cervid is from a qualified herd. Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section, the certificate must also state that the captive cervid has tested negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement. If a group of captive cervids from a qualified herd is being moved interstate together to the same destination, all captive cervids in the group may be moved under one certificate.

(3) Captive cervids under 1 year of age that are natural additions to the qualified herd or that were born in and originate from a classified herd may move without testing, provided that the certificate accompanying them states that the captive cervids are natural additions to the qualified herd or were born in and originated from a classified herd and have not been exposed to captive cervids from an unclassified herd.

(4) Captive cervids being moved interstate for the purpose of exhibition only may be moved without testing, provided they are returned to the premises of origin no more than 90 days after leaving the premises, have no contact with other livestock during movement and exhibition, and are accompanied by a certificate that includes a statement that the captive cervid is from a qualified herd and will otherwise meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) Herd additions allowed. No captive cervid may be added to a qualified herd except in accordance with paragraph (c)(4) and either paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this section, as follows:

(1) The captive cervid to be added must be moved directly from an accredited herd;

(2) The captive cervid to be added must be moved directly from a qualified or monitored herd and must have tested negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted within 90 days prior to movement to the premises of the accredited herd;

(3) If the captive cervid to be added is not being moved directly from a classified herd, the captive cervid must be isolated from all other animals in its herd of origin and must test negative to two official tuberculosis tests prior to movement. The isolation must begin at the time of the first official tuberculosis test. The tests must be conducted at least 90 days apart, and the second test must be conducted within 90 days prior to movement to the premises of the qualified herd. The captive cervid must then be kept in isolation from all animals until it tests negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted at least 90 days following the date of arrival at the premises of the qualified herd. If a group of captive cervids is being moved together, the entire group must be isolated from all other livestock during the testing period, but captive cervids in the group need not be isolated from each other during that period. Such herd additions will not receive status as members of the qualified herd for purposes of interstate movement until they have tested negative to an official tuberculosis test and been released from isolation.

(4) A captive cervid to be added must not have been exposed during the 90 days prior to its movement to either:

(i) A captive cervid from a herd with a lower classification status than its own; or

(ii) Any tuberculous livestock.

(d) Maintenance of qualified herd status. To maintain status as a qualified herd, the herd must test negative to an official tuberculosis test within 9-15 months from the anniversary date of the first test with no evidence of tuberculosis disclosed (this is the qualifying test). Each time the herd is retested for qualified status, it must be tested 9-15 months from the anniversary date of the qualifying test, not from the last date of requalification (for example, if a herd is qualified on January 1 of a given year, the anniversary date will be January 1 of each consecutive year). Qualified herd status remains in effect for 12 months (365 days) following the anniversary date of the qualifying test. Qualified herd status will be suspended between the anniversary date and the requalifying test, if the herd is not tested within 12 months. During the suspension period, the herd will be considered “unclassified” and captive cervids may be moved interstate from the herd only in accordance with the movement requirements for the State or zone in which the herd is located.

(a) Qualifications. To be recognized as a monitored herd:

(1) Identification records must be maintained by the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the management of the herd for as long as status as a monitored herd is desired. Such records must be maintained on all captive cervids in the herd that are slaughtered, inspected, and found negative for tuberculosis at an approved slaughtering establishment or necropsied at an approved diagnostic laboratory. Identification records may also include captive cervids from the herd that tested negative for tuberculosis in accordance with requirements for interstate movement. No less than one-half of the captive cervids on which records are kept must be slaughter inspected; and

(2) A sufficient number of captive cervids in the herd must be slaughter inspected or tested for interstate movement to ensure that tuberculosis infection at a prevalence level of 2 percent or more will be detected with a confidence level of 95 percent.2 A maximum number of 178 captive cervids must be slaughter inspected or tested for interstate movement over a 3-year period to meet this requirement.

(b) Movement allowed. Except as provided in § 77.23 with regard to captive cervids that originate in an accredited-free State or zone, and except as provided in § 77.31 with regard to captive cervids that originate in a nonaccredited State or zone, a captive cervid from a monitored herd may be moved interstate only if:

(1) The captive cervid is not known to be infected with or exposed to tuberculosis; and

(2) The captive cervid is accompanied by a certificate, as provided in § 77.32(c), that includes a statement that the captive cervid is from a monitored herd. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the certificate must also state that the captive cervid has tested negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted within 90 days prior to the date of movement. If a group of captive cervids from a monitored herd is being moved interstate together to the same destination, all captive cervids in the group may be moved under one certificate.

(3) Captive cervids under 1 year of age that are natural additions to the monitored herd or that were born in and originate from a classified herd may move without testing, provided that the certificate accompanying them states that the captive cervids are natural additions to the monitored herd or were born in and originated from a classified herd and have not been exposed to captive cervids from an unclassified herd.

(c) Herd additions allowed. No captive cervid may be added to a monitored herd except in accordance with paragraph (c)(4) and either paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this section, as follows:

(1) The captive cervid to be added must be moved directly from an accredited herd;

(2) The captive cervid to be added must be moved directly from a qualified or monitored herd and must have tested negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted within 90 days prior to movement to the premises of the monitored herd; or

(3) If the captive cervid to be added is not being moved directly from a classified herd, the captive cervid must be isolated from all other animals and must test negative to two official tuberculosis tests. The isolation must begin at the time of the first official tuberculosis test. The tests must be conducted at least 90 days apart, and the second test must be conducted within 90 days prior to movement to the premises of the monitored herd. The captive cervid must then be kept in isolation from all animals until it tests negative to an official tuberculosis test conducted at least 90 days following the date it arrives at the premises of the monitored herd. If a group of captive cervids is being moved together, the entire group must be isolated from all other animals during the testing period, but captive cervids in the group need not be isolated from each other during that period. Such herd additions will not receive status as members of the monitored herd for purposes of interstate movement until they have tested negative to an official tuberculosis test and been released from isolation.

(4) A captive cervid to be added must not have been exposed during the 90 days prior to its movement to either:

(i) A captive cervid from a herd with a lower classification status than its own; or

(ii) Any tuberculous livestock.

(d) Maintenance of monitored herd status. The person, firm, or corporation responsible for the management of the herd must submit an annual report to cooperating State or Federal animal health officials prior to the anniversary date of classification. This report must give the number of captive cervids currently in the herd; the number of captive cervids from the herd 1 year of age and older identified, slaughtered, and inspected at an approved slaughtering establishment or necropsied at an approved diagnostic laboratory during the preceding year; and the number of captive cervids that have tested negative for tuberculosis in accordance with interstate movement requirements. The number of slaughter inspections or negative testing captive cervids reported in any given year must be at least 25 percent of the total number required over a 3-year period to qualify a herd for monitored herd status. During each consecutive 3-year period, 100 percent of the qualifying total must be reported.

(a) Herds containing a suspect—(1) The suspect. (i) A captive cervid classified as a suspect on the SCT test must be quarantined until it is slaughtered or retested by the CCT test and found negative for tuberculosis. Retesting must be as follows:

(A) The first CCT test must be administered within the first 10 days following the SCT test or, if not, must be administered at least 90 days after the SCT test. If the CCT test is administered within 10 days of the SCT test, the injection must be on the side of the neck opposite the injection for the SCT test.

(B) [Reserved]

(ii) A captive cervid classified as a suspect on the first CCT test must be quarantined until the following has occurred:

(A) A suspect on the first CCT test is tested with a second CCT test at least 90 days after the first CCT test and is found negative for tuberculosis.

(B) [Reseerved]

(2) The remainder of the herd. Any herd containing a suspect to an official tuberculosis test must be quarantined until the suspect is retested by the CCT test or the BTB test and found negative for tuberculosis, or the suspect is inspected at slaughter or necropsied and found negative for tuberculosis after histopathology and culture of selected tissues. If the suspect is found negative for tuberculosis upon testing, or after slaughter inspection or necropsy and histopathology and culture of selected tissues, the herd may be released from quarantine and will return to the herd classification status in effect before the herd was quarantined. If the suspect is classified as a reactor upon testing, or after slaughter inspection or necropsy and histopathology and/or culture of selected tissues, the herd may be released from quarantine only in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section for herds containing a reactor.

(b) Herds containing a reactor. The following requirements apply to herds containing a reactor, except for herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd. Herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd must be quarantined and tested in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.

(1) The reactor. Captive cervids classified as reactors must be quarantined.

(2) The remainder of the herd. Any herd containing reactors must be quarantined until the reactors are slaughtered or necropsied in accordance with § 77.40 and:

(i) If, upon slaughter inspection or necropsy, any reactors exhibit lesions compatible with or suggestive of tuberculosis, found by histopathology, without the isolation of M. bovis, the remainder of the herd may be released from quarantine in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.

(ii) If M. bovis is isolated from any reactors, the remainder of the herd will be considered an affected herd, and will be subject to the provisions for affected herds in paragraph (d) of this section.

(iii) If upon slaughter inspection or necropsy all reactors exhibit no gross lesions (NGL) of tuberculosis and no evidence of tuberculosis infection is found by histopathology and culture of M. bovis on specimens taken from the NGL animals, the remainder of the herd may be released from quarantine, and captive cervids from the herd may be moved interstate in accordance with the herd classification status in effect before the herd was quarantined if one of the following conditions is met:

(A) The remainder of the herd is given a whole herd test and is found negative for tuberculosis.

(B) The remainder of the herd is given a whole herd test, and all reactors to the whole herd test exhibit no gross lesions (NGL) of tuberculosis upon slaughter inspection or necropsy and no evidence of tuberculosis infection is found by histopathology or culture of M. bovis on specimens taken from the NGL animals.

(iv) If no evidence of tuberculosis is found in any reactor upon slaughter inspection or necropsy, but it is not possible to conduct a whole herd test on the remainder of the herd, the herd will be evaluated, based on criteria such as the testing history of the herd and the State history of tuberculosis infection, by the DTE to determine whether the herd may be released from quarantine.

(c) Herds found to have only lesions of tuberculosis. A herd in which captive cervids with lesions compatible with or suggestive of tuberculosis are found by histopathology without the isolation of M. bovis may be released from quarantine and return to the herd classification status in effect before the herd was quarantined, with the concurrence of the DTE, if the herd tests negative to tuberculosis on a whole herd test conducted 90 days following the removal of the lesioned captive cervid, provided the herd has not been exposed to M. bovis during the 90 days. To maintain its herd classification status, the herd must test negative to two annual whole herd tests beginning 10-12 months after the herd is released from quarantine. If any captive cervids in the herd respond to one of the tests, the herd will be subject to the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. If the herd is not given the two annual whole herd tests, it will become an unclassified herd.

(d) Affected herds. A herd determined to be an affected herd must be quarantined until the herd has tested negative to three whole herd tests in succession, with the first test given 90 days or more after the last test yielding a reactor and the last two tests given at intervals of not less than 180 days. If the herd tests negative to the three whole herd tests, it will be released from quarantine, but will be considered an unclassified herd, and captive cervids may only be moved interstate from the herd in accordance with the movement requirements for the State or zone in which the herd is located. In addition, the herd must be given five consecutive annual whole herd tests after release from quarantine. (These five tests will count toward qualifying the herd for herd classification.) As an alternative to testing, the herd may be depopulated.

(e) Herds that have received captive cervids from an affected herd. If a herd has received captive cervids from an affected herd, the captive cervids from the affected herd of origin will be considered exposed to tuberculosis. The exposed captive cervids and the receiving herd must be quarantined. The exposed captive cervids must be slaughtered, necropsied, or tested with the SCT test by a veterinarian employed by the State in which the test is administered or employed by USDA. Any exposed captive cervid that responds to the SCT test must be classified as a reactor and must be slaughter inspected or necropsied. Any exposed captive cervid that tests negative to the SCT test will be considered as part of the affected herd of origin for purposes of testing, quarantine, and the five annual whole herd tests required for affected herds in paragraph (d) of this section.

(1) If bovine tuberculosis is confirmed in any of the exposed captive cervids by bacterial isolation of M. bovis, the receiving herd will be classified as an affected herd and will be subject to the provisions for affected herds in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) If any of the exposed captive cervids are found to exhibit lesions compatible with or suggestive of tuberculosis, found by histopathology, without the isolation of M. bovis, the receiving herd will be subject to appropriate testing as determined by the DTE.

(3) If all the exposed captive cervids test negative for tuberculosis, the receiving herd will be released from quarantine if it is given a whole herd test and is found negative for tuberculosis and will return to the herd classification in effect before the herd was quarantined. In addition, the receiving herd must be retested with the SCT test 1 year after release from quarantine in order for captive cervids from the herd to continue to be moved interstate. Supplemental diagnostic tests may be used if any captive cervids in the herd show a response to the SCT test.

(f) Source herds. A herd suspected of being the source of tuberculous captive cervids based on a slaughter traceback investigation must be quarantined upon notification (by the person conducting the investigation) to the USDA area veterinarian in charge for the State in which the herd resides, and a herd test must be scheduled. If the herd is suspected of being the source of slaughter captive cervids having lesions of tuberculosis, the herd test must be done by a veterinarian employed by the State in which the test is administered or employed by USDA.

(1) If the herd is identified as the source of captive cervids having lesions of tuberculosis and M. bovis has been confirmed by bacterial isolation from the slaughter animal, all captive cervids in the herd that respond to the SCT test must be classified as reactors. If none respond to the SCT test, the herd may be released from quarantine and will return to the herd classification status in effect before the herd was quarantined, unless the DTE judges that additional testing is appropriate to ensure the herd's freedom from tuberculosis.

(2) If the herd is identified as the source of captive cervids that exhibit lesions compatible with or suggestive of tuberculosis, found by histopathology, without the isolation of M. bovis, all captive cervids in the herd that respond to the SCT test must be classified as suspects, and supplemental tests must be applied.

(3) If the herd is not identified as the source herd, the herd will be released from quarantine if the herd is given a whole herd test and is found negative for tuberculosis. The herd will then return to the herd classification status in effect before the herd was quarantined.

