SUPPORTING STATEMENT - 0579-0324
IMPORTATION OF EQUINE INTO THE UNITED STATES
September 2010
Introduction
This collection, 0579-0324, will now include parts of the following two collections: 0579-0165 Importation of Horses, Ruminants, Swine, and Dogs; Inspection and Treatment of Screwworm, and of 0579-0040, Importation of Animals and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Products, Certain Animal Embryos, and Zoological Animals. These collections are managed by the same program and include the same regulations and the same forms; therefore, it will be more efficient to have them consolidated into one collection.
A. Justification
1. Explain the circumstances that make collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 2002 is the primary Federal law governing the protection of animal health. The law gives the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to detect, control, or eradicate pests or diseases of livestock or poultry. The Secretary may also prohibit or restrict import or export of any animal or related material if necessary to prevent the spread of any livestock or poultry pest or disease. The AHPA is contained in Title X, Subtitle E, Sections 10401-18 of P.L. 107-171, May 13, 2002, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
Disease prevention is the most effective method for maintaining a healthy animal population and enhancing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) ability to compete in exporting animals and animal products. APHIS is responsible for, among other things, preventing the introduction of exotic animal diseases into the United States and for rapidly identifying, containing, and eradicating such diseases when feasible. In connection with this mission, APHIS collects pertinent information from those individuals who import animals, among other commodities, into the United States.
This information includes data such as application for import, daily record of horse’s activities, recordkeeping, permanent electronic identification compatible reader, photographs for identification, written plan for medical treatment, request for change in horse’s itinerary or method of transportation, statement for horses imported from countries affected with screwworm, written request for inspection, other services and dipping, daily log of private by operated quarantine facilities, trust fund or compliance agreement, opportunity for hearing to present views on facility withdrawal and written withdrawal by facility operator, application for approval of quarantine or holding facility, checklist for the approval of permanent, privately owned equine quarantine facilities, written agreement with a State for CEM, opportunity to present view on suspension, foreign health certificates, request for space at USDA-operated quarantine facilities including mailing copies, declaration of importation of animals, animal semen, embryos, and the letter of credit, cashier’s check, certified check, or money order.
APHIS is asking OMB to approve, for an additional 3 years, the information collection activities associated with its efforts to safeguard the health of the U.S. equine population.
2. Indicate how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
Application for Import or In-Transit Permit (for Live Animals, Animal Semen, Animal Embryos, Birds, Poultry, or Hatching Eggs), VS Form 17-129
Anyone required to have an import or in-transit permit must submit VS 17-129, Application for Import or In-Transit Permit to APHIS for each permit requested. Although this application is for live animals, animal semen, animal embryos, birds, poultry and hatching eggs, data will only be captured for equines. The importer must describe the type, number, and identification of the animals to be imported. The importer must also list the origin, intended date and location of arrival, routes of travel, and destination of the animals. APHIS will use the permit applications to carefully examine each import request. Businesses, hobby farmers, and non-profits complete and submit this form. This information is currently approved under 0579-0165 and is being included in this package.
Permanent Electronic Identification Compatible Reader
In the event that a horse has permanent electronic identification, the horse must be accompanied by a compatible reader to confirm the animal’s identification. This information needs to be collected because APHIS must be able to track and follow these horses throughout their stay in the United States, and make sure that they don’t join the domestic U.S. horse population without first undergoing Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) quarantine and testing for permanent entry. In addition, horses without white markings or other identifying physical features are easier to identify via a unique electronic identification. The reader is supplied by businesses, hobby farmers, and non-profits. States and foreign governments use this to verify animal identification.
Photographs for Identification
APHIS requires that importers and brokers requesting import permits use photographs (head and lateral views) that are sufficient to identify each horse on an electronic medium approved by APHIS. Horses that do not have permanent electronic identification will need an additional form of identification, such as photographs which are an alternative form of identification. Photographs are especially helpful because it can still be difficult to identify horses based on only written descriptions and their markings. The photographs are supplied by businesses, hobby farmers and non-profits. States and foreign governments use this to verify animal identification.
Written Plan for Medical Treatment of Horses
APHIS requires a written plan, completed by the importer, for handling sick or injured horses that includes:
The name, address, and phone number of each accredited veterinarian who will provide veterinary services in the United States;
The name, address, and phone number of medical facilities to be used to diagnose or treat sick or injured horses while in the Unites States; and
A plan to return sick or injured horses to performance condition.
