Rinderpest; Update of Communicable Animal Disease Provisions

We are amending the regulations concerning communicable diseases of livestock and poultry, interstate transportation and importation of animals (including poultry) and animal products, and permits for biological products to remove references to the animal disease rinderpest. This action reflects recognition by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that rinderpest has been eradicated worldwide, and removes restrictions that are no longer necessary due to eradication of the disease. This action better aligns our regulations with World Organization for Animal Health guidelines for international trade as they pertain to rinderpest.