(g) Newly assembled herds. (1)A newly assembled herd will be classified as having the herd status of the herd from which the captive cervids originated. If the herd is assembled from captive cervids from more than one herd, it will be classified as having the herd status of the originating herd with the lowest status. A newly assembled herd will also assume the testing schedule of the herd status it is given. Captive cervids in the herd must have no exposure to captive cervids from a herd of lesser status than the herd of origin determining the status of the newly assembled herd or to any tuberculous livestock.

(2) A herd newly assembled on premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated must be given two consecutive annual whole herd tests. The first test must be administered at least 6 months after the assembly of the new herd. If the whole herd tests are not conducted within the indicated timeframe, the herd will be quarantined. If the herd tests negative to the two whole herd tests, there are no further requirements. If any captive cervid in the herd responds on one of the whole herd tests, the herd will be subject to the provisions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. If the premises has been vacant for more than 1 year preceding the assembly of the new herd on the premises, these requirements may be waived if the risk of tuberculosis transmission to the newly assembled herd is deemed negligible by cooperating State and Federal animal health officials.

(a) Procedures for necropsy and slaughter. (1) A necropsy must be performed by or under the supervision of a veterinarian who is employed by USDA or employed by the State in which the captive cervid was classified, and who is trained in tuberculosis necropsy procedures.

(2) If, upon necropsy, a captive cervid is found without evidence of M. bovis infection by histopathology and culture, the captive cervid will be considered negative for tuberculosis.

(3) Reactors, suspects, and exposed captive cervids may be slaughtered only at an approved slaughtering establishment, as defined in § 77.20.

(b) Interstate movement to necropsy or slaughter—(1) Permit. Any reactor, suspect, or exposed captive cervid to be moved interstate to necropsy or slaughter must be accompanied by a permit issued by a representative of APHIS, a State representative, or an accredited veterinarian. The captive cervid must remain on the premises where it was identified as a reactor, suspect, or exposed captive cervid until a permit for its movement is obtained. No stopover or diversion from the destination listed on the permit is allowed. If a change in destination becomes necessary, a new permit must be obtained from a cooperating State or Federal animal health official or an accredited veterinarian before the interstate movement begins. The permit must list:

(i) The classification of the captive cervid (reactor, suspect, or exposed);

(ii) The reactor eartag number or, for suspects and exposed captive cervids, the official eartag or other approved identification number;

(iii) The owner's name and address;

(iv) The origin and destination of the captive cervids;

(v) The number of captive cervids covered by the permit; and

(vi) The purpose of the movement.

(2) Identification of reactors. Reactors must be tagged with an official eartag attached to the left ear and bearing a serial number and the inscription “U.S. Reactor,” and either:

(i) Branded with the letter “T” high on the left hip near the tailhead and at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size; or

(ii) Permanently identified by the letters “TB” tattooed legibly in the left ear, sprayed on the left ear with yellow paint, and either accompanied directly to necropsy or slaughter by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to necropsy or slaughter in a vehicle 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.

(3) Identification of exposed captive cervids. Exposed captive cervids must be identified by an official eartag or other approved identification and either:

(i) Branded with the letter “S” high on the left hip near the tailhead and at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size; or

(ii) Either accompanied directly to necropsy or slaughter by an APHIS or State representative or moved directly to necropsy or slaughter in a vehicle 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.

All conveyances and associated equipment, premises, and structures that are used for receiving, holding, shipping, loading, unloading, and delivering captive cervids in connection with their interstate movement and that are determined by cooperating State and Federal animal health officials to be contaminated because of occupation or use by tuberculous or reactor livestock must be cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of the cooperating State or Federal animal health officials. Such cleaning and disinfecting must be done in accordance with the procedures approved by the cooperating State or Federal animal health officials. Cleaning and disinfection must be completed before the premises, conveyances, or materials may again be used to convey, hold, or in any way come in contact with any livestock.

The following terms are defined in this section:

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.

Animals. Cattle, bison, and swine.

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

Animal identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the United States providing a nationally unique identification number for each animal. The AIN contains 15 digits, with the first 3 being the country code (840 for the United States), the alpha characters USA, or the numeric code assigned to the manufacturer of the identification device by the International Committee on Animal Recording.

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

Approved brucella vaccine. A Brucella product approved by and produced under license of the United States Department of Agriculture for injection into cattle or bison to enhance their resistance to brucellosis.

Approved individual herd plan. A herd management and testing plan designed by the herd owner, the owner's veterinarian if so requested, and a State representative or APHIS representative to determine the disease status of animals in the herd and to control and eradicate brucellosis within the herd. The plan must be jointly approved by the State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge.

Approved intermediate handling facility. Premises approved by the Administrator and the State animal health official for receiving and handling cattle and bison for release only to recognized slaughtering establishments and quarantined feedlots. Cattle and bison may be held at an approved intermediate handling facility for a maximum of 7 days and may not change ownership during this time. No cattle or bison, except cattle or bison moved directly from a farm of origin, shall be permitted to enter an approved intermediate handling facility unless they are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit. Cattle or bison transported in vehicles closed with official seals are prohibited from entering the approved intermediate handling facility. No cattle or bison shall be permitted to leave an approved intermediate handling facility unless they are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit which lists a recognized slaughtering establishment or a quarantined feedlot as the point of destination. To qualify for and retain approval, the following conditions must be met: (a) The facility must be separate and apart from other livestock handling facilities for breeding cattle and breeding bison; (b) Serviceable equipment for cleaning and disinfection shall be furnished and maintained with adequate disinfectant on hand; (c) The facility must be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with § 71.4(a) of this chapter; (d) Any document relating to cattle or bison which are or have been in the facility shall be maintained by the facility for a period of 1 year; (e) State representatives and APHIS representatives shall be granted, at reasonable hours, access to all documents required to be maintained by the facility and authority to reproduce the documents; and (f) Each entrance and exit to the facility must prominently display a sign bearing the following words: “All cattle and bison entering this facility must go directly to slaughter or a quarantined feedlot”. The Administrator may withdraw or deny approval of any intermediate handling facility in accordance with § 71.20 of this chapter.

Area. That portion of any State which has a separate brucellosis classification under this part.

“B” branded. Branding with a hot iron the letter “B” high on the left hip near the tailhead and at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size.

Boar. An uncastrated male swine 6 months of age or over which is or has been capable of being used for breeding purposes.

Brucellosis. The contagious, infectious, and communicable disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is also known as Bangs disease, undulant fever, and contagious abortion.

Brucellosis exposed. Except for brucellosis reactors, animals that are part of a herd known to be affected, or are in a quarantined feedlot or a quarantined pasture, or are brucellosis suspects, or that have been in contact with a brucellosis reactor for a period of 24 hours or more, or for a period of less than 24 hours if the brucellosis reactor has aborted, calved, or farrowed within the past 30 days or has a vaginal or uterine discharge.

Brucellosis negative. An animal subjected to one or more official tests resulting in a brucellosis negative classification or reclassified as brucellosis negative by a designated epidemiologist as provided for in the definition of official test.

Brucellosis reactor. An animal subjected to an official test resulting in a brucellosis reactor classification or subjected to a bacteriological examination for field strain Brucella abortus and found positive or reclassified as a brucellosis reactor by a designated epidemiologist as provided for in the definition of official test.

Brucellosis ring test. The brucellosis ring test is conducted on composite milk or cream samples from dairy herds and is interpreted as either negative or suspicious (positive). Herds which are negative to the brucellosis ring test and which are not quarantined as brucellosis affected are classified as brucellosis negative for public health ordinances and surveillance purposes. Herds classified as suspicious require a herd blood test to determine animal and herd status.

Brucellosis suspect. An animal subjected to an official test resulting in a brucellosis suspect classification or reclassified as a brucellosis suspect by a designated epidemiologist as provided for in the definition of official test.

Certificate. An official document issued by an APHIS representative, state representative, or accredited veterinarian at the point of origin of an interstate movement of animals.

(a) The certificate must show the official eartag number, individual animal register breed association registration tattoo, individual animal registered breed association registration brand, individual animal registered breed association registration number, or similar individual identification of each animal to be moved; the number of animals covered by the certificate; the purpose for which the animals are to be moved; the points of origin and destination; the consignor; and the consignee. Ownership brands may be used in place of individual animal identification on certificates for cattle moved interstate when no official test for brucellosis is required under this part, provided the ownership brands are registered with the official brand recording agency. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this definition, all of the information required by this paragraph must be typed or written on the certificate.

(b) As an alternative to typing or writing individual animal identification on a certificate, another document may be used to provide this information, but only under the following conditions:

(1) The document must be a state form or APHIS form that requires individual identification of animals;

(2) A legible copy of the document must be stapled to the original and each copy of the certificate;

(3) Each copy of the document must identify each animal to be moved with the certificate, but any information pertaining to other animals, and any unused space on the document for recording animal identification, must be crossed out in ink; and

(4) The following information must be written in ink in the identification column on the original and each copy of the certificate and must be circled or boxed, also in ink, so that no additional information can be added:

(i) The name of the document; and

(ii) Either the serial number on the document or, if the document is not imprinted with a serial number, both the name of the person who prepared the document and the date the document was signed.

(c) As an alternative to typing or writing ownership brands on a certificate, an official brand inspection certificate may be used to provide this information, but only under the following conditions:

(1) A legible copy of the official brand inspection certificate must be stabled to the original and each copy of the certificate;

(2) Each copy of the official brand inspection certificate must show the ownership brand of each animal to be moved with the certificate, but any other ownership brands, and any unused space for recording ownership brands, must be crossed out in ink;

(3) The following information must be written in ink in the identification column on the original and each copy of the certificate and must be circled or boxed, also in ink, so that no additional information can be added:

(i) The name of the attached document; and

(ii) Either the serial number on the official brand inspection certificate or, if the official brand inspection certificate is not imprinted with a serial number, both the name of the person who prepared the official brand inspection certificate and the date it was signed.

Certified brucellosis-free herd. A herd of cattle or bison which has qualified for and whose owner has been issued a certified brucellosis-free herd certificate signed by the appropriate State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge.

(a) Certification. Either of the following two methods may be used to qualify a herd:

(1) In the case of dairy cattle, by conducting a minimum of four consecutive negative brucellosis ring tests at not less than 90-day intervals, followed by a negative herd blood test within 90 days after the last negative brucellosis ring test; or

(2) By conducting at least two consecutive negative herd blood tests not less than 10 months nor more than 14 months apart.

(b) Maintaining certification. Certified brucellosis-free herd status will remain in effect for 1 year beginning with the date of issuance of the certified brucellosis-free herd certificate. A negative herd blood test must be conducted within 10 to 12 months of the last certification date for continuous status. Lapsed certification may be reinstated if a herd blood test is conducted within 14 months of the last certification date. A new recertification test date may be established if requested by the owner and if the herd is negative to a herd blood test on that date, provided that date is within 1 year of the previous certification date. A herd which loses certified brucellosis-free herd status because a brucellosis reactor is found in the herd may be recertified only by repeating the certification process, except that certified brucellosis-free herd status may be reinstated without repeating the certification process if epidemiological studies and bacteriological cultures conducted by an APHIS representative or State representative show that the herd was not affected with field strain Brucella abortus.

Class A State or area. A State or area which meets standards for classification as a Class A State or area and is certified as such on initial classification or on reclassification by the State animal health official, the Veterinarian in Charge, and the Administrator. Any reclassification will be made in accordance with § 78.40 of this part. The following are the standards to attain and maintain Class A status.

(a) Surveillance—(1) Brucellosis ring test. The brucellosis ring test shall be conducted in the State or area at least four times per year at approximately 90-day intervals. All herds producing milk for sale shall be included in at least three of the four brucellosis ring tests per year.

(2) Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program—(i) Coverage. All recognized slaughtering establishments in the State or area must participate in the MCI program. Blood samples shall be collected from at least 95 percent of all cows and bulls 2 years of age or over at each recognized slaughtering establishment and subjected to an official test;

(ii) Brucellosis reactors—(A) Tracebacks. At least 90 percent of all brucellosis reactors found in the course of MCI testing must be traced to the farm of origin.

(B) Successfully closed cases. The State or area must successfully close at least 95 percent of the MCI reactor cases traced to the farm of origin during the 12-consecutive-month period immediately prior to the most recent anniversary of the date the State or area was classified Class A. To successfully close an MCI reactor case, State representatives or APHIS representatives must conduct an epidemiologic investigation at the farm of origin within 15 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test. Herd blood tests must be conducted or the herd must be confined to the premises under quarantine within 30 days after notification that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test, unless a designated epidemiologist determines that:

(1) The brucellosis reactor is located in a herd in a different State than the State where the MCI blood sample was collected. In such cases a State representative or APHIS representative must give written notice of the MCI test results to the State animal health official in the State where the brucellosis reactor is located; or

(2) Evidence indicates that the brucellosis reactor is from a herd that no longer presents a risk of spreading brucellosis, or is from a herd that is unlikely to be infected with brucellosis. Such evidence could include, but is not limited to, situations where:

(i) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that has been sold for slaughter in entirety;

(ii) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that is certified brucellosis free and is 100-percent vaccinated; or

(iii) The brucellosis reactor showed a low titer in the MCI test and is traced back to a dairy herd that is 100 percent vaccinated and has tested negative to the most recent brucellosis ring test required by this section for herds producing milk for sale.

(3) Epidemiologic surveillance—(i) Adjacent herds. All adjacent herds or other herds having contact with cattle in a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 15 days of notification of brucellosis in the herd known to be affected; (ii) Epidemiologically traced herds. All herds from which cattle are moved into a herd known to be affected and all herds which have received cattle from a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 15 days of locating the source herd or recipient herd. (iii) Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(b) Herd infection rate—(1) Percentage of herds affected. States or areas must not exceed a cattle herd infection rate, based on the number of herds found to have brucellosis reactors within the State or area during any 12 consecutive months due to field strain Brucella abortus, of 0.25 percent or 2.5 herds per 1,000, except in States with 10,000 or fewer herds. A special review by the Administrator will be made to determine if such small herd population States would qualify for Class A status. Locations of herds, sources of brucellosis, and brucellosis control measures taken by the State will be considered.

