H.R. 5650 would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to repeal the application of the prohibition on bird fighting to U.S. territories like Guam and Puerto Rico, which have unsuccessfully challenged the federal ban in court. If enacted, the federal ban would apply only to states and territories where bird fighting also is prohibited at the state or territorial level as well as to the knowing sponsorship or exhibition in fights of birds that have moved in interstate commerce. The bill was introduced by Delegate James Moylan and has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
Issue 209
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Bill Would Repeal Animal Welfare Act Prohibition on Bird Fighting in U.S. Territories
Senate Votes Against Overriding President Biden’s Vetoes of ESA Rollbacks
President Biden vetoed S.J. Res. 24, which aimed to roll back Endangered Species Act (ESA) status for the northern long-eared bat, and S.J. Res. 9, which aimed to roll back ESA protections for the lesser prairie-chicken. Attempts to override the vetoes failed in the Senate, with votes of 47-45 for S.J. Res. 24 and 47-46 for S.J. Res. 9. A two-thirds vote in each chamber would have been necessary to override the vetoes.
President Biden vetoed S.J. Res. 24, which aimed to roll back Endangered Species Act (ESA) status for the northern long-eared bat, and S.J. Res. 9, which aimed to roll back ESA protections for the lesser prairie-chicken. Attempts to override the vetoes failed in the Senate, with votes of 47-45 for S.J. Res. 24 and 47-46 for S.J. Res. 9. A two-thirds vote in each chamber would have been necessary to override the vetoes.
Michigan Bills Would Prohibit Breed Discrimination by Localities
Three bills have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations related to dogs based on their breed or perceived breed. House Bill 5039 would apply to counties, House Bill 5040 would apply to townships, and House Bill 5041 would apply to cities and villages. The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Three bills have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations related to dogs based on their breed or perceived breed. House Bill 5039 would apply to counties, House Bill 5040 would apply to townships, and House Bill 5041 would apply to cities and villages. The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Case Law Spotlights
Federal Court Denies Motion to Dismiss in Antitrust Litigation Alleging Price Fixing in the Pork Industry
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota denied a motion to dismiss filed by Hormel Foods Corp., Hormel Foods, LLC, JBS USA Food Co., Tyson Foods, Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Smithfield Foods, Inc., Seaboard Foods LLC, Triumph Foods, LLC, Clemens Food Group, LLC, The Clemens Family Corp., and Agri Stats, Inc., in a consolidated antitrust action brought by nine plaintiff groups that accuse the defendants of colluding to diminish pork supply and inflate prices. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim rejected defendants’ argument that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Tunheim also found that plaintiffs had adequately alleged defendants’ conspiracy to fix prices and plausibly alleged injury from defendants’ violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota denied a motion to dismiss filed by Hormel Foods Corp., Hormel Foods, LLC, JBS USA Food Co., Tyson Foods, Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Smithfield Foods, Inc., Seaboard Foods LLC, Triumph Foods, LLC, Clemens Food Group, LLC, The Clemens Family Corp., and Agri Stats, Inc., in a consolidated antitrust action brought by nine plaintiff groups that accuse the defendants of colluding to diminish pork supply and inflate prices. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim rejected defendants’ argument that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Tunheim also found that plaintiffs had adequately alleged defendants’ conspiracy to fix prices and plausibly alleged injury from defendants’ violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Investigation Results in First-Ever Big Cat Public Safety Act Prosecution
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and Texas Parks and Wildlife has resulted the first criminal prosecution pursuant to the Big Cat Public Safety Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the federal criminal charges against a husband and wife for selling protected wildlife. The couple sold a margay for $7,500 in a Texas parking lot and attempted to sell an endangered jaguar cub to the same buyer. The Houston Zoo and San Antonio Zoo are caring for the cats.
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and Texas Parks and Wildlife has resulted the first criminal prosecution pursuant to the Big Cat Public Safety Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the federal criminal charges against a husband and wife for selling protected wildlife. The couple sold a margay for $7,500 in a Texas parking lot and attempted to sell an endangered jaguar cub to the same buyer. The Houston Zoo and San Antonio Zoo are caring for the cats.
