March 2023
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
TUBERCULOSIS
OMB NO. 0579-0146
A. Justification
1. Explain the circumstances that make the 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.
Disease prevention is the most effective method for maintaining a healthy animal population and 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, of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 [7 U.S.C 8301 et. seq.].
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services’ (VS) uses the regulations in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR), Part 77 to manage bovine tuberculosis (TB) within the United States. These regulations provide for the assignment of State TB risk classifications, the creation of TB risk status zones within the same State, and for disease tests before regulated animals are permitted to move interstate. This system enhances the ability of States to move healthy, TB-free cattle, bison, and captive cervids interstate as well as internationally. Further, this zoning/testing system enhances the effectiveness of APHIS’ National TB Eradication Program by decreasing the likelihood that infected animals will be moved interstate or internationally. Both types of actions prevent the spread of TB and provide mechanisms to help VS trace, locate, and eradicate any outbreaks that occur. These activities enhance APHIS’ ability to allow U.S. animal producers to manage TB and compete in the world market of animal and animal product trade.
APHIS is asking OMB to renew its approval of these information collection activities for an additional 3 years.
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.
APHIS uses the following information collection activities to support the TB Eradication Program. APHIS does not share any of this information with any other government agency:
Annual Report for Retention of Status, Entire State or Each Zone Within a State (VS Form 6-38, Accredited Area Surveillance for Tuberculosis); (9 CFR 77.4); (State)
To qualify for renewal of status, State animal health authorities must submit an annual report to APHIS certifying that the State (or zone within the State) is complying with the provisions of the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, effective January 1, 2005. Federal personnel prepare this report in States lacking sufficient employees to do so. This report must be submitted to APHIS annually1.. It enables APHIS to carefully monitor State activities regarding TB surveillance, containment, and eradication.
Each report must include information on the population and status of cattle and bison herds (e.g., numbers of accredited herds and herds under quarantine) within the State or zone, the number of cattle and bison slaughtered, monitoring of slaughter surveillance and test response rates, and the identification of any cattle or bison herds or individual cattle and bison in which TB has been confirmed. Herds designated by State or Federal representatives as being at high risk for harboring TB based on testing history, possible exposure to TB, or other epidemiological linkage, as determined by the Administrator, must also be identified, and the report must indicate whether those herds have undergone required retesting. The report must document that the levels of TB testing, slaughter inspections, and necropsies were sufficient to meet requirements. The report must also include a narrative statement addressing how the State or zone has met these requirements.
Request for Zone Status, Application; (9 CFR 77.4(a)); (State)
State animal health officials may formally request that APHIS designate part of their State as having a different TB status than the rest of the State. In this request, State animal health authorities must clearly delineate the boundaries of the requested zone. They must also provide evidence that the State has an effective veterinary organization and infrastructure, as well as the legal and financial resources, to implement and enforce a TB eradication program.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Zones, Initial and Yearly Testing Renegotiation;
(9 CFR 77.4(a)(3)); (State)
As part of its application for and retention of zones, a State must enter into an MOU with APHIS in which the State agrees to any conditions for zone recognition or future advancement of status. These MOUs are subject to annual review.
Epidemiological Review of Zone Testing; (9 CFR 77.4(a)(2)); (State)
State animal health officials seeking APHIS approval to create a TB status zone must maintain, in each intended zone, clinical and epidemiological surveillance of animal species at risk for TB at a rate that allows detection in the overall livestock population at a 2 percent prevalence rate with 95 percent confidence. To support the formal request for zone status, APHIS requires that the TB epidemiologist (who may be either a State employee or a Federal employee) review reports of all testing for each zone within the State.
