Source:  Ann Bagel Storck, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/14/09

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the availability of two concept papers for comment: "Bovine Tuberculosis Program Concept Paper" and "Bovine Brucellosis Concept Paper."

The concepts involve surveillance programs at slaughter facilities for both diseases. APHIS is acknowledging the need to transition from state-based programs to a national program supported by national surveillance.

Comments on both papers are due by Dec. 4. To view the Federal Register notice about the bovine TB program concept paper, click here. The Federal Register notice about the brucellosis concept paper is available .

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