DOJ Alleges Data Consulting Firm Is Engaging in Anticompetitive Meat Processor Scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. In the lawsuit, DOJ alleges that the data and consulting company is engaging in an unlawful anticompetitive scheme “by providing processors with unique insights about their competitors’ production, costs, and pricing—and refusing to sell the same information to processors’ customers, farmers, workers, or consumers.” DOJ further alleges that “Agri Stats enables and encourages processors to use its asymmetrical information exchanges to weaken competition, curb production, and increase prices for purchasers,” ultimately at consumers’ expense and in violation of the Sherman Act. DOJ is seeking declaratory judgment, permanent injunctive relief, and costs.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. In the lawsuit, DOJ alleges that the data and consulting company is engaging in an unlawful anticompetitive scheme “by providing processors with unique insights about their competitors’ production, costs, and pricing—and refusing to sell the same information to processors’ customers, farmers, workers, or consumers.” DOJ further alleges that “Agri Stats enables and encourages processors to use its asymmetrical information exchanges to weaken competition, curb production, and increase prices for purchasers,” ultimately at consumers’ expense and in violation of the Sherman Act. DOJ is seeking declaratory judgment, permanent injunctive relief, and costs.
Agency Spotlights
FWS’s Colorado Field Office Seeking ESA Recovery Permit for Gray Wolves and Mexican Wolves
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Colorado Field Office in Lakewood, Colorado has applied for an Endangered Species Act permit to capture, handle, tag, relocate, and perform other recovery and enhancement-related activities with gray wolves and Mexican wolves. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Colorado Field Office in Lakewood, Colorado has applied for an Endangered Species Act permit to capture, handle, tag, relocate, and perform other recovery and enhancement-related activities with gray wolves and Mexican wolves. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
FDA Announces Draft Guidance for Industry Relating to Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Animal Agriculture
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of draft guidance for industry (DFI) entitled “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals.” The guidance “will provide recommendations on how sponsors may voluntarily establish defined durations of use for certain antimicrobial new animal drugs used in or on the medicated feed of food-producing animals that are currently approved with one or more indications that lack a defined duration of use.” The FDA will accept public comments on the DFI through December 26, 2023.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of draft guidance for industry (DFI) entitled “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals.” The guidance “will provide recommendations on how sponsors may voluntarily establish defined durations of use for certain antimicrobial new animal drugs used in or on the medicated feed of food-producing animals that are currently approved with one or more indications that lack a defined duration of use.” The FDA will accept public comments on the DFI through December 26, 2023.
FWS Announces Proposal to Support Recovery and Reintroduction of Grizzly Bears in Washington State
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a proposal to establish a nonessential experimental population of grizzly bears in the portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem located in the State of Washington. Through the proposal, FWS seeks to support the reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears in the area. FWS will accept public comments on the proposal through November 13, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a proposal to establish a nonessential experimental population of grizzly bears in the portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem located in the State of Washington. Through the proposal, FWS seeks to support the reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears in the area. FWS will accept public comments on the proposal through November 13, 2023.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Repeal Animal Welfare Act Prohibition on Bird Fighting in U.S. Territories
H.R. 5650 would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to repeal the application of the prohibition on bird fighting to U.S. territories like Guam and Puerto Rico, which have unsuccessfully challenged the federal ban in court. If enacted, the federal ban would apply only to states and territories where bird fighting also is prohibited at the state or territorial level as well as to the knowing sponsorship or exhibition in fights of birds that have moved in interstate commerce. The bill was introduced by Delegate James Moylan and has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
H.R. 5650 would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to repeal the application of the prohibition on bird fighting to U.S. territories like Guam and Puerto Rico, which have unsuccessfully challenged the federal ban in court. If enacted, the federal ban would apply only to states and territories where bird fighting also is prohibited at the state or territorial level as well as to the knowing sponsorship or exhibition in fights of birds that have moved in interstate commerce. The bill was introduced by Delegate James Moylan and has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
Senate Votes Against Overriding President Biden’s Vetoes of ESA Rollbacks
President Biden vetoed S.J. Res. 24, which aimed to roll back Endangered Species Act (ESA) status for the northern long-eared bat, and S.J. Res. 9, which aimed to roll back ESA protections for the lesser prairie-chicken. Attempts to override the vetoes failed in the Senate, with votes of 47-45 for S.J. Res. 24 and 47-46 for S.J. Res. 9. A two-thirds vote in each chamber would have been necessary to override the vetoes.
President Biden vetoed S.J. Res. 24, which aimed to roll back Endangered Species Act (ESA) status for the northern long-eared bat, and S.J. Res. 9, which aimed to roll back ESA protections for the lesser prairie-chicken. Attempts to override the vetoes failed in the Senate, with votes of 47-45 for S.J. Res. 24 and 47-46 for S.J. Res. 9. A two-thirds vote in each chamber would have been necessary to override the vetoes.
