SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Imports of Live Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes from Tilapia Lake Virus-Susceptible Species.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0473.

Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information collection.

Abstract: Under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorized, among other things, to prohibit or restrict the importation and interstate movement of animals and animal products to prevent the introduction into and dissemination within the United States of livestock diseases and pests. To carry out this mission, APHIS regulates the importation of animals and animal products into the United States.

The U.S. aquaculture industry experienced an outbreak of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) in March 2019, and APHIS determined that the introduction and establishment of TiLV posed a serious threat to U.S. agriculture. Subsequently, APHIS published a Federal Order ^[1] in November 2019 placing certain import requirements on all live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes from TiLV-susceptible species imported from all countries. At this time, the Federal Order remains in effect. These imported items must be accompanied by a USDA-issued import permit, an official veterinary health certificate, and evidence of a U.S. veterinary inspection before being allowed entry into the United States.

We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities, as described, for an additional 3 years.

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:

(1) Evaluate 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) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Estimate of burden: The public burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.86 hours per response.

Respondents: State animal health officials, importers, and veterinarians.

Estimated annual number of respondents: 57.

Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 2.

Estimated annual number of responses: 114.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 98 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

87 FR 75586