This information is needed in order to adequately monitor the movement of horses importing under this regulation. APHIS will need to inspect the facilities where horses will be hospitalized to ensure that adequate quarantine is available. Collection of this information will also help APHIS to ensure the safety of the horses importing under this regulation, by making certain that emergency health care is available to them. Written plans for treatment are supplied by businesses.
Written Request for Change in Horses’ Itinerary or Method of Transportation (Competitive and Non-Competitive Animals)
This information is needed to adequately monitor the movement of competitive and noncompetitive horses while in the United States. Importers must make this request to APHIS in writing. For medical emergencies, importers may contact APHIS via phone regarding a horse’s change in itinerary or method of transportation; however, a written notification must follow. Requests for change are supplied by businesses, hobby farmers and non-profits. Foreign governments may serve as intermediates for discussion of changes.
Foreign Health Certificates
Foreign veterinary authorities complete the foreign health certificates as written proof that a competent veterinary authority has examined or tested the horses and that the horses meet the U.S. import requirements. APHIS requires foreign health certificates to ensure the following imports are not carrying disease:
Canadian certificate for horses for immediate slaughter
Equine semen and embryos
Horses from foreign regions, including CEM-affected countries
This information is currently approved under 0579-0165 and is being included in this package.
Statement for Horses Imported from Countries Affected with Screwworm
Horses entering the United States from regions where screwworm is known to exist must be accompanied by a certificate, issued, completed, and signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the exporting country, stating that these horses have been thoroughly examined, that they have been treated with ivermectin, that any visible wounds have been treated with coumaphos, and that the horses appear to be free of screwworm. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Recordkeeping – Daily Log of Privately Operated Quarantine Facility for Equine
When equines are in quarantine, APHIS needs to ensure that only specified individuals are allowed entry into the quarantine facility. The daily log that these individuals must sign allows APHIS to enforce this. This daily log helps APHIS maintain the integrity of the quarantine. Unauthorized visitors entering and leaving the quarantine could pose a disease risk to the U.S. livestock population. APHIS requires the facility operator to keep the log for 12 months after the equines leave the quarantine. If some of these equines become sick after leaving quarantine, the log would help APHIS investigate the incident. Businesses are responsible for this recordkeeping. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Trust Fund or Compliance Agreement for Horses
Horse importers must sign this agreement to allow USDA personnel to inspect and monitor the horses and to pay USDA for these services. APHIS inspects and monitors the horses to ensure they are healthy and do not pose a disease risk to the U.S. equine population. Among other things, APHIS ensures the horses are not possibly transmitting CEM to U.S. horses. Trust funds and compliance agreements are supplied by businesses. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Opportunity for Hearing to Present Views on Facility Withdrawal and Written Withdrawal by Facility Operator
If APHIS opts to withdraw approval of a facility (such as a private quarantine facility), then the facility operator has the right to appeal the APHIS decision. The appeal must be in writing. This process gives facility operators a way of challenging the APHIS decision. Facility operators must also alert APHIS, in writing, if they intend to cease operations and voluntarily relinquish operating approval. This allows APHIS to keep accurate records. This information is provided by businesses. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Application for Approval of Quarantine or Holding Facility (Letter)
Occasionally foreign horses transiting the United States to a third country must be temporarily offloaded (from a plane or truck) into a holding facility before they reach their final destination. Or if these horses are entering the United States, they may be quarantined at a privately owned quarantine facility. In either case, the transporter or quarantine operator must request, in writing, that APHIS approves the facility that will be used to temporarily house or quarantine these horses. APHIS requires this application for approval to know when, where, or for how long these horses are being housed and to determine if or how much of a disease risk they present to the United States. This information is provided by businesses. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Written Agreement with State for CEM (Monitoring by State)
States perform CEM quarantines under APHIS guidelines designed to prevent outbreaks and spread of CEM. State veterinary authorities fill out this agreement, which serves as the State’s promise to abide by APHIS guidelines when quarantining horses for CEM. This information is provided by State government officials. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Opportunity to Present View on Suspension for States and Labs