(2) Epidemiologic investigation. Within 15 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors have been found in any herd, State representatives or APHIS representatives shall investigate that herd to identify possible sources of brucellosis. All possible sources of brucellosis identified shall be contacted within an additional 15 days to determine appropriate action.

(3) All herds known to be affected shall have approved individual herd plans in effect within 15 days after notification by a State representative or APHIS representative of a brucellosis reactor in the herd. Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

Class B State or area. A State or area which meets standards for classification as a Class B State or area and is certified as such on initial classification or on reclassification by the State animal health official, the Veterinarian in Charge, and the Administrator. Any reclassification will be made in accordance with § 78.40 of this part. The following are the standards to attain and maintain Class B status.

(a) Surveillance—(1) Brucellosis ring test. The brucellosis ring test shall be conducted in the State or area at least four times per year at approximately 90-day intervals. All herds producing milk for sale shall be included in at least three of the four brucellosis ring tests per year.

(2) Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program—(i) Coverage. All recognized slaughtering establishments in the State or area must participate in the MCI program. Blood samples shall be collected from at least 95 percent of all cows and bulls 2 years of age or over at each recognized slaughtering establishment and subjected to an official test;

(ii) Brucellosis reactors—(A)Tracebacks. At least 80 percent of all brucellosis reactors found in the course of MCI testing must be traced to the farm of origin.

(B) Successfully closed cases. The State or area must successfully close at least 90 percent of the MCI reactor cases traced to the farm of origin during the 12-consecutive-month period immediately prior to the most recent anniversary of the date the State or area was classified Class B. To successfully close an MCI reactor case, State representatives or APHIS representatives must conduct an epidemiologic investigation at the farm of origin within 30 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test. Herd blood tests must be conducted or the herd must be confined to the premises under quarantine within 30 days after notification that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test, unless a designated epidemiologist determines that:

(1) The brucellosis reactor is located in a herd in a different State than the State where the MCI blood sample was collected. In such cases a State representative or APHIS representative must give written notice of the MCI test results to the State animal health official in the State where the brucellosis reactor is located; or

(2) Evidence indicates that the brucellosis reactor is from a herd that no longer presents a risk of spreading brucellosis, or is from a herd that is unlikely to be infected with brucellosis. Such evidence could include, but is not limited to, situations where:

(i) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that has been sold for slaughter in entirety;

(ii) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that is certified brucellosis free and is 100-percent vaccinated; or

(iii) The brucellosis reactor showed a low titer in the MCI test and is traced back to a dairy herd that is 100 percent vaccinated and has tested negative to the most recent brucellosis ring test required by this section for herds producing milk for sale.

(3) Epidemiologic surveillance—(i) Adjacent herds. All adjacent herds or other herds having contact with cattle in a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 45 days of notification of brucellosis in the herd known to be affected; (ii) Epidemiologically traced herds. All herds from which cattle are moved into a herd known to be affected and all herds which have received cattle from a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 45 days of locating the source herd or recipient herd. (iii) Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(b) Herd infection rate—(1) Percentage of herds affected. States or areas must not exceed a cattle herd infection rate, based on the number of herds found to have brucellosis reactors within the State or area during any 12 consecutive months due to field strain Brucella abortus, of 1.5 percent or 15 herds per 1,000, except in States with 1,000 or fewer herds. A special review by the Administrator will be made to determine if such small herd population States would qualify for Class B status. Locations of herds, sources of brucellosis, and brucellosis control measures taken by the State will be considered.

(2) Epidemiologic investigation. Within 45 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors have been found in any herd, State representatives or APHIS representatives shall investigate that herd to identify possible sources of brucellosis. All possible sources of brucellosis identified shall be contacted within an additional 30 days to determine appropriate action.

(3) All herds known to be affected shall have approved individual herd plans in effect within 45 days after notification by a State representative or APHIS representative of a brucellosis reactor in the herd. Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

Class C State or area. A State or area which meets standards for classification as a Class C State or area and is certified as such on initial classification or on reclassification by the State animal health official, the Veterinarian in Charge, and the Administrator. Any reclassification will be made in accordance with § 78.40 of this part. The following are the standards to attain and maintain Class C status.

(a) Surveillance—(1) Brucellosis ring test. The brucellosis ring test shall be conducted in the State or area at least four times per year at approximately 90-day intervals. All herds producing milk for sale shall be included in at least three of the four brucellosis ring tests per year.

(2) Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program—(i) Coverage. All recognized slaughtering establishments in the State or area must participate in the MCI program. Blood samples shall be collected from at least 95 percent of all cows and bulls 2 years of age or over at each recognized slaughtering establishment and subjected to an official test;

(ii) Brucellosis reactors—(A)Tracebacks. At least 80 percent of all brucellosis reactors found in the course of MCI testing must be traced to the farm of origin.

(B) Successfully closed cases. The State or area must successfully close at least 90 percent of the MCI reactor cases traced to the farm of origin during the 12-consecutive-month period immediately prior to the most recent anniversary of the date the State or area was classified Class C. To successfully close an MCI reactor case, State representatives or APHIS representatives must conduct an epidemiologic investigation at the farm of origin within 30 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test. Herd blood tests must be conducted or the herd must be confined to the premises under quarantine within 30 days after notification that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test, unless a designated epidemiologist determines that:

(1) The brucellosis reactor is located in a herd in a different State than the State where the MCI blood sample was collected. In such cases a State representative or APHIS representative must give written notice of the MCI test results to the State animal health official in the State where the brucellosis reactor is located; or

(2) Evidence indicates that the brucellosis reactor is from a herd that no longer presents a risk of spreading brucellosis, or is from a herd that is unlikely to be infected with brucellosis. Such evidence could include, but is not limited to, situations where:

(i) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that has been sold for slaughter in entirety;

(ii) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that is certified brucellosis free and is 100-percent vaccinated; or

(iii) The brucellosis reactor showed a low titer in the MCI test and is traced back to a dairy herd that is 100 percent vaccinated and has tested negative to the most recent brucellosis ring test required by this section for herds producing milk for sale.

(3) Epidemiologic surveillance—(i) Adjacent herds. All adjacent herds or other herds having contact with cattle in a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 45 days of notification of brucellosis in the herd known to be affected; (ii) Epidemiologically traced herds. All herds from which cattle are moved into a herd known to be affected and all herds which have received cattle from a herd known to be affected shall have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 45 days of locating the source herd or recipient herd. (iii) Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(b) Herd infection rate—(1) Percentage of herds affected. States or areas exceed a cattle herd infection rate, based on the number of herds found to have brucellosis reactors within the State or area during any 12 consecutive months due to field strain Brucella abortus, of 1.5 percent or 15 herds per 1,000, except in States with 1,000 or fewer herds. A special review by the Administrator will be made to determine if such small herd population States should be classified as a Class C State. Locations of herds, sources of brucellosis, and brucellosis control measures taken by the State will be considered.

(2) Epidemiologic investigation. Within 45 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors have been found in any herd, State representatives or APHIS representatives shall investigate that herd to identify possible sources of brucellosis. All possible sources of brucellosis identified shall be contacted within an additional 30 days to determine appropriate action.

(3) All herds known to be affected shall have approved individual herd plans in effect within 45 days after notification by a State representative or APHIS representative of a brucellosis reactor in the herd. Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(c) Compliance with minimum procedural standards. (1) A State must implement and maintain minimum procedural standards.

(2) A State or area must make continued progress over a 2-year period in reducing the prevalence of brucellosis as determined by epidemiologic evaluation or it will be placed under Federal quarantine.

Class Free State or area. A State or area which meets standards for classification as a Class Free State or area and is certified as such on initial classification or on reclassification by the State animal health official, the Veterinarian in Charge, and the Administrator. Any reclassification will be made in accordance with § 78.40 of this part. All cattle herds in the State or area in which brucellosis has been known to exist must be released from any State or Federal brucellosis quarantine prior to classification. In addition, if any herds of other species of domestic livestock have been found to be affected with brucellosis, they must be subjected to an official test and found negative, slaughtered, or quarantined so that no known foci of brucellosis in any species of domestic livestock are left uncontrolled. The following are the standards to attain and maintain Class Free status.

(a) Surveillance—(1) Brucellosis ring test. The State or area shall conduct as many brucellosis ring tests per year as are necessary to ensure that all herds producing milk for sale are tested at least twice per year at approximately 6-month intervals.

(2) Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program—(i) Coverage. All recognized slaughtering establishments in the State or area must participate in the MCI program. Blood samples shall be collected from at least 95 percent of all cows and bulls 2 years of age or over at each recognized slaughtering establishment and subjected to an official test;

(ii) Brucellosis reactors—(A)Tracebacks. At least 90 percent of all brucellosis reactors found in the course of MCI testing must be traced to the farm of origin.

(B) Successfully closed cases. The State or area must successfully close at least 95 percent of the MCI reactor cases traced to the farm of origin during the 12-consecutive-month period immediately prior to the most recent anniversary of the date the State or area was classified Class Free. To successfully close an MCI reactor case, State representatives or APHIS representatives must conduct an epidemiologic investigation at the farm of origin within 15 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test. Herd blood tests must be conducted or the herd must be confined to the premises under quarantine within 30 days after notification that brucellosis reactors were found on the MCI test, unless a designated epidemiologist determines that:

(1) The brucellosis reactor is located in a herd in a different State than the State where the MCI blood sample was collected. In such cases a State representative or APHIS representative must give written notice of the MCI test results to the State animal health official in the State where the brucellosis reactor is located; or

(2) Evidence indicates that the brucellosis reactor is from a herd that no longer presents a risk of spreading brucellosis, or is from a herd that is unlikely to be infected with brucellosis. Such evidence could include, but is not limited to, situations where:

(i) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that has been sold for slaughter in entirety;

(ii) The brucellosis reactor is traced back to a herd that is certified brucellosis free and is 100-percent vaccinated; or

(iii) The brucellosis reactor showed a low titer in the MCI test and is traced back to a dairy herd that is 100 percent vaccinated and has tested negative to the most recent brucellosis ring test required by this section for herds producing milk for sale.

(3) Epidemiologic surveillance—(i) Adjacent herds. All adjacent herds or other herds having contact with cattle in a herd known to be affected shall be placed under quarantine and have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 15 days after notification of brucellosis in the herd known to be affected; (ii) Epidemiologically traced herds. All herds from which cattle are moved into a herd known to be affected and all herds which have received cattle from a herd known to be affected shall be placed under quarantine and have an approved individual herd plan in effect within 15 days of locating the source herd or recipient herd. (iii) Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(b) Herd infection rate—(1) Percentage of herds affected. All cattle herds in the State or area must remain free of field strain Brucella abortus for 12 consecutive months. States or areas must have a cattle herd infection rate, based on the number of herds found to have brucellosis reactors within the State or area during any 12 consecutive months due to field strain Brucella abortus of 0.0 percent or 0 herds per 1,000.

(2) Epidemiologic investigation. Within 15 days after notification by the cooperative State-Federal laboratory that brucellosis reactors have been found in any herd, State representatives or APHIS representatives shall investigate that herd to identify possible sources of brucellosis. All possible sources of brucellosis identified shall be contacted within an additional 15 days to determine appropriate action.

(3) All herds known to be affected shall have approved individual herd plans in effect within 15 days after notification by a State representative or APHIS representative of a brucellosis reactor in the herd. Each State shall ensure that such approved individual herd plans are effectively complied with, as determined by the Administrator.

(4) Retaining Class Free status. (i) If a single herd in a Class Free State is found to be affected with brucellosis, the State may retain its Class Free status if it meets the conditions of this paragraph. A State may retain its status in this manner only once during any 2-year period. The following conditions must be satisfied within 60 days of the date an animal in the herd is determined to be infected:

(A) The affected herd must be immediately quarantined, tested for brucellosis, and depopulated; and

(B) An epidemiological investigation must be performed and the investigation must confirm that brucellosis has not spread from the affected herd. All herds on premises adjacent to the affected herd (adjacent herds), all herds from which animals may have been brought into the affected herd (source herds), and all herds that may have had contact with or accepted animals from the affected herd (contact herds) must be epidemiologically investigated, and each of those herds must be placed under an approved individual herd plan. If the investigating epidemiologist determines that a herd blood test for a particular adjacent herd, source herd, or contact herd is not warranted, the epidemiologist must include that determination, and the reasons supporting it, in the individual herd plan.

(ii) After the close of the 60-day period following the date an animal in the herd is determined to be infected, APHIS will conduct a review to confirm that the requirements of paragraph (b)(4)(i) have been satisfied and that the State is in compliance with all other applicable provisions.

Complete herd test (CHT). An official swine brucellosis test of all swine on a premises that are 6 months of age or older and maintained for breeding purposes.

Confirmatory test. A follow-up test to verify any official test results. Confirmatory tests include the standard tube test, the Rivanol test, the complement fixation test (CF), the fluorescence polarization assay (FP assay), the particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA), the semen plasma test, and the standard plate test.

Dairy cattle. A bovine animal of a recognized dairy breed.

Designated epidemiologist. An epidemiologist selected by the State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge to perform the functions required. The regional epidemiologist and the APHIS brucellosis staff must concur in the selection and appointment of the designated epidemiologist.

Directly. Without unloading en route if moved in a means of conveyance, or without stopping if moved in any other manner.

Epidemiologist. A veterinarian who has received a master's degree in epidemiology or completed a course of study in epidemiology sponsored by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

Epidemiology. A branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in the animal population.

Farm of origin. (a) Premises where cattle or bison are born and remain prior to movement from the premises but which are not used to assemble cattle or bison from any other premises for 4 months before such movement; or

(b) Premises where cattle or bison remain for not less than 4 months immediately before movement from the premises but which are not used to assemble cattle or bison from any other premises for 4 months before such movement.

