USDA SEEKS COMMENTS ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE INDEMNITY PAYMENT PROPOSAL

USDA SEEKS COMMENTS ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE INDEMNITY PAYMENT PROPOSAL    The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended its industry comment period on a proposed rule that would amend indemnity provisions for foot-and-mouth disease and other serious agricultural diseases until July 31.
   If approved, the new regulations would give the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service authority to pay 100 percent of the costs to purchase, destroy and dispose of animals infected with FMD.
   In addition, the amended regulation would allow APHIS to cover the costs for materials contaminated with FMD and cleaning and disinfection operations. The amended regulations would also change the way the agency sets the valuation of animals and materials, such as hay, farm equipment, and barns.
   The United States has had no cases of FMD since 1929. Due to outbreaks last year in the United Kingdom and other countries, USDA conducted an internal review of its current regulations.