The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Comments regarding this information collection received by November 13, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Title: National Veterinary Service Laboratories; Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program.
OMB Control Number: 0579-0409.
Summary of Collection: Under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is authorized, among other things, to carry out activities to detect, control, and eradicate pests and diseases of livestock within the United States. APHIS' National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) safeguard U.S. animal health and contribute to public health by ensuring that timely and accurate laboratory support is provided by their nationwide animal health diagnostic system. USDA complies with the standard set by the World Organization for Animal Health for bovine spongiform encephalopathy surveillance.
Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information using forms VS 17-146 and VS 17-146a, BSE Surveillance Submission Form/Continuation Sheet and VS 17-131, BSE Surveillance Data Collection Form. APHIS will use the information collected to safeguard the U.S. animal health population against BSE. Without the information APHIS would be unable to monitor and prevent the incursion of BSE into the United States.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 1,035.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 3,026.
Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-22052 Filed 10-11-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P