Feral swine. Free-roaming swine. Formerly free-roaming swine could qualify for reclassification as domestic swine upon testing negative to an official swine brucellosis test after a period of at least 60 days' confinement in isolation from other feral swine.

Finished fed cattle. Cattle fattened on a ration of feed concentrates to reach a slaughter condition equivalent to that which would be attained on full feed with a high concentrate grain ration for 90 days.

Herd. (a) All animals under common ownership or supervision that are grouped on one or more parts of any single premises (lot, farm or ranch); or

(b) All animals under common ownership or supervision on two or more premises which are geographically separated but on which animals from the different premises have been interchanged or had contact with each other.

Herd blood test. (a) Cattle and bison. A blood test for brucellosis conducted in a herd on all cattle or bison which are

(1) 6 months of age or over and not official vaccinates, except steers and spayed heifers;

(2) Official calfhood vaccinates of any age which are parturient or postparturient;

(3) Official calfhood vaccinates of beef breeds or bison with the first pair of permanent incisors fully erupted (2 years of age or over); and

(4) Official calfhood vaccinates of dairy breeds with partial eruption of the first pair of permanent incisors (20 months of age or over).

(b) [Reserved]

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.

Herd not known to be affected. Any herd in which no animal has been classified as a brucellosis reactor or any herd in which one or more animals have been classified as brucellosis reactors but which has been released from quarantine.

Herd of origin of swine. Any herd in which swine are farrowed and remain until movement or any herd in which swine remain for 30 days immediately prior to movement.

Interstate. From any State into or through any other State.

Market cattle identification test cattle. Cows and bulls 2 years of age or over which have been moved to recognized slaughtering establishments, and test-eligible cattle which are subjected to an official test for the purposes of movement at farms, ranches, auction markets, stockyards, quarantined feedlots, or other assembly points. Such cattle shall be identified by an official eartag and/or United States Department of Agriculture backtag prior to or at the first market, stockyard, quarantined feedlot, or slaughtering establishment they reach.

Market swine test (MST) reactor. Market swine test swine with a positive reaction to a swine brucellosis confirmatory test or other official test, if no confirmatory test is performed.

Market swine test swine. Sows and boars which have been moved to slaughtering establishments and sows and boars which are subjected to an official test for the purposes of movement at farms, ranches, auction markets, stockyards, or other assembly points.

Monitored-negative feral swine population. Feral swine indicating no evidence of infection (indicators would include positive blood tests or clinical signs, such as abortion) and originating from a specified, geographically isolated area (a forest area, hunting preserve, or swamp, for example) may be classified by the designated epidemiologist as a monitored-negative feral swine population.

Moved. Shipped, transported, delivered, or received for movement, or otherwise aided, induced, or caused to be moved.

Moved (movement) in interstate commerce. Moved from the point of origin of the interstate movement to the animals' final destination, such as a slaughtering establishment or a farm for breeding or raising, and including any temporary stops for any purpose along the way, such as at a stockyard or dealer premises for feed, water, rest, or sale.

Official adult vaccinate. (a) Female cattle or female bison older than the specified ages defined for official calfhood vaccinate and vaccinated by an APHIS representative, State representative, or accredited veterinarian with a reduced dose approved brucella vaccine, diluted so as to contain at least 300 million and not more than 1 billion live cells per 2 mL dose of Brucella abortus Strain 19 vaccine or at the dosage indicated on the label instructions for other approved brucella vaccines, as part of a whole herd vaccination plan authorized jointly by the State animal health official and the Veterinarian in Charge; and

(b)(1) Permanently identified by a “V” hot brand high on the hip near the tailhead at least 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) in size, or by an official AV (adult vaccination) tattoo in the right ear preceded by the quarter of the year and followed by the last digit of the year; and

(2) Identified with an official eartag or individual animal registered breed association registration brand or individual animal registered breed association tattoo.

Official brand inspection certificate. A document issued by an official brand inspection agency in any State which requires such documents for movement of cattle.

Official brand recording agency. The duly constituted body authorized by a State or governmental subdivision thereof to administer laws, regulations, ordinances or rules pertaining to the brand identification of cattle.

Official calfhood vaccinate. (a) Female cattle or female bison vaccinated while from 4 through 12 months of age by an APHIS representative, State representative, or accredited veterinarian with a reduced dose approved brucella vaccine containing at least 2.7 billion and not more than 10 billion live cells per 2 mL dose of Brucella abortus Strain 19 vaccine or at the dosage indicated on the label instructions for other approved brucella vaccines; and

(b) Permanently identified by a tattoo and by an official vaccination eartag in the right ear. However, if already identified with an official eartag prior to vaccination, an additional tag is not required. The tattoo must include the U.S. Registered Shield and “V,” preceded by the quarter of the year and followed by the last digit of the year of vaccination. Individual animal registered breed association registration brands or individual animal registered breed association registration tattoos may be substituted for official eartags.

Official eartag. An identification tag providing unique identification for individual animals. An official eartag which contains or displays an AIN with an 840 prefix must bear the U.S. shield. The design, size, shape, color, and other characteristics of the official eartag will depend on the needs of the users, subject to the approval of the Administrator. The official eartag must be tamper-resistant and have a high retention rate in the animal. Official eartags must adhere to one of the following numbering systems:

(a) National Uniform Eartagging System.

(b) Animal identification number (AIN).

(c) Premises-based number system. The premises-based number system combines an official premises identification number (PIN), as defined in § 71.1 of this chapter, with a producer's livestock production numbering system to provide a unique identification number. The PIN and the production number must both appear on the official tag.

(d) Any other numbering system approved by the Administrator for the identification of animals in commerce.

Official identification device or method. A means of officially identifying an animal or group of animals using devices or methods approved by the Administrator, including, but not limited to, official tags, tattoos, and registered brands when accompanied by a certificate of inspection from a recognized brand inspection authority.

Official seal. A serially numbered, metal or plastic 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 and which cannot be reused if opened, or a serially numbered, self-locking button which can be used for this purpose.

Official swine tattoo. A tattoo, conforming to the six-character alpha-numeric National Tattoo System, that provides a unique identification for each herd or lot of swine.

Official test—(a) Classification of cattle and bison—(1) Standard card test. (i) A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted and when conducted under the following circumstances:

(A) When conditions and time are such that no other test is available; or

(B) When the owner or the owner's agent requests it because of time or situation constraints; or

(C) In specifically approved stockyards when the State animal health official either:

(1) Designates the standard card test as the official test for determining the brucellosis disease status of cattle and bison in all specifically approved stockyards in the State. In these States, no other official test except the Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen test shall be used in specifically approved stockyards; or

(2) Designates the standard card test as the official test for determining the brucellosis disease status of non-vaccinated cattle or bison (the CITE ® test may be designated as a supplemental test for non-vaccinated cattle or bison that test positive to the standard card test); and designates the standard card test as the official test for determining the brucellosis disease status of official vaccinates and the CITE ® test, the standard plate test, or the Rivanol test as supplemental tests for official vaccinates that test positive to the standard card test. If supplemental tests are conducted, cattle or bison that are positive to the standard card test shall be classified as brucellosis suspects if all of the supplemental tests conducted disclose a negative or suspect reaction, and shall be classified as brucellosis reactors if any one of the supplemental tests conducted has a positive reaction; or

(D) To test market cattle identification (MCI) program test samples. Cattle and bison which test positive to the BAPA test or RST under the MCI program must be retested using the standard card test or the standard plate or tube agglutination test.

(ii) Results of the standard card test also may be used to supplement the results of other official tests conducted in the cooperative State-Federal laboratory to give the designated epidemiologist additional information when classifying cattle and bison.

(iii) Standard card test results are interpreted as either negative or positive. A moderate to marked clumping agglutination reaction is a positive result. Test-eligible cattle and bison positive to the standard card test are classified as brucellosis reactors. Test-eligible cattle and bison negative to the standard card test are classified as brucellosis negative.

(2) Standard tube test (STT) or standard plate test (SPT). A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. Cattle and bison are classified according to the following agglutination reactions:

(3) Manual complement-fixation (CF) test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. Cattle and bison are classified according to the following reactions:

(i) Cattle and bison which are not official vaccinates:

(A) Fifty percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:20 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fifty percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10 but less than 50 percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:20—brucellosis suspect;

(C) Less than 50 percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis negative;

(ii) Official vaccinates vaccinated with a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Twenty-five percent fixation (1 plus) in a dilution of 1:40 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fifty percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10 but less than 25 percent fixation (1 plus) in a dilution of 1:40—brucellosis suspect;

(C) Less than 50 percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis negative.

(iii) Official vaccinates vaccinated with an approved brucella vaccine other than a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Fifty percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:20 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fifty percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10 but less than 50 percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:20—brucellosis suspect;

(C) Less than 50 percent fixation (2 plus) in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis negative.

(4) Technicon automated complement-fixation test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. Cattle and bison are classified according to the following reactions:

(i) Cattle and bison which are not official vaccinates:

(A) Fixation in a dilution of 1:10 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fixation in a dilution of 1:5 but no fixation in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis suspect;

(C) No fixation in a dilution of 1:5 or lower—brucellosis negative;

(ii) Official vaccinates vaccinated with a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Fixation in a dilution of 1:20 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fixation in a dilution of 1:10 but no fixation in a dilution of 1:20—brucellosis suspect;

(C) Fixation in a dilution of 1:5 or less but no fixation in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis negative.

(iii) Official vaccinates vaccinated with an approved brucella vaccine other than a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Fixation in a dilution of 1:10 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Fixation in a dilution of 1:5 but no fixation in a dilution of 1:10—brucellosis suspect;

(C) No fixation in a dilution of 1:5 or lower—brucellosis negative.

(5) Rivanol test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. Cattle and bison are classified according to the following agglutination reactions:

(i) Cattle and bison which are not official vaccinates:

(A) Complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Less than complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25—brucellosis negative;

(ii) Official adult vaccinates more than 5 months after vaccination with a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine and official calfhood vaccinates vaccinated with a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Incomplete agglutination at a titer of 1:100 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25 or higher when the manual or technicon automated complement-fixation test is not conducted—brucellosis reactor;

(C) Complete agglutination at a titer of 1:50 or less when the manual complement-fixation test or the technicon automated complement-fixation test is conducted and results in a classification of brucellosis suspect or brucellosis negative—brucellosis suspect;

(D) Less than complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25—brucellosis negative;

(iii) Official adult vaccinates less than 5 months after vaccination with a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine: Less than complete agglutination at the 1:50 titer—brucellosis negative.

(iv) Official vaccinates vaccinated with an approved brucella vaccine other than a Brucella abortus Strain 19 approved brucella vaccine:

(A) Complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25 or higher—brucellosis reactor;

(B) Less than complete agglutination at a titer of 1:25—brucellosis negative.

(6) Semen plasma test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of bulls used for artificial insemination when conducted in conjunction with an official serological test and according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. The classification of such bulls shall be based on the maximum agglutination titer of either the official serological test or the semen plasma test.

(7) Buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPA) test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison at recognized slaughtering establishments and specifically approved stockyards when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. BAPA test results are interpreted as either negative or positive. Cattle and bison negative to the BAPA test are classified as brucellosis negative. Cattle and bison positive to the BAPA test shall be subjected to other official tests to determine their brucellosis classification.

(8) Rapid screening test (RST). A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison in cooperative State-Federal laboratories when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS and the State in which the test is to be conducted. RST results are interpreted as either negative or positive. Cattle and bison negative to the RST are classified as brucellosis negative. Cattle and bison positive to the RST shall be subjected to other official tests to determine their brucellosis classification.

(9) Concentration immunoassay technology (CITE ®) test. An enzyme immunoassay that may be used as a diagnostic supplement to the standard card test by designated epidemiologists determining the brucellosis disease status of cattle and bison. The test must be done in accordance with the CITE ® Brucella abortus Antibody Test Kit instructions, licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and approved as of December 31, 1987, and incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from AgriTech Systems, Inc., 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101. Copies may be inspected at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Operational Support, 4700 River Road Unit 33, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1231, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

(10) Particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA) test. An automated serologic test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS. Cattle and bison are classified according to the following ratio between the test sample and a known negative sample (S/N ratio):

(11) D-Tec ® Brucella A test. An automated serologic test to determine the brucellosis disease status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS. The degree of reactivity is measured by the ratio of the average optical density of the sample to that of the Negative Control (S/N) and is expressed as Percent Inhibition (1-S/N) × 100. The brucellosis disease status of the animals is classified according to the following established criteria:

(12) Rapid Automated Presumptive (RAP) test. An automated serologic test to detect the presence of Brucella antibodies in test-eligible cattle and bison. RAP test results are interpreted as either positive or negative; the results are interpreted and reported by a scanning autoreader that measures alterations in light transmission through each test well and the degree of agglutination present. Cattle and bison negative to the RAP test are classified as brucellosis negative; cattle and bison positive to the RAP test shall be subjected to other official tests to determine their brucellosis disease classification.

(13) Fluorescence polarization assay (FP assay). An automated serologic test to determine the brucellosis status of test-eligible cattle and bison when conducted according to instructions approved by APHIS. FP assays are interpreted as either positive, negative, or suspect. A 10-microliter sample is used. If a sample reads <10 millipolarization units (mP) above the mean negative control, the sample is considered negative. If a sample reads >20 mP above the mean negative control, the sample is considered positive. Samples that read between 10 and 20 mP above the negative control mean should be retested using 20 microliters of sample. If the 20-microliter sample is >20 mP above the mean negative control, the sample is considered positive. If the 20-microliter sample is still in the 10 to 20 mP range above the mean negative control, the sample is considered suspect. If the 20-microliter sample is <10 mP above the mean negative control, the sample is considered negative. Cattle and bison negative to the FP assay are classified as brucellosis negative. Cattle and bison with positive FP assay results are classified as brucellosis reactors, while cattle and bison with suspect FP assay results are classified as brucellosis suspects.