If APHIS opts to suspend a State’s approval to receive horses for CEM quarantine, the State veterinary authorities can appeal the suspension in writing. This appeal process gives States a way to challenge the APHIS decision. If APHIS withdrawals a labs approval, Upon request by the lab, the lab will be afforded an opportunity to dispute the withdrawal. This information is provided by businesses. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Declaration of Importation of Animals, Animal Semen, Embryos, Birds, Poultry, and Eggs for Hatching, VS 17-29
By filling out this form, the importers declare what they are importing into the United States; namely, horses, horse semen, or horse embryos. The information is collected by United States Customs and Border Patrol at the time of importation. This alerts APHIS that certain horses or germplasm will be entering the country and assists APHIS in preventing the entry of foreign animal diseases into the United States. Businesses, hobby farmers and non-profits submit this form. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Request Space at USDA Operated Quarantine Facilities and Includes Mailing Copies
Before APHIS can quarantine horses at a USDA-operated quarantine facility, the importer reserves space at the facility. In some cases, this may be done through online reservations or by directly contacting the USDA quarantine facility or APHIS may reserve space as part of an overall process (including submission of the VS 17-129) in order to receive a permit. This guarantees that horses will have space at APHIS quarantine facilities. Businesses, hobby farmers, and non-profits submit these requests. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Letter of Credit, Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or Money Order
To reserve and use space at USDA-operated quarantine facilities, the importer gives a financial instrument (letter of credit, cashier’s check, certified check, or money order) to APHIS in person, through the mail, or by courier. Businesses, hobby farmers, and non-profits submit this information. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Written Request for Inspection, Other Services, and Dipping, VS 17-32 (Application for Inspection and Dipping)
When importers wish to import horses from Mexico into the United States, they must submit this application requesting USDA personnel to inspect the horses at the border. APHIS inspects the horses to ensure they are healthy and do not pose a disease risk to U.S. animals. This application lets APHIS know when the horses are expected so personnel will be available to inspect the horses. This avoids delays for the importers and helps APHIS conduct inspections in a timely and efficient manner. Businesses, hobby farmers, and non-profits submit this form. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
Checklist for the Approval of Permanent, Privately Owned Equine Quarantine Facilities
APHIS developed a checklist to assist APHIS personnel when inspecting permanent, privately owned equine quarantine facilities. The checklist outlines standards for construction, operations, and recordkeeping that must be identified for approval. The operator of the facility must provide information verbally about the facility to an APHIS employee in order for APHIS to complete the checklist. Businesses, hobby farmers and non-profits submit this form.
VS Form10-4, Specimen Submission; VS Form I0-4A, Continuation Sheet for Specimen Submission
VS Forms 10-4 and 10-4A are completed by State veterinarians or other State representatives, accredited veterinarians, private laboratories, and research institutions. Authorized individuals complete the form using information obtained through discussions with the animal owners. The foundation of the animal disease surveillance program is based on the information submitted on VS Forms 10-4 and
10-4A. This information identifies the individual animal from which specimens were taken, the animal’s herd or flock, the type of specimen submitted, and the purpose for submitting the specimen. Without the information contained on this form, NVSL staff would not be able to identify or process the specimens sent for analysis. Additionally, if the information is not collected (or collected less frequently), APHIS would not have the critical information necessary to effectively operate a disease surveillance program. This information is currently approved under 0579-0040 and is being included in this package.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
Written Request to Change Horse’s Itinerary or Method of Transport
While this request can be sent to APHIS via an e-mail, it is not available for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low.
Foreign Health Certificates
This form varies by each exporting country, and cannot be submitted to APHIS electronically because it must be physically presented with the imports.
Recordkeeping – Daily Log of Privately Operated Quarantine Facility for Equine
This log is not a candidate for electronic submission. It requires a signature and is maintained by the facility operator.
Trust Fund or Compliance Agreement for Horses
This agreement, which requires an original signature, can be completed electronically in word processing software. Because an original signature is required, it is not a candidate for electronic submission.
Opportunity for Hearing to Present Views on Facility Withdrawal and Written Withdrawal by Facility Operator
This document is not a candidate for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low.
Application for Approval of Quarantine or Holding Facility (Letter)
This application is not a candidate for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low.
Written Agreement with State for CEM (Monitoring by State)
This agreement, which requires an original signature, can be completed electronically in word processing software. Because an original signature is required, it is not a candidate for electronic submission.