TB Management Plan - Findings of TB in a Species Not Covered (Typically Wildlife);
(9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11,77.13, 77.22, 77.24, 77.26 and 77.28); (State)
If TB is diagnosed in a species not covered in 9 CFR part 77 in any State or zone, and if an APHIS risk assessment determines that the outbreak poses a risk to livestock within the State or zone, then the State or zone must implement a TB Management Plan within 6 months of the diagnosis. This plan must include provisions for: (1) An immediate investigation of TB in livestock, wildlife, and animals held for exhibition; (2) the prevention of disease spread to other animals; (3) increased surveillance; (4) eradication in individual herds; and (5) a timeline for achieving this eradication. If the State or zone does not implement this plan within 6 months of diagnosis, APHIS will downgrade the State or zone's TB status.
Accredited Herd Written Herd Plan; (9 CFR 77.1); (State) (Business)
Producers of accredited bovine herds in States or zones with a known wildlife reservoir of bovine TB, or in a State or zone with a TB status of modified accredited or lower, must submit a written herd plan to be approved by the State TB epidemiologists. Federal personnel may prepare this plan in States lacking sufficient employees to do so. This plan describes adequate precautions taken and states that the herd has appropriate biosecurity measures in place that ensure the herd has not been exposed to TB during the accreditation process and will not be exposed to TB following accreditation.
Wildlife Risk Survey; (9 CFR 77.4(a)(2)); (State, Business)
When a wildlife component of disease exists in an area, State and Federal animal health officials may work with herd owners to conduct reviews which identify possible risks of disease infection from wildlife sources.
Report of Tuberculosis Eradication (Quarterly Report) (Formerly VS Form 6-2)2; (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
(Previously reported as “Report of Tuberculosis Eradication (Monthly Report)”)
Each State must prepare a report for the entire State or for each zone within the State within 30 days of the end of each quarter. The State's TB epidemiologist prepares and submits the report which covers the tuberculin testing that took place during the quarter and the reasons for the testing. Federal personnel may prepare this report in States lacking sufficient employees to do so. The epidemiologist submits data through the Data Integration Services (DIS) database, which APHIS staff access as needed. This process replaces VS Form 6-2.
Report of Suspicious Tuberculosis Lesions or Thoracic Granulomas in Regular Kill Cattle
(VS Form 6-35); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
This form is submitted by Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and State meat inspection personnel when they detect tuberculosis lesions or thoracic granulomas during slaughter examination. Personnel send reports to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL); the FSIS laboratory in Athens, GA; or California’s Department of Food and Agriculture laboratory for TB histopathology and bacteriology. All identification devices from the affected animal must be sent with the specimens to facilitate traceback of laboratory-positive cases to their herd of origin. The form identifies the samples, indicates what testing is needed, and provides any available clinical history.
Specimen Submission Form (VS Form 10-4); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11, 77.33); (State) (Business)
State and Federal employees use this form to submit specimens for TB examination to NVSL, for any reason other than routine slaughter inspection. Accredited veterinarians also use this form to submit blood samples to NVSL. VS Form 10-4 is completed with information identifying the individual animal from which the specimen was taken, the animal’s herd or flock, and the type of specimen submitted. It also sets forth the purpose for submitting the specimen. The form is then sent with the sample to the laboratory for analysis. Without the information contained on the form, NVSL personnel could not identify or properly process the specimens received for analysis.
Specimen Collection Form Supplement - Livestock/Wildlife (VS Form 10-7, Specimen Collection: Bovine Tuberculosis, Reactors, Suspects, and Trace-Exposed); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11, 77.33); (State)
State and Federal personnel complete this form to accompany samples from domestic livestock or wildlife submitted specifically on behalf of the TB program. It supplements VS Form 10-4.
Permit for Movement of Restricted Animals (VS Forms 1-27 and VS 1-27A (Continuation Sheet));
(9 CFR 77.17, 77.40); (State) (Business)
(Previously reported as “Restricted Animals Movement Permit (VS Forms 1-27 and 1-27A Continuation Sheet)”)
APHIS requires this form, or an equivalent State form, for all movements of TB-restricted animals. APHIS or State officials initiate the form using information obtained from the animal owner at the time animals are loaded for transport. The information includes the owner’s name and address, the animals’ points of origin and destination, the number of animals being moved, the purpose of the movement, and various pieces of animal identification data to identify each animal in the shipment. This form accompanies the shipment and is completed by Federal or State authorities and submitted to APHIS after the animals reach their destination.
