Proposal to Amend Imports of Sheep Semen

August 11, 2006 - In the Wednesday Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a proposal to amend the regulations regarding the importation of animal germplasm by removing specific restrictions on sheep semen from regions where scrapie exists. The proposal also requires the inclusion of additional information on the international health certificate accompanying sheep and goat semen.

According to APHIS, experience and research have convinced the agency that sheep and goat semen pose a minimal risk of transmitting scrapie. This action would relieve restrictions on imported sheep semen while continuing to provide safeguards against the introduction and dissemination of scrapie.

Comments received on or before Oct. 10 will be given consideration.

The American Sheep Industry Association plans to provide comments to this proposal.

For complete details, the Federal Register can be accessed at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-12934.htm.
Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, 303-771-3500

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