[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 1999)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 5] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-34745] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 78 [Docket No. 98-086-2] Validated Brucellosis-Free States; Alabama AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate movement of swine by adding Alabama to the list of validated brucellosis-free States. We have determined that Alabama meets the criteria for classification as a validated brucellosis-free State. The interim rule relieved certain restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from Alabama. EFFECTIVE DATE: The interim rule was effective on August 21, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Arnold Taft, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, (301) 734-4916. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background In an interim rule effective and published in the Federal Register on August 21, 1998 (63 FR 44776-44777, Docket No. 98-086-1), we amended the brucellosis regulations in 9 CFR part 78 by adding Alabama to the list of validated brucellosis-free States in Sec. 78.43. Comments on the interim rule were required to be received on or before October 20, 1998. We did not receive any comments. Therefore, for the reasons given in the interim rule, we are adopting the interim rule as a final rule. This action also affirms the information contained in the interim rule concerning Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Orders 12372 and 12988, and the Paperwork Reduction Act. Further, for this action, the Office of Management and Budget has waived the review process required by Executive Order 12866. List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 78 Animal diseases, Bison, Cattle, Hogs, Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation. PART 78--BRUCELLOSIS Accordingly, we are adopting as a final rule, without change, the interim rule that amended 9 CFR 78 and that was published at 63 FR 44776-44777 on August 21, 1998. Authority: 21 U.S.C. 111-114a-1, 114g, 115, 117, 120, 121, 123- 126, 134b, and 134f; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d). Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of December 1998. Joan M. Arnoldi, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 98-34745 Filed 12-31-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P