Caudal Fold Test Record (VS Form 6-22, Cooperative State - Federal Tuberculosis Eradication Program Tuberculosis Test Record, and VS 6-22B, Continuation Sheet); (9 CFR 77.1); (State) (Business)
Accredited, State, or Federal veterinarians use this form and the other VS 6-22-series forms to record vital data and official identification regarding tuberculin tests conducted on cattle and other animals. The forms are submitted to either the State animal health office or the VS Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) for processing and entry into DIS or other databases. Individual animals and herds are tested for routine purposes such as sale, show, and milk ordinance and other State regulations. They are also tested for disease investigation where possible TB association has been shown.
Tuberculin Test Record (Special) (VS Form 6-22C); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
This form records data for the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT) applied by State or Federal veterinarians to animals classified as suspects after a previously applied caudal fold or single cervical test.
Comparative Cervical Tuberculin Test Results (VS 6-22D); (9 CFR 77.1, 77.34); (State)
This form graphs responses recorded on the VS 6-22C report by State or Federal veterinarians to aid in the final classification of an animal as negative, suspect, or reactor.
TB Test Record, Gamma; (9 CFR 77.1); (State) (Business)
Gamma tests are conducted only on cattle classified as suspect after a previously applied caudal fold test. APHIS requires that any laboratory conducting this test report results to the State TB epidemiologist so the epidemiologist can classify the animals tested. Federal personnel may classify animals in States lacking sufficient employees to do so.
Affected Herd Data; (9 CFR 77.1); (State)
When a herd is identified as TB-affected, the Federal area epidemiologists, with the State epidemiologist and Federal staff epidemiologists, assemble the available epidemiological data regarding the affected herd, proposed testing protocols, and estimated risks, and submit them to the Surveillance, Design and Analysis Group (SDA) of the Federal (VS) Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health. SDA works with VS TB staff to develop recommendations for the APHIS Administrator on whether APHIS will support a test-and-remove plan or a depopulation-and-repopulation plan with Federal indemnity funds.
Affected Herd Testing Results; (9 CFR 77.1); (State)
The Federal area epidemiologists, with the State epidemiologist, and Federal staff epidemiologists, assemble the data from each herd test required under a test-and-remove herd plan. The data is submitted to SDA to evaluate further herd management.
Approved Herd Plan (Individual Herd Plan) - Test and Remove Plan; (9 CFR 77.1); (State) (Business)
A State and/or Federal veterinarian works with the owner of a TB-affected herd to develop a written disease management plan. The plan helps the owner eradicate TB from the herd efficiently and effectively. Owners of infected herds who purchase replacement cattle must have an approved herd plan in place to qualify for APHIS indemnity if the cattle become reactors on subsequent tests. The plan is submitted to APHIS through the AVIC.
A test-and-remove plan must include appropriate herd test frequencies, tests to be used, and any additional disease or herd management practices deemed necessary to eradicate TB from the herd and to efficiently prevent further spread of infection.
Herd plans may require a change in herd management, construction of barriers, pest control, and, in some cases, additional surveillance for TB on the owner’s property. Compliance with an individual herd plan usually is evident during a site visit and the owner would not have to provide additional information or documentation.
Depopulation and Repopulation Agreement; (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
A State and/or Federal veterinarian will work with the owner of a TB affected herd to develop a written disease management plan. A depopulation-and-repopulation plan must be approved by APHIS, State agricultural officials, and State natural resources officials (if applicable). It must be in place before the premises may be restocked. The depopulation and repopulation plan ensures infection is not brought into the new herd. It may contain measures to mitigate the introduction of disease from non-livestock sources and to monitor the herd to ensure that disease has not returned.