Daily Record of Horse’s Activities
APHIS does not specify how the records must be maintained. The trainer or horse owner could complete and submit the records electronically based on the protocol of the recordkeeping association that the Department has approved.
Opportunity to Present View on Suspension
While this request can be sent to APHIS via an e-mail, it is not available for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low.
Declaration of Importation of Animals, Animal Semen, Embryos, Birds, Poultry, and Eggs for Hatching, VS 17-29
This multi-copy carbon form cannot be submitted to APHIS electronically because it must be presented with the imports. The form is available on the APHIS website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/content/wp_c_index.shtml#vs. Respondents can complete one page of the form electronically and print it to make additional copies.
Request Space at USDA Operated Quarantine Facilities and Includes Mailing Copies
This request is made via phone so it is not a candidate for electronic submission.
Letter of Credit, Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or Money Order
This activity cannot be submitted electronically because these are non-electronic means of payment. Therefore, APHIS cannot develop a website where the non-electronic means of payment can be made. Credit cards can be used for electronic payment, but are not specified in the CFR.
Written Request for Inspection, Other Services, and Dipping, VS 17-32 (Application for Inspection and Dipping)
This form is a candidate for electronic submission. APHIS is implementing an electronic (Web base) system to enhance data collection that is projected to be available in early 2012.
Checklist for the Approval of Permanent, Privately Owned Equine Quarantine Facility
This document is not a candidate for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low. However, the information can be supplied as an attachment via an email.
Statement for Horses Imported from Countries Affected with Screwworm
This document is not a candidate for electronic submission. APHIS has not developed a database to do so because the number of yearly submissions is low. However, the information can be supplied as an attachment via an email.
VS Form10-4, Specimen Submission; VS Form I0-4A, Continuation Sheet for Specimen Submission
The NVSL Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) currently requires submission of specimens with hard copies of VS forms 10-4 and 10-4A to ensure proper identification of the samples. A new LIMS was developed under very tight deadlines to replace the legacy system which was no longer able to meet increasingly stringent security requirements. The new LIMS is not currently configured to receive electronic data on VS Forms 10-4 and 10-4A because no funding is available to support either the additional programming required, or the Certification and Accreditation of the system which would be required because of this major change.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose described in item 2 above.
The information that APHIS collects is not available from any other source. APHIS is the only Agency responsible for approving and preventing the introduction of foreign animal diseases of equines from entering the United States.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5 of OMB Form 83-1), describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The information APHIS collects in connection with its programs is the minimum needed to ensure that horses imported into the United States pose a negligible risk of introducing foreign animal diseases into the United States equine population.
Approximately 50 percent of the respondents involved with this information collection are estimated to be small businesses or other small entities.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
If the information were collected less frequently or not collected at all, it would diminish APHIS’ ability to protect the United States from foreign animal disease incursions. The U.S. equine population would suffer repeated disease outbreaks, and potentially billions of dollars would need to be spent on containment and eradication efforts. In addition, the U.S. equine industry would suffer many millions of dollars in losses, since the value of their horses and germplasm would be diminished both domestically and internationally.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the general information collection guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5
requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;
in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
The information collection is conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines established in 5 CFR 1320.5.
8. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting form (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d) soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.
In 2010, APHIS engaged in productive consultations with the following individuals in connection with the information collection activities associated with APHIS’ programs:
Duncan Fisher
Tour Manager
Cavalia USA Inc
145 Pine Haven Shores Rd
Suite 1121
Shelburne, VT 05482
(480) 309-1988
Eileen Zahariou
Mersant International Ltd.
158-12 Rockaway Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11434
(718) 978-8200
Dudley Hoskins
Director
Health and Regulatory Affairs
American Horse Council
1616 H Street, NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 296-4031
On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, pages 75957 – 75958, APHIS published in the Federal Register, a 60-day notice seeking public comments on its plans to request a 3 year renewal of this collection of information. During that time APHIS received one comment.
The comment was received from a concerned citizen about her perception of the general maltreatment of animals. It had no relevance to the purpose of the collection.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than renumeration of contractors or grantees.
This information collection activity involves no payments or gifts to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality to respondents and the basis for the assurance statute, regulation or agency policy.
No additional assurance of confidentiality is provided with this information collection. However the confidentiality of information is protected under 5 U.S.C. 552a.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
This information collection activity asks no questions of a personal or sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in Item 13 of OMB Form 83-I.