Pending State Actions
Florida Bill Would Authorize Killing Bears Without a Permit in Certain Situations
Florida House Bill 87 would authorize the use of lethal force on bears without a permit or other authorization “if a person feels threatened and believes that using such force is necessary to protect himself or herself on his or her private property.” The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Florida House Bill 87 would authorize the use of lethal force on bears without a permit or other authorization “if a person feels threatened and believes that using such force is necessary to protect himself or herself on his or her private property.” The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Michigan Bills Would Prohibit Breed Discrimination by Localities
Three bills have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations related to dogs based on their breed or perceived breed. House Bill 5039 would apply to counties, House Bill 5040 would apply to townships, and House Bill 5041 would apply to cities and villages. The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Three bills have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations related to dogs based on their breed or perceived breed. House Bill 5039 would apply to counties, House Bill 5040 would apply to townships, and House Bill 5041 would apply to cities and villages. The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Case Law Updates
Federal Court Updates
Federal Court Denies Motion to Dismiss in Antitrust Litigation Alleging Price Fixing in the Pork Industry
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota denied a motion to dismiss filed by Hormel Foods Corp., Hormel Foods, LLC, JBS USA Food Co., Tyson Foods, Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Smithfield Foods, Inc., Seaboard Foods LLC, Triumph Foods, LLC, Clemens Food Group, LLC, The Clemens Family Corp., and Agri Stats, Inc., in a consolidated antitrust action brought by nine plaintiff groups that accuse the defendants of colluding to diminish pork supply and inflate prices. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim rejected defendants’ argument that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Tunheim also found that plaintiffs had adequately alleged defendants’ conspiracy to fix prices and plausibly alleged injury from defendants’ violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota denied a motion to dismiss filed by Hormel Foods Corp., Hormel Foods, LLC, JBS USA Food Co., Tyson Foods, Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Smithfield Foods, Inc., Seaboard Foods LLC, Triumph Foods, LLC, Clemens Food Group, LLC, The Clemens Family Corp., and Agri Stats, Inc., in a consolidated antitrust action brought by nine plaintiff groups that accuse the defendants of colluding to diminish pork supply and inflate prices. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim rejected defendants’ argument that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Tunheim also found that plaintiffs had adequately alleged defendants’ conspiracy to fix prices and plausibly alleged injury from defendants’ violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Investigation Results in First-Ever Big Cat Public Safety Act Prosecution
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and Texas Parks and Wildlife has resulted the first criminal prosecution pursuant to the Big Cat Public Safety Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the federal criminal charges against a husband and wife for selling protected wildlife. The couple sold a margay for $7,500 in a Texas parking lot and attempted to sell an endangered jaguar cub to the same buyer. The Houston Zoo and San Antonio Zoo are caring for the cats.
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and Texas Parks and Wildlife has resulted the first criminal prosecution pursuant to the Big Cat Public Safety Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the federal criminal charges against a husband and wife for selling protected wildlife. The couple sold a margay for $7,500 in a Texas parking lot and attempted to sell an endangered jaguar cub to the same buyer. The Houston Zoo and San Antonio Zoo are caring for the cats.
DOJ Alleges Data Consulting Firm Is Engaging in Anticompetitive Meat Processor Scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. In the lawsuit, DOJ alleges that the data and consulting company is engaging in an unlawful anticompetitive scheme “by providing processors with unique insights about their competitors’ production, costs, and pricing—and refusing to sell the same information to processors’ customers, farmers, workers, or consumers.” DOJ further alleges that “Agri Stats enables and encourages processors to use its asymmetrical information exchanges to weaken competition, curb production, and increase prices for purchasers,” ultimately at consumers’ expense and in violation of the Sherman Act. DOJ is seeking declaratory judgment, permanent injunctive relief, and costs.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. In the lawsuit, DOJ alleges that the data and consulting company is engaging in an unlawful anticompetitive scheme “by providing processors with unique insights about their competitors’ production, costs, and pricing—and refusing to sell the same information to processors’ customers, farmers, workers, or consumers.” DOJ further alleges that “Agri Stats enables and encourages processors to use its asymmetrical information exchanges to weaken competition, curb production, and increase prices for purchasers,” ultimately at consumers’ expense and in violation of the Sherman Act. DOJ is seeking declaratory judgment, permanent injunctive relief, and costs.
