Source: Julie Larson Bricher, MEATINGPLACE, 4/16/18



The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will accept comments until May 9 on its proposed changes and clarifications to the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).

Among several amendments proposed that will affect the cooperative federal-state-industry program for controlling certain poultry diseases:
• The addition of provisions for the use of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) testing for avian influenza by primary breeder authorized laboratories.
• Changing the testing requirement so that it includes testing not only for pullorum-typhoid, but also for any other disease for which flock they are being introduced into holds a disease classification (e.g., M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae).
• The addition of a Salmonella monitoring program for primary egg-type breeder companies to provide recognition and potential additional marketing opportunities for flocks that choose to participate.

Full details on the proposed changes can be found in the Federal Register.

Public comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before May 9. Submit comments online at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2017-0055 or via mail at Docket No. APHIS-2017-0055, Regulatory Analysis & Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Rd., Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.

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