(14) The evaluation of test results for all cattle and bison shall be the responsibility of a designated epidemiologist in each State. The designated epidemiologist shall consider the animal and herd history and other epidemiologic factors when determining the brucellosis classification of cattle and bison. Deviations from the brucellosis classification criteria as provided in this definition of official test are acceptable when made by the designated epidemiologist.

(i) The designated epidemiologist may consider the results of CITE ® tests when evaluating the results of standard card tests of cattle and bison.

(b) Classification of swine—(1) Standard card test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of swine. Standard card test results are interpreted as either negative or positive. A moderate to marked clumping agglutination reaction is a positive result. Swine negative to the standard card test are classified as brucellosis negative. Swine positive to the standard card test in a herd not known to be affected but negative to any other official test or bacteriological culture for brucella are classified as brucellosis suspects. Other swine positive to the standard card test are classified as brucellosis reactors.

(2) Standard tube test. A test to determine the brucellosis disease status of swine.

(i) If all of the following apply: (A) The swine are part of a herd not known to be affected; (B) No swine tested, individually or as part of a group, has a complete agglutination reaction at a dilution of 1:100 or higher; and (C) the swine are tested as part of a herd blood test or are part of a validated brucellosis-free herd, then the swine are classified according to the following agglutination reactions:

(ii) If any of the following apply: (A) The swine are part of a herd known to be affected; (B) Any swine tested, individually or as part of a group, has a complete agglutination reaction at a dilution of 1:100 or higher or; (C) The swine are not part of a validated brucellosis-free herd and are not being tested as part of a herd blood test, then the swine are classified according to the following agglutination reactions:

(a) Any certificate, permit, or “S” brand permit required by this part for the interstate movement of animals shall be delivered to the person moving the animals by the shipper or shipper's agent at the time the animals are delivered for movement and shall accompany the animals to their destination and be delivered to the consignee or the person receiving the animals.

(b) The APHIS representative, State representative, or accredited veterinarian issuing a certificate or permit required for the interstate movement of animals under this part, except for permits for entry and “S” brand permits, shall forward a copy thereof as follows:

(1) A copy of each certificate shall be forwarded to the State animal health official of the State of destination, or to the State animal health official of the State of origin for forwarding to the State of destination; or

(2) A copy of each permit shall be forwarded to the State animal health official of the State of destination.

Cattle and bison moving interstate, except cattle and bison moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, approved intermediate handling facility, or quarantined feedlot, shall be moved only in a means of conveyance which has been cleaned in accordance with §§ 71.5, 71.7, 71.10, and 71.11 of this chapter and, if unloaded in the course of such movement, shall be handled only in pens cleaned in accordance with the provisions of §§ 71.4, 71.7, 71.10, and 71.11 of this chapter.

Cattle may not be moved interstate except in compliance with this subpart.

Steers and spayed heifers may be moved interstate without restriction under this subpart.

(a) Destination. Brucellosis reactor cattle may be moved interstate only for immediate slaughter as follows:

(1) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment;

(2) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(3) From a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis reactors and then

(i) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(ii) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(b) Identification. Brucellosis reactor cattle must 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 metal tag bearing a serial number designated by the State animal health official for identifying brucellosis reactors, 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.

(c) Permit. Brucellosis reactor cattle moving interstate shall be accompanied to destination by a permit.

(d) Marking of records. Each person moving brucellosis reactor cattle interstate shall, in the course of interstate movement, plainly write or stamp the words “Brucellosis Reactor” upon the face of any document that person prepares in connection with such movement.

(e) Segregation en route. Brucellosis reactor cattle shall not be moved interstate in any means of conveyance containing animals which are not brucellosis reactors unless all the animals are for immediate slaughter or unless the brucellosis reactor cattle are kept separate from the other animals by a partition securely affixed to the sides of the means of conveyance.

Brucellosis exposed cattle may be moved interstate only as follows:

(a) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (1) Finished fed cattle from a quarantined feedlot may be moved interstate

(i) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without further restriction under this part; or

(ii) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit.

(2) Brucellosis exposed cattle may be moved interstate directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are:

(i) Individually identified by an official eartag or a United States Department of Agriculture backtag;

(ii) Accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit; and

(iii)(A) “S” branded before leaving the premises from which they are to be moved interstate; or

(B) “B” branded when a claim for indemnity is made under part 51 of this chapter; or

(C) Official adult vaccinates; or

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

(E) 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.

(3) Brucellosis exposed cattle may be moved interstate directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are:

(i) Individually identified by an official eartag or a United States Department of Agriculture backtag;

(ii) Accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit; and

(iii)(A) “S” branded before leaving the premises from which they are to be moved interstate; or

(B) “B” branded when a claim for indemnity is made under part 51 of this chapter; or

(C) Official adult vaccinates; or

(D) 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 or “S” brand permit.

(4) Brucellosis exposed cattle moving to slaughter from a farm of origin may be moved directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed cattle and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are:

(i) Individually identified by an official eartag or United States Department of Agriculture backtag;

(ii) Accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit; and

(iii)(A) “S” branded before leaving the premises from which they are to be moved interstate; or

(B) “B” branded when a claim for indemnity is made under part 51 of this chapter; or

(C) Official adult vaccinates; or

(D) 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.

(5) Brucellosis exposed cattle moving to slaughter from a farm of origin may be moved directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed cattle and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are:

(i) Individually identified by an official eartag or United States Department of Agriculture backtag;

(ii) Accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit; and

(iii)(A) “S” branded before leaving the premises from which they are to be moved interstate; or

(B) “B” branded when a claim for indemnity is made under part 51 of this chapter; or

(C) Official adult vaccinates; or

(D) 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 or “S” brand permit.

(b) Movement to quarantined feedlots. Brucellosis exposed cattle for which no claim for indemnity is being made by the owner under part 51 of this chapter may be moved interstate directly to a quarantined feedlot, or from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed cattle and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed cattle and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the cattle are:

(1) Individually identified by an official eartag or a United States Department of Agriculture backtag;

(2) Accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit; and

(3)(i) “S” branded before leaving the premises from which they are to be moved interstate; or

(ii) Official adult vaccinates; or

(iii) 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 or “S” brand permit.

(c) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Brucellosis exposed cattle for which no claim for indemnity is being made by the owner under part 51 of this chapter also may be moved interstate in accordance with § 78.10 and as follows:

(1) Such brucellosis exposed cattle from herds known to be affected other than female cattle which originate in Class B States or areas or Class C States or areas may be moved interstate if the cattle are:

(i) Under 6 months of age and weaned from brucellosis reactors or brucellosis exposed cows not less than 30 days immediately preceding interstate movement; or

(ii) Under 6 months of age and nursing brucellosis exposed cows in a herd subjected to a herd blood test within 10 days prior to interstate movement; or

(iii) Official vaccinates under 1 year of age from a herd following an approved individual herd plan.

(2) Cattle moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard in accordance with § 78.9(b)(3)(iii), 78.9(c)(3)(iii), or 78.9(d)(3) of this part and subsequently determined to be brucellosis exposed may be moved interstate directly back to the farm of origin under the following conditions:

(i) Prior to interstate movement, State representatives of the State in which the cattle are located and the State of destination advise APHIS that such movement would not be contrary to the laws and regulations of their respective States;

(ii) Prior to interstate movement, the State representative of the State of destination agrees to quarantine the cattle on arrival and to require that all test-eligible cattle on the farm of origin be subjected to an official test; and

(iii) The cattle are accompanied to the farm of origin by a permit.

Male cattle which are not test eligible and are from herds not known to be affected may be moved interstate without further restriction. Female cattle which are not test eligible and are from herds not known to be affected may be moved interstate only in accordance with § 78.10 of this part and this section. Test-eligible cattle which are not brucellosis exposed and are from herds not known to be affected may be moved interstate only in accordance with § 78.10 and as follows:

(a) Class Free States/areas. Test-eligible cattle which originate in Class Free States or areas, are not brucellosis exposed, and are from a herd not known to be affected may be moved interstate from Class Free States or areas only as specified below:

(1) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without restriction under this subpart.

(ii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if accompanied by a permit.

(iii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from other than a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are accompanied by a permit.

(2) Movement to quarantined feedlots. Such cattle may be moved interstate without restriction under this subpart directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot.

(3) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. Such cattle may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section only if:

(i) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard; or

(ii) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin or returned interstate to a farm of origin in the course of normal ranching operations, without change of ownership, directly to or from another premises owned, leased, or rented by the same individual; or

(iii) Such cattle are moved interstate accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, that the cattle originated in a Class Free State or area.

(b) Class A States/areas. Test-eligible cattle which originate in Class A States or areas, are not brucellosis exposed, and are from a herd not known to be affected may be moved interstate from Class A States or areas only as specified below:

(1) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or nonquarantined feedlot directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without restriction under this subpart.

(ii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility without restriction under this subpart.

(iii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin or nonquarantined feedlot may be moved interstate directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if identity to the Class A State or area is maintained by means of identification tag numbers appearing on sale records showing the consignor or by penning cattle from the farm or State or area apart from other animals.

(iv) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin may be moved interstate accompanied by a permit.

(A) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(B) Directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(2) Movement to quarantined feedlots. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the identity of the farm of origin of the cattle is maintained by means of identification tag numbers appearing on sale records showing the consignor or by penning cattle from the farm of origin apart from other animals.

(ii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin may be moved interstate directly to a quarantined feedlot or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot if identity to the Class A State or area is maintained by means of identification tag numbers appearing on sale records showing the consignor or by penning cattle from one farm or State or area apart from other animals.

(3) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. Such cattle may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section only if:

(i) Such cattle originate in a certified brucellosis-free herd and are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, that the cattle originated in a certified brucellosis-free herd; or

(ii) Such cattle are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(iii) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and are subjected to an official test upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard prior to losing their identity with the farm of origin; or

(iv) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin or returned interstate to a farm of origin in the course of normal ranching operations, without change of ownership, directly to or from another premises owned, leased, or rented by the same individual.

(c) Class B States/areas. Test-eligible cattle which originate in Class B States or areas, are not brucellosis exposed, and are from a herd not known to be affected may be moved interstate from Class B States or areas only under the conditions specified below:

(1) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without restriction under this subpart.

(ii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility without restriction under this subpart.

(iii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a nonquarantined feedlot directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if they are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit.

(iv) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then to a recognized slaughtering establishment if:

(A) They are negative to an official test conducted at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied to slaughter by a certificate or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd and identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained; or

(C) They are “S” branded at the specifically approved stockyard, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(D) They are moved from the specifically approved stockyard accompanied by an “S” brand permit and in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, a State representative, an accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(v) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if:

(A) They are negative to an official test conducted at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied by an “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd, identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained, and they are accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) They are “S” branded at the specifically approved stockyard, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to an approved intermediate handling facility; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(vi) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot may be moved interstate to a recognized slaughtering establishment only if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a certificate or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd and identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained; or

(C) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and moved in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, a State representative, an accredited veterinarian, or by an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(vii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot may be moved interstate to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment only if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd, identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained, and they are accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to an approved intermediate handling facility; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(2) Movement to quarantined feedlots. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to:

(A) A quarantined feedlot if such cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the quarantined feedlot; or

(B) A specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied to the quarantined feedlot by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) An approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the approved intermediate handling facility and are accompanied to the quarantined feedlot by an “S” brand permit; or

(D) A quarantined feedlot, a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot if the cattle are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(ii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin may be moved interstate to a quarantined feedlot if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such movement and are accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a quarantined feedlot; or

(C) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(3) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section. Such cattle may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section only if:

(i) Such cattle originate in a certified brucellosis-free herd and are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, that the cattle originated in a certified brucellosis-free herd; or

(ii) Such cattle are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to interstate movement, have been issued a permit for entry, and are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(iii) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and are subjected to an official test upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard prior to losing their identity with the farm of origin; or

(iv) Such cattle are moved interstate from a farm of origin or returned interstate to a farm of origin in the course of normal ranching operations, without change of ownership, directly to or from another premises owned, leased or rented by the same individual, and (A) The cattle being moved originate from a herd in which (1) All the cattle were negative to a herd blood test within 1 year prior to the interstate movement; (2) Any cattle added to the herd after such herd blood test were negative to an official test within 30 days prior to the date the cattle were added to the herd; (3) None of the cattle in the herd have come in contact with any other cattle; and (B) The cattle are accompanied interstate by a document which states the dates and results of the herd blood test and the name of the laboratory in which the official tests were conducted.

(v) The State animal health officials of the State of origin and State of destination may waive the requirements of paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this section in writing.

(d) Class C States/areas. All female cattle and test-eligible male cattle which originate in Class C States or areas, are not brucellosis exposed, and are from a herd not known to be affected may be moved interstate from Class C States or areas only under the conditions specified below:

(1) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without restriction under this subpart.

(ii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility without restriction under this subpart.

(iii) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a nonquarantined feedlot directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if they are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit.

(iv) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then to a recognized slaughtering establishment if:

(A) They are negative to an official test conducted at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied by a certificate or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd and identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained; or

(C) They are “S” branded at the specifically approved stockyard, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(D) They are moved from the specifically approved stockyard accompanied by an “S” brand permit and in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, a State representative, an accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(v) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if:

(A) They are negative to an official test conducted at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied by an “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd, identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained, and they are accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) They are “S” branded at the specifically approved stockyard, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to an approved intermediate handling facility; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(vi) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot may be moved interstate to a recognized slaughtering establishment only if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a certificate or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd and identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained; or

(C) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and moved in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, a State representative, an accredited veterinarian, or by an individual authorized for this purpose by the APHIS representative.