Federal Court Denies Meat Companies’ Motion to Dismiss Antitrust Class Action Alleging Conspiracy to Suppress Wages
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado has denied a joint motion to dismiss by major meat producers, including JBS USA Food Co., Cargill Inc., and Tyson Foods, Inc., in a putative class action accusing them of illegally conspiring to suppress wages in the meat processing industry. Plaintiff meat plant workers allege that the defendants (other than Agri Stats, Inc.), which collectively produce approximately 80% of all red meat sold in the U.S., “entered into an agreement to fix, depress, maintain, and stabilize the compensation paid to workers, both hourly and salaried, at their red meat processing facilities in violation of the Sherman Act.” Plaintiffs further allege that all defendants “engaged in a continuing agreement to regularly exchange detailed, timely, competitively sensitive, and non-public information about the compensation being paid or to be paid to their employees at red meat processing plants.” In denying the joint motion to dismiss, Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer found the defendants failed to show that plaintiffs had not sufficiently alleged their claims or had “not plausibly allege[d] that fraudulent concealment tolls the statute of limitations for plaintiffs’ claims.”
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado has denied a joint motion to dismiss by major meat producers, including JBS USA Food Co., Cargill Inc., and Tyson Foods, Inc., in a putative class action accusing them of illegally conspiring to suppress wages in the meat processing industry. Plaintiff meat plant workers allege that the defendants (other than Agri Stats, Inc.), which collectively produce approximately 80% of all red meat sold in the U.S., “entered into an agreement to fix, depress, maintain, and stabilize the compensation paid to workers, both hourly and salaried, at their red meat processing facilities in violation of the Sherman Act.” Plaintiffs further allege that all defendants “engaged in a continuing agreement to regularly exchange detailed, timely, competitively sensitive, and non-public information about the compensation being paid or to be paid to their employees at red meat processing plants.” In denying the joint motion to dismiss, Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer found the defendants failed to show that plaintiffs had not sufficiently alleged their claims or had “not plausibly allege[d] that fraudulent concealment tolls the statute of limitations for plaintiffs’ claims.”
Agency Updates
FWS Seeks Public Comments on Information Collection Relating to CITES Master’s Course Scholarship Program
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) opened a public comment period on a proposed information collection relating to the scholarships it awards for a master’s degree program entitled “The Management and Conservation of Species in Trade: The International Framework” (the “CITES Master’s Course”) at the International University of Andalucía. The program aims to prepare wildlife professionals to assist their countries in combatting wildlife trafficking. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed information collection through October 25, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) opened a public comment period on a proposed information collection relating to the scholarships it awards for a master’s degree program entitled “The Management and Conservation of Species in Trade: The International Framework” (the “CITES Master’s Course”) at the International University of Andalucía. The program aims to prepare wildlife professionals to assist their countries in combatting wildlife trafficking. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed information collection through October 25, 2023.
FTC Seeks to Add Iron Dextran to Equine Anti-Doping List of Banned Substances
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed rule modification related to the equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to prohibit the use of iron dextran. Iron dextran has been associated with sudden death in horses. The FTC will accept public comments on the proposed rule modification through October 10, 2023.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed rule modification related to the equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to prohibit the use of iron dextran. Iron dextran has been associated with sudden death in horses. The FTC will accept public comments on the proposed rule modification through October 10, 2023.
NMFS Announces Renewal of MMPA Incidental Harassment Authorization
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization to the Office of Naval Research to take marine mammals, including beluga whales or ringed seals, incidental to research activities conducted in the Beaufort Sea and eastern Chukchi Sea. The renewal is effective September 18, 2023, through September 13, 2024.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization to the Office of Naval Research to take marine mammals, including beluga whales or ringed seals, incidental to research activities conducted in the Beaufort Sea and eastern Chukchi Sea. The renewal is effective September 18, 2023, through September 13, 2024.
FWS Considers ESA Permit Applications for the Recovery of a Variety of Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) opened a public comment period on Endangered Species Act permit applications to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance the survival of a variety of animals including bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, and insect species. FWS will accept public comments through October 25, 2023.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) opened a public comment period on Endangered Species Act permit applications to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance the survival of a variety of animals including bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, and insect species. FWS will accept public comments through October 25, 2023.
FSIS Announces Chicharrons Recall Improperly Imported from Honduras
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall of approximately 1,271 pounds of pork chicharrons imported from Honduras by Del Valle Import and Export, LLC, a New Orleans-area importer and distributor. Honduras currently is not eligible to export pork products to the United States. The improperly imported product was shipped to Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall of approximately 1,271 pounds of pork chicharrons imported from Honduras by Del Valle Import and Export, LLC, a New Orleans-area importer and distributor. Honduras currently is not eligible to export pork products to the United States. The improperly imported product was shipped to Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
FWS is Considering ESA Listing Status for Distinct Population Segment of Fishers
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it is requesting new information for a species status assessment for the Northern California-Southern Oregon distinct population segment (DPS) of fishers. FWS will use the new information received to help determine whether listing the fisher DPS as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. FWS will accept public comments through October 26, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it is requesting new information for a species status assessment for the Northern California-Southern Oregon distinct population segment (DPS) of fishers. FWS will use the new information received to help determine whether listing the fisher DPS as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. FWS will accept public comments through October 26, 2023.
