[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 1694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-623]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

[Docket No. 04-001-1]


Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Bovine 
Spongiform Encephalopathy

    Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been detected in the 
United States. BSE is a progressive neurological disorder of ruminants 
that results from infection by an unconventional transmissible agent. 
It appears that BSE is primarily spread through the use of ruminant 
feed containing protein and other products from ruminants infected with 
BSE. The disease was detected in the State of Washington and had not 
previously been detected in the United States.
    The presence of BSE presents a threat to U.S. livestock. It 
constitutes a significant danger to the national economy and a 
potential serious burden on interstate and foreign commerce. The 
Department has reviewed the measures being taken by the State of 
Washington to quarantine and regulate the herds in question and has 
consulted with appropriate State Government and Indian tribal officials 
in the State of Washington. Based on that review and consultation, and 
the scope of the impact of this event on the national economy, the 
Department has determined that the State may be unable to adequately 
take the measures necessary to quarantine and dispose of animals that 
may be infected with or exposed to BSE. Therefore, the Department has 
determined that an extraordinary emergency exists because of BSE in the 
State of Washington.
    This declaration of extraordinary emergency authorizes the 
Secretary to (1) hold, seize, treat, apply other remedial actions to, 
destroy (including preventative slaughter), or otherwise dispose of, 
any animal, article, facility, or means of conveyance if the Secretary 
determines the action is necessary to prevent the dissemination of BSE 
and (2) prohibit or restrict the movement or use within the State of 
Washington, or any portion of the State of Washington, of any animal or 
article, means of conveyance, or facility if the Secretary determines 
that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the 
dissemination of BSE. The appropriate State Government and Indian 
tribal officials in Washington have been informed of these facts.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This declaration of extraordinary emergency shall 
become effective January 6, 2004.

Ann M. Veneman,
Secretary of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 04-623 Filed 1-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P