(vii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin or a nonquarantined feedlot may be moved interstate to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment only if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They originate from a certified brucellosis-free herd, identity to the certified brucellosis-free herd is maintained, and they are accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to an approved intermediate handling facility; or

(D) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(2) Movement to quarantined feedlots. (i) Such cattle may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to:

(A) A quarantined feedlot if such cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the quarantined feedlot; or

(B) A specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard and are accompanied to the quarantined feedlot by an “S” brand permit; or

(C) An approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, if the cattle are “S” branded upon arrival at the approved intermediate handling facility and are accompanied to the quarantined feedlot by an “S” brand permit; or

(D) A quarantined feedlot, a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot if the cattle are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(ii) Such cattle from other than a farm of origin may be moved interstate to a quarantined feedlot if:

(A) They are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such movement and are accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(B) They are “S” branded, accompanied by an “S” brand permit, and moved directly to a quarantined feedlot; or

(C) They are accompanied by an “S” brand permit and 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 “S” brand permit.

(3) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (d)(1) or (2) of this section. Such cattle may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraphs (d)(1) or (2) of this section only if such cattle originate in a certified brucellosis-free herd and are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1 of this part, that the cattle originated in a certified brucellosis-free herd.

(a) Female dairy cattle born after January 1, 1984, which are 4 months of age or over must be official vaccinates to move interstate into or out of a Class B State or area 4 unless they are moved interstate directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or quarantined feedlot, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment. Female cattle eligible for official calfhood vaccination and required by this paragraph to be officially vaccinated may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and be officially vaccinated upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard.

(b) Female cattle born after January 1, 1984, which are 4 months of age or over must be official vaccinates to move into a Class C State or area 4 unless they are moved interstate directly to a recognized slaughtering establishiment, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment. Female cattle eligible for official calfhood vaccination and required by this paragraph to be officially vaccinated may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and be officially vaccinated upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard.

(c) Female cattle born after January 1, 1984, which are 4 months of age or over must be official vaccinates to move interstate out of a Class C State or area 4 inder § 78.9(d)(3) of this part. Female cattle from a certified brucellosis-free herd that are eligible for official calfhood vaccination and required by this paragraph to be officially vaccinated may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and be officially vaccinated upon arrival at the specifically approved stockyard.

Cattle, except brucellosis reactors and brucellosis exposed cattle, which are moved interstate to a specifically approved stockyard but fail to comply with the requirements of this part for release from the specifically approved stockyard may be moved from the specifically approved stockyard only as follows:

(a) With the concurrence of the State animal health officials of the State of origin and State of destination, directly back to the farm of origin accompanied by a permit; or

(b) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are “S” branded and accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(c) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if such cattle are

(1) “S” branded and accompanied by an “S” brand permit; or

(2) Accompanied by an “S” brand permit and moved in vehicles closed with official seals applied and removed by an APHIS representative, State representative, an accredited veterinarian, or an individual authorized for this purpose by an APHIS representative.

(d) Directly to a quarantined feedlot if such cattle are “S” branded and accompanied by an “S” brand permit.

Not withstanding any provisions in the regulations to the contrary, cattle may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only in accordance with § 78.10 and this section.

(a) Steers and spayed heifers. Steers and spayed heifers may be moved interstate without restriction under this section.

(b) Brucellosis reactor cattle. Brucellosis reactor cattle may be moved interstate in accordance with § 78.7.

(c) Brucellosis exposed cattle. Brucellosis exposed cattle may be moved interstate in accordance with § 78.8(a) or (b).

(d) Movement from qualified herds. Cattle from qualified herds in any quarantined area may be moved interstate only as follows:

(1) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. (i) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if they are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a certificate or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(ii) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if they are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by an “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(iii) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment if they are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(iv) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate in accordance with § 78.8(a).

(2) Movement to quarantined feedlots. (i) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate from a farm of origin directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to a specifically approved stockyard and then directly to a quarantined feedlot, or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a quarantined feedlot if the cattle are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement and are accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1 of this part, the test dates and results of the official tests; or

(ii) Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved in accordance with § 78.8(b).

(3) Movement other than in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section. Cattle from qualified herds in a quarantined area may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section, either directly from a farm of origin or from a farm of origin through no more than one specifically approved stockyard if

(i) The cattle, except official vaccinates less than 1 year of age and cattle less than 6 months of age, are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such interstate movement; and

(ii) The cattle are accompanied interstate by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the test dates and results of the official tests when such tests are required.

(e) Movement from herds which are not qualified. Cattle from herds known to be affected or from herds which are not qualified in any quarantined area may be moved interstate only in accordance with § 78.8(a) or (b).5

The Administrator may, upon request in specific cases, permit the interstate movement of cattle not otherwise provided for in this subpart, under such conditions as the Administrator may prescribe in each case to prevent the spread of brucellosis. The Administrator shall promptly notify the State animal health officials of the States involved of any such action.

(a) A rodeo bull that is test-eligible and that is from a herd not known to be affected may be moved interstate if:

(1) The bull is classified as brucellosis negative based upon an official test conducted less than 365 days before the date of interstate movement: Provided, however, That the official test is not required for a bull that is moved only between Class Free States;

(2) The bull is identified with an official eartag or any other official identification device or method approved by the Administrator;

(3) There is no change of ownership since the date of the last official test;

(4) A certificate accompanies each interstate movement of the bull; and

(5) A permit for entry is issued for each interstate movement of the bull.

(b) A bull that would qualify as a rodeo bull, but that is used for breeding purposes during the 365 days following the date of being tested, may be moved interstate only if the bull meets the requirements for cattle in this subpart.

Bison may not be moved interstate except in compliance with this subpart.

Bison steers and spayed heifers may be moved interstate without restriction under this subpart.

(a) Destination. Brucellosis reactor bison may be moved interstate only for immediate slaughter as follows:

(1) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment;

(2) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(3) From a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis reactors and then

(i) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(ii) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(b) Identification. Brucellosis reactor bison must 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 metal tag bearing a serial number designated by the State animal health official for identifying brucellosis reactors, 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.

(c) Permit. Brucellosis reactor bison moving interstate shall be accompanied to destination by a permit.

(d) Marking of records. Each person moving brucellosis reactor bison interstate shall, in the course of interstate movement, plainly write or stamp the words “Brucellosis Reactor” upon the face of any document that person prepares in connection with such movement.

(e) Segregation en route. Brucellosis reactor bison shall not be moved interstate in any means of conveyance containing animals which are not brucellosis reactors unless all of the animals are for immediate slaughter or unless the brucellosis reactor bison are kept separate from the other animals by a partition securely affixed to the sides of the means of conveyance.

Brucellosis exposed bison may be moved interstate only as follows:

(a) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. Brucellosis exposed bison may be moved interstate for slaughter accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit and as follows:

(1) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(2) From a farm of origin directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed bison and then

(i) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(ii) Directly to an approved intermediate handling facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(b) Movement to quarantined feedlots. Brucellosis exposed bison may be moved directly to a quarantined feedlot or, from a farm of origin, directly to a specifically approved stockyard approved to receive brucellosis exposed bison and then directly to a quarantined feedlot. Such bison shall be accompanied by a permit or “S” brand permit.

(c) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. Brucellosis exposed bison which are from herds known to be affected, but which are not part of a herd being depopulated under Part 51 of this chapter, may move without restriction if the bison:

(1) Are under 6 months of age and were weaned from brucellosis reactor or brucellosis exposed bison not less than 30 days immediately preceding interstate movement; or

(2) Are under 6 months of age and nursing brucellosis exposed bison in a herd subjected to a herd blood test within 10 days prior to interstate movement; or

(3) Are official vaccinates under 1 year of age from a herd following an approved individual herd plan.

Bison from herds not known to be affected may be moved interstate only as follows:

(a) Movement to recognized slaughtering establishments. Bison from herds not known to be affected may be moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment without restriction under this subpart.

(b) Movement to quarantined feedlots. Bison from herds not known to be affected may be moved directly to a quarantined feedlot without restriction under this subpart.

(c) Movement from public zoo to public zoo. Bison from herds not known to be affected may be moved from a zoo owned by a governmental agency to another such zoo if handled in accordance with § 78.3.

(d) Movement other than in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section. Bison from herds not known to be affected may be moved interstate other than in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section only as follows:

(1) Such bison under 6 months of age may be moved interstate when accompanied by a certificate.

(2) Such bison which are official vaccinates under 2 years of age and are not parturient or postparturient may be moved interstate when accompanied by a certificate.

(3) Such bison may be moved interstate if they are negative to an official test within 30 days prior to such movement and are accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the dates and results of the official tests.

(4) Such bison may be moved interstate if they originate in a certified brucellosis-free herd and are accompanied by a certificate which states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, that the bison originated in a certified brucellosis-free herd.

The Administrator may, upon request in specific cases, permit the interstate movement of bison not otherwise provided for in this subpart, under such conditions as the Administrator may prescribe in each case to prevent the spread of brucellosis. The Administrator shall promptly notify the State animal health officials of the States involved of any such action.

(a) Brucellosis reactor swine, brucellosis exposed swine, feral swine, sows, and boars may not be moved interstate or in interstate commerce except in compliance with this subpart.

(b) Each person who causes the movement of swine in interstate commerce is responsible for the identification of the swine as required by this subpart. No such person shall remove or tamper with or cause the removal of or tampering with an identification tattoo or approved swine identification tag required in this subpart except at the time of slaughter, or as may be authorized by the Administrator upon request in specific cases and under such conditions as the Administrator may impose to ensure continuing identification.

(c)(1) Feral swine may be moved interstate directly to slaughter if they do not come into physical contact with any domestic swine or other livestock.

(2) Feral swine from monitored-negative populations may be moved interstate other than directly to slaughter if accompanied by a permit issued by the APHIS representative or the State animal health official in the State of origin.

(3) Feral swine found negative to an official test within the 30 days prior to the interstate movement may be moved interstate other than directly to slaughter if accompanied by a permit issued by the APHIS representative or the State animal health official in the State of origin.

(a) Destination. Brucellosis reactor swine may be moved interstate only for immediate slaughter as follows:

(1) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(2) Directly to a stockyard posted under the Packers and Stockyards Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), or directly to a market agency or dealer registered under the Packers and Stockyards Act, for sale to a recognized slaughtering eatablishment in accordance with the following requirements:

(b) Identification. Brucellosis reactor swine shall be individually identified by attaching to the left ear a metal tag bearing a serial number and the inscription, “U.S. Reactor,” or a metal tag bearing a serial number designated by the State animal health official for identifying brucellosis reactors.

(c) Permit. Brucellosis reactor swine shall be accompanied to destination by a permit.

(d) Marking of records. Each person moving brucellosis reactor swine interstate shall, in the course of interstate movement, plainly write or stamp the words “Brucellosis Reactor” upon the face of any document that person prepares in connection with such movement.

(e) Segregation en route. Brucellosis reactor swine shall not be moved interstate in any means of conveyance containing animals which are not brucellosis reactors unless all of the animals in the shipment are for immediate slaughter, or unless the brucellosis reactor swine are kept separate from other animals by a partition securely affixed to the sides of the means of conveyance.

(a) Brucellosis exposed swine may be moved interstate only if accompanied by a permit and only for immediate slaughter as follows:

(1) Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(2) Directly to a stockyard posted under the Packers and Stockyards Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), or directly to a market agency or dealer registered under the Packers and Stockyards Act, for sale to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

(b) Brucellosis exposed swine from a herd known to be affected with brucellosis may be moved interstate from the herd known to be affected only if such swine are individually identified by attaching to the left ear a metal tag bearing a serial number and the inscription, “U.S. Reactor,” or a metal tag bearing a serial number designated by the State animal health official for identifying brucellosis reactors.

(a) Sows and boars may be moved in interstate commerce for slaughter or for sale for slaughter if they are identified in accordance with § 71.19 of this chapter either:

(1) Before being moved in interstate commerce and before being mixed with swine from any other source; or

(2) After being moved in interstate commerce but before being mixed with swine from any other source only if they have been moved directly from their herd of origin to:

(i) A recognized slaughtering establishment; or

(ii) A stockyard, market agency, or dealer operating under the Packers and Stockyards Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).

(b) Sows and boars may be moved in interstate commerce for breeding only if they are identified in accordance with § 71.19 of this chapter before being moved in interstate commerce and before being mixed with swine from any other source, and the sows and boars either:

(1) Are from a validated brucellosis-free herd or a validated brucellosis-free State and are accompanied by a certificate that states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, that the swine originated in a validated brucellosis-free herd or a validated brucellosis-free State; or

(2) Have tested negative to an official test conducted within 30 days prior to interstate movement and are accompanied by a certificate that states, in addition to the items specified in § 78.1, the dates and results of the official tests.

(c) Sows and boars may be moved in interstate commerce for purposes other than slaughter or breeding without restriction under this subpart if they are identified in accordance with § 71.19 of this chapter.

The Administrator may, upon request in specific cases, permit the movement in interstate commerce of swine not otherwise provided for in this subpart under such conditions as the Administrator may prescribe in each case to prevent the spread of brucellosis. The Administrator shall promptly notify the State animal health officials of the States involved of any such action.

The Administrator may amend §§ 78.41 and 78.42 to reclassify States and areas as Class Free, Class A, Class B, Class C, or quarantined when the Administrator determines that the States or areas meet the appropriate definitions in § 78.1. The Administrator may approve the division of a State into two brucellosis classification areas upon finding that: (a) The State has legislative and regulatory authority for maintaining separate areas; (b) The State has committed resources to enforcing the different requirements in each area; (c) The State has an effective method for monitoring and controlling movement of cattle across the intrastate boundary; (d) The State has defined the intrastate boundary by county lines or by recognizable geographic features, such as rivers and highways; and (e) Each area of the State meets the standards for the brucellosis classification requested. The Administrator may amend § 78.43 to reclassify States as validated brucellosis-free States or remove such status when the Administrator determines that such States meet or do not meet the standards of a validated brucellosis-free State as defined in § 78.1. In the case of any reclassification to a lower class, reclassification as a quarantined State or area, or removal of validated brucellosis-free status, the State animal health official of the State involved will be notified of such reclassification or removal, and will be given an opportunity to present objections and arguments to the Administrator prior to the reclassification or removal taking place.

(a) Class Free. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

(b) Class A. Texas.

(c) Class B. None.