FWS Opens Public Comment Period on Wild Bird Conservation Act Permit Application
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced its receipt of a Wild Bird Conservation Act permit application for the re-issuance of a cooperative breeding program permit covering cardinal lory, blue-crowned lorikeet, and collared lory. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced its receipt of a Wild Bird Conservation Act permit application for the re-issuance of a cooperative breeding program permit covering cardinal lory, blue-crowned lorikeet, and collared lory. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
FWS’s Colorado Field Office Seeking ESA Recovery Permit for Gray Wolves and Mexican Wolves
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Colorado Field Office in Lakewood, Colorado has applied for an Endangered Species Act permit to capture, handle, tag, relocate, and perform other recovery and enhancement-related activities with gray wolves and Mexican wolves. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Colorado Field Office in Lakewood, Colorado has applied for an Endangered Species Act permit to capture, handle, tag, relocate, and perform other recovery and enhancement-related activities with gray wolves and Mexican wolves. FWS will accept public comments on the application through October 26, 2023.
EPA Seeks Public Comments on Framework to Improve Assessments of Pesticide Threats to Human and Animal Health
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comments on the development of a framework to improve assessments of potential risks to human and animal health from pesticides that could contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As noted in the solicitation, AMR jeopardizes the efficacy of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs. EPA will accept public comments on the proposed framework through November 13, 2023.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comments on the development of a framework to improve assessments of potential risks to human and animal health from pesticides that could contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As noted in the solicitation, AMR jeopardizes the efficacy of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs. EPA will accept public comments on the proposed framework through November 13, 2023.
FDA Announces Draft Guidance for Industry Relating to Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Animal Agriculture
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of draft guidance for industry (DFI) entitled “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals.” The guidance “will provide recommendations on how sponsors may voluntarily establish defined durations of use for certain antimicrobial new animal drugs used in or on the medicated feed of food-producing animals that are currently approved with one or more indications that lack a defined duration of use.” The FDA will accept public comments on the DFI through December 26, 2023.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of draft guidance for industry (DFI) entitled “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals.” The guidance “will provide recommendations on how sponsors may voluntarily establish defined durations of use for certain antimicrobial new animal drugs used in or on the medicated feed of food-producing animals that are currently approved with one or more indications that lack a defined duration of use.” The FDA will accept public comments on the DFI through December 26, 2023.
FWS Downlists the Relict Darter from Endangered to Threatened
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced the reclassification of the relict darter, a species of fish found in western Kentucky, from endangered to threatened. The new Endangered Species Act classification will be effective October 27, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced the reclassification of the relict darter, a species of fish found in western Kentucky, from endangered to threatened. The new Endangered Species Act classification will be effective October 27, 2023.
APHIS Proposes Regulatory Changes Relating to Importation of Dogs from Regions with African Swine Fever
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend regulations relating to the importation of dogs from regions where African swine fever is believed to be present. APHIS will accept public comments on the proposed regulatory changes to mitigate the risk of introducing African swine fever into the U.S. through November 27, 2023.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend regulations relating to the importation of dogs from regions where African swine fever is believed to be present. APHIS will accept public comments on the proposed regulatory changes to mitigate the risk of introducing African swine fever into the U.S. through November 27, 2023.
APHIS Opens Public Comment Period on Information Collection Relating to Transport of Horses for Slaughter
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced its intention to request that the Office of Management and Budget approve a revision to and three-year extension of APHIS’s information collection activities related to regulating the commercial transport of equine animals to slaughter facilities. APHIS will accept public comments on the information collection request through November 28, 2023.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced its intention to request that the Office of Management and Budget approve a revision to and three-year extension of APHIS’s information collection activities related to regulating the commercial transport of equine animals to slaughter facilities. APHIS will accept public comments on the information collection request through November 28, 2023.
FWS Announces Proposal to Support Recovery and Reintroduction of Grizzly Bears in Washington State
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a proposal to establish a nonessential experimental population of grizzly bears in the portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem located in the State of Washington. Through the proposal, FWS seeks to support the reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears in the area. FWS will accept public comments on the proposal through November 13, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a proposal to establish a nonessential experimental population of grizzly bears in the portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem located in the State of Washington. Through the proposal, FWS seeks to support the reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears in the area. FWS will accept public comments on the proposal through November 13, 2023.