A proposed rule and new list for reportable animal diseases is now available for public comment in the federal register. Bruce Wagner with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said the list updated what animal diseases require mandatory reporting, and to which agencies.

"Currently only accredited veterinarians have to report those diseases directly and immediately are required to by regulation," Wagner noted. "Now we would make any qualified animal health officials have that same reporting requirement and give them the tools to be able to report that really quickly to the state and so that we can react more quickly."

He he said means making reporting electronic. The new list will also have sections for notable diseases such as those newly identified, as well as endemic diseases of interest to be monitored. Wagner added that while the list is part of the federal register proposed rule, it will be separate from the rule itself, meaning that that it will be updated annually.

Comments will be accepted through June 1st.


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