None.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

As used in connection with this subpart, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth in this section.

Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or any individual 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.

Bird. Any member of the class aves other than poultry.

Dressed carcasses. Carcasses of birds or poultry that have been eviscerated, with heads and feet removed.

END. Any velogenic Newcastle disease. END is an acute, rapidly spreading, and usually fatal viral disease of birds and poultry.

Exposed. At risk of developing END because of association with birds or poultry infected with END, excrement from birds or poultry infected with END, or other material touched by birds or poultry infected with END, or because there is reason to believe that association has occurred with END or vectors of END, as determined by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian.

Federal representative. An individual employed and authorized by the Federal government to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Federal veterinarian. A veterinarian employed and authorized by the Federal government to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Hatching eggs. Eggs in which birds or poultry are allowed to develop.

Infected. Affected by the virus or bacterium that causes the specified disease.

Interstate. From one State into or through any other State.

Known to be exposed. Determined by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian to be at risk of developing END because of association with birds or poultry infected with END, excrement from birds or poultry infected with END, or other material touched by birds or poultry infected with END, or because there is reason to believe that association has occurred with END or vectors of END, as determined by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian.

Known to be infected. Determined by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian to be affected by the virus or bacterium that causes the specified disease.

Litter. Material that is used to collect and absorb bodily wastes from birds or poultry.

Moved. Shipped, transported or otherwise moved, or delivered or received for movement, by any person.

Official seal. A serially numbered metal or plastic strip, consisting of a self-locking device on one end and a slot on the other end, that forms a loop when the ends are engaged and that cannot be reused if opened, or a serially numbered, self-locking button that can be used for this purpose.

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

Pet bird. Any bird that is kept for personal pleasure and is not for sale.

Poultry. Chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and turkeys.

Recognized slaughtering establishment. Any slaughtering facility operating under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), or State meat or poultry inspection acts.

Render. Reduce, convert, or melt down by heating to a temperature of at least 230 °F so that oil is removed.

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

State animal health official. The State official responsible for livestock- and poultry-disease control and eradication programs.

State representative. An individual employed in animal health work and authorized by a State or political subdivision of a State to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

State veterinarian. A veterinarian employed and authorized by a State or political subdivision of a State to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Veterinarian in charge. A Federal veterinarian employed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and authorized by the Administrator to supervise and manage the animal health work of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in a specified area of the United States.

(a) The determination that birds or poultry are infected with END must be made by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian.1 They will base that determination on one or more of the following factors: clinical evidence (signs, post-mortem lesions, and history of the occurrence of END); diagnostic tests; 2 or epidemiological evidence (evaluation of clinical evidence and the degree of risk posed by the potential spread of END based on population and exposure factors, including evaluation of whether the birds and poultry have had the opportunity to be in contact with birds or poultry infected with END or with excrement from birds or poultry infected with END, or if the birds and poultry have shared feed or water with birds or poultry infected with END).

(b) The determination that birds or poultry are exposed to END must be made by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian. They will base that determination on an evaluation of all related circumstances, including: the proximity of the birds or poultry to birds or poultry infected with END, to excrement from birds or poultry infected with END, and to other material touched by birds or poultry infected with END; the number of birds or poultry infected with END to which the birds or poultry were exposed; the species involved; the virulence of the END to which the birds or poultry were exposed; and the length of time the birds or poultry were in contact with birds or poultry infected with END, and to material touched by birds or poultry infected with END. Birds or poultry determined to be exposed to END will continue to be treated as exposed unless they are subsequently determined to be infected with END or until either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian finds them to be free of END based on one or more of the factors listed in paragraph (a) of this section.

(a) Any area where birds or poultry infected with END are located will be designated as a quarantined area. A quarantined area is any geographical area, which may be a premises or all or part of a State, deemed by epidemiological evaluation to be sufficient to contain all birds or poultry known to be infected with or exposed to END. Less than an entire State will be designated as a quarantined area only if the State enforces restrictions on intrastate movements from the quarantined area that are at least as stringent as this subpart.

(b) Any area designated as a quarantined area because of END will remain designated as a quarantined area until all of the requirements of § 82.14 have been met.

(c) The following areas are quarantined because of END: There are no areas in the United States quarantined because of END.

(a) Prohibitions. The following articles may not be moved interstate from a quarantined area:

(1) Dead birds and dead poultry, including any parts of the birds or poultry, that are infected with END, or are from a flock of birds or poultry infected with END;

(2) Litter used by or manure generated by birds or poultry, or a flock of birds or poultry, infected with END;

(3) Any eggs from birds or poultry, or a flock of birds or poultry, infected with END;

(4) Hatching eggs from flocks of birds or poultry exposed to END; and

(5) Live birds or live poultry from flocks infected with or exposed to END.

(b) Restrictions. The following articles may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only in accordance with this subpart:

(1) Live birds or live poultry not known to be infected with or exposed to END;

(2) Dressed carcasses of birds and poultry, and other dead birds and dead poultry, including any parts of the birds or poultry, that are not known to be infected with END;

(3) Litter used by or manure generated by birds or poultry not known to be infected with END;

(4) Eggs, other than hatching eggs, from birds or poultry from flocks not known to be infected with END;

(5) Hatching eggs from birds or poultry not known to be infected with or exposed to END; and

(6) Cages, coops, containers, troughs, vehicles, or other equipment used for birds, poultry, eggs, manure, or litter.

(c) Exceptions. This subpart does not apply to the interstate movement of birds, poultry, or other articles from a quarantined area if the interstate movement is made by the United States Department of Agriculture for purposes of research or diagnosis.

(a) Pet birds. An individual may move his or her pet birds interstate from a quarantined area if the birds are not known to be infected with or exposed to END and:

(1) The birds are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(2) Epidemiological evidence, as described in § 82.2(a), indicates that the birds are not infected with any communicable disease;

(3) The birds show no clinical signs of sickness (such as diarrhea, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, ruffled feathers, or lack of appetite) during the 90 days before interstate movement;

(4) The birds have been maintained apart from other birds and poultry in the quarantined area during the 90 days before interstate movement;

(5) The birds have been under the ownership and control of the individual to whom the permit is issued for the 90 days before interstate movement;

(6) The birds are moved interstate by the individual to whom the permit is issued;

(7) The birds are caged while being moved interstate;

(8) The individual to whom the permit is issued maintains ownership and control of the birds and maintains them apart from other birds and poultry from the time they arrive at the place to which the individual is taking them until a Federal representative or State representative 3 examines the birds and determines that the birds show no clinical signs of END. The examination will not be less than 30 days after the interstate movement;

(9) The individual to whom the permit is issued allows Federal representatives and State representatives to examine the birds at any time until they are declared free of END by either a Federal veterinarian or a State veterinarian;

(10) Within 24 hours of a bird's dying or showing clinical signs of sickness (such as diarrhea, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, ruffled feathers, or lack of appetite), the individual to whom the permit is issued notifies the veterinarian in charge or the State animal health official 4 in the State to which the birds are moved; and

(11) The individual to whom the permit is issued submits copies of the permit so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the birds at the destination listed on the permit.

(b) Other birds and poultry. Except as provided for pet birds in paragraph (a) of this section, a person may move live birds and live poultry that are not known to be infected with or exposed to END interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(1) The birds and poultry are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(2) The birds or poultry are covered in such a way as to prevent feathers and other debris from blowing or falling off the means of conveyance;

(3) The birds or poultry are moved in a means of conveyance either under official seal or are accompanied by a Federal representative;

(4) Except for emergencies, the birds or poultry are not unloaded until their arrival at the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section;

(5) If poultry, the poultry are moved interstate to a recognized slaughtering establishment 5 and are slaughtered within 24 hours of arrival at the recognized slaughtering establishment;

(6) If birds other than poultry, the birds are moved to a site approved by the Administrator; and

(7) The permit required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section is presented upon arrival at the recognized slaughtering establishment or approved site to a State representative or Federal representative. Copies of the permit must also be submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of arrival at the recognized slaughtering establishment.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section for dressed carcasses, dead birds and dead poultry, including any parts of the birds and poultry, that are not known to be infected with END may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(1) The dead birds and dead poultry are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(2) The dead birds and dead poultry are covered in such a way as to prevent feathers and other debris from blowing or falling off the means of conveyance;

(3) The dead birds and dead poultry are moved in a means of conveyance either under official seal or accompanied by a Federal representative;

(4) The dead birds and dead poultry are not unloaded until their arrival at the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section;

(5) The dead birds and dead poultry are moved, without stopping, to the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, except for normal traffic conditions, such as traffic lights and stop signs;

(6) The dead birds and dead poultry are disposed of, within 24 hours after being loaded for interstate movement, by burial or composting in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 82.14(c)(1) and (c)(2), or by rendering, incineration, or other means approved by the Administrator as being adequate to prevent the dissemination of END; and

(7) Copies of the permit accompanying the dead birds and dead poultry interstate are submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the dead birds and dead poultry at the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Dressed carcasses from birds and poultry that are not known to be infected with END may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(1) The dressed carcasses are from birds or poultry that were slaughtered in a recognized slaughtering establishment; 6

(2) The dressed carcasses are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(3) The dressed carcasses are moved in a means of conveyance either under official seal or accompanied by a Federal representative;

(4) The dressed carcasses are not unloaded until their arrival at the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section;

(5) The dressed carcasses are moved, without stopping, to the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, except for normal traffic conditions, such as traffic lights and stop signs; and

(6) Copies of the permit accompanying the dressed carcasses interstate are submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the dressed carcasses at the destination listed on the permit required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

Manure generated by and litter used by birds or poultry not known to be infected with END may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(a) The manure and litter is accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(b) The manure and litter has been heated throughout, in the quarantined area, to a temperature of not less than 175 °F (79.4 °C), and then placed either in a previously unused container or in a container that has been cleaned and disinfected, since last being used, in accordance with part 71 of this chapter;

(c) The declaration or affidavit required by § 82.11(b) lists the location of the poultry or birds that generated the manure or used the litter, and the name and address of the owner of the poultry or birds that generated the manure or used the litter; and

(d) Copies of the permit accompanying the manure and litter interstate are submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the manure and litter at the destination listed on the permit.

(a) Eggs, other than hatching eggs, from birds or poultry from flocks not known to be infected with END may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(1) The eggs are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(2) The eggs have been cleaned and sanitized in accordance with 7 CFR part 59;

(3) The eggs are packed either in previously unused flats or cases or in used plastic flats or cases that were cleaned and disinfected, since last being used, in accordance with part 71 of this chapter;

(4) The eggs are moved to a facility where they are examined to ensure they have been cleaned and sanitized in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and

(5) Copies of the permit accompanying the eggs interstate are submitted so that a copy is received by both the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the eggs at the facility.

(b) Any flats or cases intended for reuse after being used to move eggs interstate to a facility under this section must be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with part 71 of this chapter before being moved to a premises where birds or poultry are kept.

Hatching eggs from birds or poultry not known to be infected with or exposed to END may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only if:

(a) The hatching eggs are accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11;

(b) Copies of the permit accompanying the hatching eggs are submitted so that a copy is received by both the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the hatching eggs at the premises described in paragraph (c) of this section; and

(c) The hatching eggs are held in the State of destination at a premises designated jointly by the veterinarian in charge and the State animal health official from the time of arrival until hatch and the birds and poultry hatched from the eggs are held at the designated premises for not less than 30 days following hatch. During this holding period, the eggs and any birds or poultry hatched from the eggs are subject to any inspections, disinfections, and tests as may be required by the Administrator to determine their freedom from END.

(a) This section does not apply to cages, coops, or other containers or equipment used by or to move pet birds moved interstate in accordance with § 82.5(a).

(b) Vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment that have held or that have otherwise been used in a quarantined area in the handling of birds or poultry or their eggs, or for manure generated by or litter used by the birds or poultry, may be moved interstate from a quarantined area only in accordance with the following conditions:

(1) They are made of hard plastic or metal, and the other conditions of this section are met; or

(2) They are made of a disposable material, such as cardboard, fiber, or waxed cardboard, are previously unused, and are disposed of by incineration without being reused after being moved interstate.

(c) Before moving interstate any vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, or other equipment described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and after using these items to move birds, poultry, eggs, manure, or litter interstate from a quarantined area, the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment must be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this section:

(1) Clean and disinfect the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment at the place where the birds, poultry, eggs, manure, and litter are unloaded or where the equipment is used, no more than 2 hours after the birds, poultry, eggs, manure, and litter are unloaded or the equipment is used;

(2) Clean the items in accordance with part 71 of this chapter;

(3) Have a Federal representative or State representative 7 inspect the items after they have been cleaned;

(4) Disinfect the items in the presence of a Federal representative or State representative; and

(5) Disinfect the items in accordance with part 71 of this chapter and by using a disinfectant as specified in part 71 of this chapter.

(d) If the place where the cleaning and disinfection would otherwise be required has no facilities for cleaning and disinfecting, the items may be moved to a place where facilities are available for cleaning and disinfecting, provided a Federal representative or State representative has determined that such movement will not cause a risk of the spread of END.

(e) Vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment that are moved interstate under this section must be accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.11, and copies of the permit accompanying the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment interstate must be submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge 8 for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment at the destination listed on the permit.

(a) Application for the permits required by this subpart to move interstate from a quarantined area birds, eggs, poultry, or other items requiring a permit under this part must be in writing. The application must be submitted to a Federal representative or State representative and must include the following:

(1) The applicant's name and mailing address;

(2) The name and mailing address of the person who will receive the birds, eggs, poultry, or other items;

(3) The addresses of both the origin and destination of the birds, eggs, poultry, or other items;

(4) The number and types of birds, poultry, eggs, and other items intended for interstate movement; and

(5) The reason for the interstate movement.