See APHIS Form 71. Burden estimates were developed from discussions with U.S. importers of horses; owner/operators of temporary, privately-owned horse quarantine facilities; and representatives of equine industry groups.
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.
Respondents include importers of horses into the United States, operators of private quarantine facilities, officials in States approved to conduct CEM testing, foreign government officials issuing health certificates and transporters.
APHIS estimates the total annualized cost to these respondents at $1,588,263.84. APHIS arrived at this figure by multiplying the total burden hours (39,284.29 hours) by the estimated average hourly wage of the above respondents ($40.43). Estimated hourly wages for the respondents were determined from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2009 report – National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages in the United States. See http://www.bls.gov/oes/#tables. Foreign veterinary officials’ salaries were determined from National Salary Trend.
See http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=veterinarian&l1=Mexico+City%2C+Mexico.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau id Labor Statistics May 2010 Report – National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages in the United States, May 2010. See http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.htm.
State animal health authorities $48.23 per hour [11-0000 Management Occupations]
Importers and exporters $29.55 per hour [41-4012 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products]
Owners and operators of private quarantine facilities $51.91 per hour [11-1021 General and Operations Manager]
Foreign government officials (veterinarians) $31.50 per hour
Transporters $18.00 per hour
Owners and operators of labs $51.91 per hour [11-1021 General and Operations Manager]
Owners and operators of farms $51.91 per hour [11-1021 General and Operations Manager]
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in items 12 and 14.) The cost estimate should split into two components: (a) a total capital and startup cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.
There is zero annual cost burden associated with capital and start-up costs, operation and maintenance expenditures, and purchase of services.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
The annualized cost to the Federal government is estimated at $488,636 (see APHIS Form 79).
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-L
After reviewing the burden for this collection, APHIS changed several activities based on more recent data including decreasing the estimated number of foreign health certificates and arrival declarations.
For the sake of efficiency, APHIS added the following equine related burdens from information collections under OMB 0579-0040 and 0579-0165, in order to make this a comprehensive Equine Collection:
Application for Import or In-Transit Permit (for Live Animals, Animal Semen, Animal Embryos, Birds, Poultry, or Hatching Eggs), VS Form 17-129 [0579-0165]
Foreign Health Certificates [0579-0165]
Statement for Horses Imported from Countries Affected with Screwworm [0579-0040]
Trust Fund or Compliance Agreement for Horses [0579-0040]
Opportunity for Hearing to Present Views on Facility Withdrawal and Written Withdrawal by Facility Operator [0579-0040]
Application for Approval of Quarantine or Holding Facility (Letter) [0579-0040]
Written Agreement with State for CEM (Monitoring by State) [0579-0040]
Opportunity to Present View on Suspension [0579-0040]
Declaration of Importation of Animals, Animal Semen, Embryos, Birds, Poultry, and Eggs for Hatching, VS 17-29 [0579-0040]
Request Space at USDA Operated Quarantine Facilities and Includes Mailing Copies [0579-0040]
Recordkeeping - Horses for Association and Trainer [0579-0040]
Letter of Credit, Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or Money Order [0579-0040]
Written Request for Inspection, Other Services, and Dipping, VS 17-32 (Application for Inspection and Dipping) [0579-0040]
VS Form10-4, Specimen Submission; VS Form I0-4A, Continuation Sheet for Specimen Submission [0579-0040]
The added forms have thus been removed from the aforementioned collections and will be cleared under this one. By including these forms there is an adjustment of +83 respondents and + 58,289 resulting in an increase of +36,115 burden hours.
In addition, the program has included a new form of burden: Checklist for the Approval of Permanent, Privately Owned Equine Quarantine Facilities. This form has been added to this equine-specific collection since it involves the import of equines. There is a program change of +3 respondents and +3 responses resulting in an increase of +3 total burden hours.
16. For collection of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of reports, publication dates and other actions.
APHIS has no plans to publish information it collects in connection with this program.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for the OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
All forms included in this collection are used in multiple collections; therefore, it is not practical to include an OMB expiration date because of the various expiration dates for each collection. APHIS is seeking approval to not display the OMB expiration date on these forms.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified under “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act.
APHIS is able to certify compliance with all the provisions in the Act.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
There are no statistical methods associated with the information collection activities used in this program.
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| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT |
| Author | Government User |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-02-01 |