(b) In addition to the information required by paragraph (a) of this section, to obtain permits to move birds, poultry, eggs, manure, litter, cages, coops, containers, troughs, vehicles or other equipment interstate from a quarantined area, an applicant for a permit must submit to a Federal representative or State representative a declaration or affidavit listing the requirements of § 82.5 for live birds or live poultry, § 82.6 for dead birds and dead poultry, § 82.7 for litter or manure, § 82.8 for eggs other than hatching eggs, § 82.9 for hatching eggs, or § 82.10 for cages, coops, containers, troughs, vehicles, and other equipment, and stating that the applicant will move the items interstate only if all of the listed requirements are met.

(a) A special permit is required for the interstate movement of birds, poultry, or other items whose movement is restricted under this subpart, from a quarantined area in a manner or to a destination other than is specifically prescribed by this subpart, under special conditions determined by the Administrator to be necessary to prevent the dissemination of END. A special permit is required for the disposal of dead birds or dead poultry that are infected with END, or dead birds or dead poultry from flocks infected with END, or manure generated by or eggs from birds or poultry infected with END, in a manner other than is specifically prescribed in this subpart, and for cleaning and disinfection carried out in a manner other than is specifically prescribed in this subpart, under special conditions determined by the Administrator to be necessary to prevent the dissemination of END. To apply for a special permit, contact the veterinarian in charge 9 for the State in which the birds, poultry, or other items are located. The Administrator may, at his or her discretion, issue special permits if he or she determines that the activity authorized will not result in the interstate dissemination of END.

(b) The special permit will list the name and address of the person to whom the special permit is issued, and the special conditions under which the interstate movement, disposal, or cleaning and disinfection may be carried out.

(1) For an interstate movement, the special permit will also include the following:

(i) The name and mailing address of the person who will receive the birds, poultry, or other items;

(ii) The addresses of both the origin and destination of the birds, poultry, or other items;

(iii) The number and type of birds, poultry, or other items to be moved interstate; and

(iv) The reason for the interstate movement.

(2) For destruction or cleaning and disinfection, the special permit will also include the following:

(i) The address of the place where the dead birds, dead poultry, manure, or eggs are located; and

(ii) The number and type of birds, poultry, or other items involved.

(c) For an interstate movement, a copy of the special permit must accompany the items moved, and copies must be submitted so that a copy is received by the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the birds, poultry, or other items at the destination listed on the special permit.

(a) Denial. If the Administrator determines that the applicant for a permit or special permit is not complying with or could not comply with this subpart or any special conditions needed to prevent the dissemination of END, or, in the case of a special permit, that the special permit is not required under this subpart, the Administrator may deny the request for a permit or special permit. If the request is denied, the Administrator will send the applicant a written notice explaining why the permit or special permit was denied.

(b) Withdrawal. The Administrator may withdraw a permit or special permit, orally or in writing, if he or she determines the person to whom the permit or special permit has been issued is violating either this subpart or some condition specified in the permit or special permit. The Administrator may withdraw the permit or special permit without advance notice if he or she determines that the person to whom the permit or special permit has been issued is violating either this subpart or some condition specified in the permit or special permit in a way that threatens the public health, interest, or safety. The Administrator will send the person to whom the permit or special permit has been issued a written explanation of why the permit or special permit is to be or was withdrawn.

(c) Appeals. Denial or withdrawal of a permit or special permit may be appealed to the Administrator within 10 days after receipt of the written notice of denial or withdrawal. The appeal must be in writing 10 and must state all of the facts and reasons upon which the person relies to show that the permit or special permit was wrongfully denied or withdrawn. The Administrator will grant or deny the appeal, in writing, explaining all of the reasons for the decision, as promptly as circumstances allow. In cases where there is a conflict as to any material fact, the person denied a permit or special permit, or from whom a permit or special permit is withdrawn, shall be given an opportunity for a hearing with respect to the merits of the validity of the denial or withdrawal in accordance with rules of practice adopted for the proceeding.

An area will be removed from quarantine only when all of the following requirements have been met:

(a) All birds and poultry exposed to END in the quarantined area have been found to be free of END;

(b) All birds and poultry infected with END in the quarantined area have been euthanized;

(c) All birds and poultry, including any parts of the birds and poultry, euthanized in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, and all birds and poultry in the quarantined area, including any parts of the birds and poultry, that died from any cause other than slaughter, have been buried, reduced to ashes by incineration, rendered, or reduced to dust by composting:

(1) If the birds and poultry are buried, all birds and poultry infected with END must be buried in the quarantined area. The birds and poultry must be buried in a location that meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency, State, and local requirements for landfills. They must be buried at least 6 feet deep and be covered at the time of burial with soil; and

(2) If the birds and poultry are composted, all birds and poultry infected with END must be composted in the quarantined area. The birds and poultry must be composted according to the following instructions:

(i) Place a 1-foot layer of litter and manure in a free-standing composter bin, unless the compost pile will be covered in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section. Add a 6-inch layer of straw, peanut hulls, or wood chips. Add a layer of dead birds or dead poultry, leaving 6 inches between the carcasses and the bin walls. Add water sparingly and cover with 6 inches of a dry mixture of litter and manure. Repeat the layering process two more times and cap with a double layer of dry manure cake. After the bin is capped off and covered, monitor the temperature in the compost pile daily, using a 36-inch probe-type thermometer. The temperature of the compost pile must reach at least 140 °F. After 30 days from the date the compost pile is created, turn over to aerate the entire mixture. Allow mixture to reach at least 140 °F once again. After completion of the second cycle, the mixture must remain covered with any material that prevents penetration of air and moisture until spread or otherwise utilized. The composted material may not be spread or otherwise utilized until at least 30 days following completion of the second heating cycle.

(ii) Composting of birds and poultry may be accomplished outside of covered bins by following the layering and temperature requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, then covering the compost pile with tarpaulins or 6-mm polyethylene sheets anchored with tires or straw bales. The mixture must be kept moist. The final product may not be spread or otherwise utilized until at least 30 days following completion of the second heating cycle.

(iii) Composting of birds and poultry must be carried out at least 50 yards from any building or pen where poultry and birds are housed and be inaccessible to birds and poultry. Composted material may not be commingled with, or otherwise be brought into contact with, non-composted manure cake;

(d) All eggs produced by birds or poultry infected with or exposed to END in the quarantined area have been buried, reduced to ashes by incineration, or rendered. If the eggs are buried, the eggs must be buried in the quarantined area in a location that meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements and all State and local requirements for landfills. The eggs must be buried at least 6 feet deep and be covered at the time of burial with soil;

(e) All manure generated by or litter used by birds or poultry infected with or exposed to END in the quarantined area has been reduced to ashes by incineration, or has been buried, composted, or spread on a field and turned under, as follows:

(1) Burial. If the manure or litter is buried, the manure and litter must be buried at least 6 feet deep and covered at the time of burial with soil. The manure and litter must be buried in the quarantined area in a location that meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency and State and local requirements for landfills;

(2) Composting. If the manure and litter is composted, the manure and litter must be composted in the quarantined area according to the following method: Place the manure and litter in rows 3 to 5 feet high and 5 to 10 feet at the base. The area where the manure, litter, and other material used in composting are placed must be such that there is no runoff from the composted material out of the area, no saturation into the ground, and no moisture, except for that required by this paragraph, onto the composted material from above. The composting area must be at least 50 yards from any building or pen where birds or poultry are housed and be inaccessible to birds and poultry. The manure and litter must be mixed so as to attain a carbon to nitrogen ratio of approximately 30:1, a moisture content of between 40 to 50 percent, and a supply of oxygen to the composted material. If a carbon source other than manure or litter is needed, wood chips, straw, or peanut hulls may be used. The manure and litter must be covered with tarpaulin or 6-mm polyethylene sheets, be anchored with tires or straw bales, and be mixed to ensure adequate ventilation every 10 to 15 days. The composted material must rise to a temperature of 140 °F, as determined by use of a 36-inch probe-type thermometer. The composted material may not be spread or otherwise utilized for at least 30 days from the time the 140 °F temperature is reached; and

(3) Spreading and turning under. Spreading and turning under of manure or litter may be used as a means of disposal only if carried out under the direct supervision of a Federal representative or a State representative. If the manure or litter is spread on a field and turned under, the field must be in the quarantined area, at least 50 yards away from any building or pen where poultry or birds are housed, and inaccessible to birds and poultry. The manure or litter must be turned under within 24 hours of being spread on the field, and the field must be left undisturbed for at least 30 days;

(f) All vehicles with which the birds or poultry infected with or exposed to END or their excrement or litter have had physical contact have been cleaned and disinfected in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. The vehicles have been inspected after cleaning, and before disinfection, by a Federal representative or State representative, and then have been disinfected in the presence of a Federal representative or State representative with a disinfectant listed in part 71 of this chapter;

(g) All cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment used for birds or poultry infected with or exposed to END, or their excrement or litter have been reduced to ashes by incineration, or have been cleaned and disinfected in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. The items must be inspected after cleaning, and before disinfection, by a Federal representative or State representative, and then must be disinfected in the presence of a Federal representative or State representative, with a disinfectant listed in part 71 of this chapter; and

(h) The premises where birds or poultry infected with or exposed to END were located have been cleaned and disinfected in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. The premises have been inspected after cleaning, and before disinfection, by a Federal representative or State representative, and then have been disinfected in the presence of a Federal representative or State representative with a disinfectant listed in part 71 of this chapter.

Birds and poultry that have been destroyed because of a quarantine for END may not be replaced by birds or poultry moved interstate into the quarantined area until the Administrator decides that END has been eradicated and that replacement birds or poultry will not become infected with END.

When, in accordance with sec. 10407 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8306), the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an extraordinary emergency exists because of END, the regulations in this subpart regarding interstate movement shall be applicable to intrastate movement within any State or portion of a State subject to the Secretary's declaration of extraordinary emergency until such time as the Secretary terminates that declaration.

As used in connection with this subpart, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth in this section.

Accredited veterinarian. A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with part 161 of this chapter to perform functions specified in subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter.

Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or any individual 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.

Bird. Any member of the class aves other than poultry.

Chlamydiosis. A contagious bacterial disease of birds and poultry, characterized by respiratory and systemic infection. The disease is also known as psittacosis in psittacine birds and as ornithosis in poultry.

Federal representative. An individual employed and authorized by the Federal government to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Federal veterinarian. A veterinarian employed and authorized by the Federal government to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Infected. Affected by the virus or bacterium that causes the specified disease.

Interstate. From one State into or through any other State.

Moved. Shipped, transported or otherwise moved, or delivered or received for movement, by any person.

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

Poultry. Chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and turkeys.

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

State animal health official. The State official responsible for livestock- and poultry-disease control and eradication programs.

State representative. An individual employed in animal health work and authorized by a State or political subdivision of a State to perform the tasks required by this subpart.

Veterinarian in charge. A Federal veterinarian employed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and authorized by the Administrator to supervise and manage the animal health work of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in a specified area of the United States.

The following items may not be moved interstate:

(a) Live poultry infected with chlamydiosis;

(b) Dead poultry that were infected with chlamydiosis when they died, and parts of dead poultry that were infected with chlamydiosis when they died; and

(c) Offal from poultry infected with chlamydiosis.

(a) Before moving vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment interstate that have held or have otherwise been used in the handling of poultry infected with chlamydiosis, and after using these items to move poultry infected with chlamydiosis interstate, the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment must be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section:

(1) Clean and disinfect the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment at the place where the poultry are unloaded or where the equipment is used, no more than 2 hours after the poultry infected with chlamydiosis are unloaded or the equipment is used;

(2) Clean the items in accordance with part 71 of this chapter;

(3) Have a Federal representative, State representative,1 or an accredited veterinarian, inspect the items after they have been cleaned;

(4) Disinfect the items in the presence of a Federal representative, State representative, or an accredited veterinarian; and

(5) Disinfect the items in accordance with part 71 of this chapter and by using a disinfectant as specified in part 71 of this chapter.

(b) If the place where the cleaning and disinfection would otherwise be required has no facilities for cleaning and disinfecting, the items may be moved to a place where facilities are available for cleaning and disinfecting, provided a Federal representative or State representative has determined that such movement will not cause a risk of the spread of chlamydiosis.

(c) Vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment moved interstate under this section must be accompanied by a permit obtained in accordance with § 82.23, and copies of the permit accompanying the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment interstate must be submitted so that a copy is received by both the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge 2 for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment at the destination listed on the permit.

(a) Application for the permit required by this subpart to move vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, or other equipment interstate must be in writing, and must be submitted to a Federal representative or State representative. The application must include the following:

(1) The applicant's name and mailing address;

(2) The name and mailing address of the person who will receive the items;

(3) The addresses of both the origin and destination of the items;

(4) The number and types of items intended for interstate movement; and

(5) The reason for the interstate movement.

(b) Exceptions. This subpart does not apply to the interstate movement of poultry, vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, or other equipment or material if the interstate movement is made by the United States Department of Agriculture for the purposes of research or diagnosis.

(a) A special permit is required for the interstate movement of items whose movement interstate is restricted under this subpart in a manner or to a destination other than is specifically prescribed by this subpart. A special permit is required for the disinfection of vehicles, premises, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment by a method other than is specifically prescribed by this subpart. To apply for a special permit, contact the veterinarian in charge for the State in which the items are located. The Administrator may, at his or her discretion, issue special permits if he or she determines the activity authorized will not increase the risk of spreading chlamydiosis interstate.

(b) The special permit will list the name and address of the person to whom the special permit is issued, and the special conditions under which the interstate movement, or cleaning and disinfection, may be carried out.

(1) For an interstate movement, the special permit will also include the following:

(i) The name and mailing address of the person who will receive the items;

(ii) The addresses of both the origin and destination of the items;

(iii) The number and type of items to be moved interstate; and

(iv) The reason for the interstate movement.

(2) For cleaning and disinfection, the special permit will also include the following:

(i) The address of the place where the items are located; and

(ii) The number and type of items involved.

(c) For an interstate movement, a copy of the special permit must accompany the items moved, and copies must be submitted so that a copy is received by both the State animal health official and the veterinarian in charge for the State of destination within 72 hours of the arrival of the items at the destination listed on the special permit.