Tuberculosis Infected Herd Field Report (VS Form 6-22A); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
Using information collected from State or Federal databases, sale yards, or test records, the State epidemiologist completes this form to record all identifying devices, descriptions, and origin information regarding TB reactors to determine sources of infection. The form is sent to the AVIC, with copies kept at the VS District Office. Federal personnel may prepare this report in States lacking sufficient employees to do so.
Report on Herd Revealing Reactors to Tuberculin Test (VS Form 6-4); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
This form, filled out by State or Federal veterinarians, provides a summarized history of the TB testing activities in an affected herd. It lists all TB tests completed on the herd, the number of responders, and the ultimate findings at slaughter. It also indicates the number of reactors by their origin, as well as the number of exposed cattle sold from the affected herd. Such information on sources of reactors and sales of exposed cattle is the focus of APHIS-State epidemiological investigations of affected herds.
Investigation for Evidence of Tuberculosis (Reactor) (VS Form 6-4A); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
This form is completed by the State epidemiologist and provides for complete coverage of the investigation made on every animal entering a TB-affected herd. Each purchased affected animal requires its own form. A single form may represent multiple animals if it is highly likely that they came from the same location. Federal personnel may prepare this form in States lacking sufficient employees to do so.
Investigation for Evidence of Tuberculosis (Exposed Animal) (VS Form 6-4B); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)
This form is completed by the State epidemiologist and provides for complete coverage of the investigation made on every animal that left a TB-affected herd. A separate form must be completed for each animal. A single form may represent multiple animals if it is highly likely their destination was the same location. Federal personnel may prepare this form in States lacking sufficient employees to do so.
Appraisal and Indemnity Claim (VS 1-23); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State)(Business)
APHIS requires producers to submit forms to receive indemnity payment for animals depopulated for TB. APHIS and State animal health personnel complete this form and provide the herd owners with the official value of the animals that will be indemnified. Herd owners must sign this form when they obtain an agreed-upon price per animal. The completed form is kept on file in the VS District Office.
Request for 15-Day Extension; (9 CFR 50.7); (Business)
The AVIC may extend the time limit for destruction of animals for TB purposes to 30 days after receiving a request from the herd owner for such an extension. The AVIC must receive the request before the original 15-day period expires. Circumstances beyond the control of the owner must warrant the extension. APHIS has no specific form or format for the request.
Proceeds from Animals Sold to Slaughter (VS Form 1-24); (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (Business)
The producer uses this form to record gross income from the slaughter sale of individual animals and all expenses related to the transportation, marketing, and slaughtering processes. The producer then sends the form to APHIS, which uses the information to arrive at a net salvage value to be used for determining net indemnity amounts allowable per individual animal.
Certificate for Movement; (9 CFR 77.8, 77.10, 77.12, 77.14, 77.16, 77.17, 77.23, 77.25, 77.27, 77.29, 77.31, 77.35-39); (State) (Business)
A movement certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) must accompany certain cattle, bison, or captive cervids moved interstate from States or zones with a TB status below accredited free. An accredited veterinarian or a State or Federal official issues the certificate in accordance with the applicable sections of 9 CFR part 77. All States use State health certificates for the movement of regulated animals as most State-required health certificates require more information than that indicated in 9 CFR part 77; the certificates are used regardless of Federal regulations.
Certificate for Movement - Retention of Movement Certificates; (9 CFR 77.4); (State)
To retain APHIS recognition of a TB status zone, a State must continue to comply with the requirements in 9 CFR part 77 as well as APHIS requirements for maintaining the TB risk classification of each zone within the State. This requires monitoring the movement of regulated animals into and out of zones as described above. APHIS requires State animal health authorities to retain for at least 2 years all certificates used for the movement of regulated animals.
Commuter Herd Agreement; (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (State) (Business)
A commuter herd agreement must be in place between the owner, State, and Federal officials before any commuter herd movement and must be reviewed and renewed annually to remain in effect. The commuter agreement allows the herd owner to move animals from pastures on opposite sides of a State or zone boundary without having to comply with interstate movement requirements. The cattle must move during normal ranching operations, without change of ownership, directly to or from another premises owned, leased, or rented by the same individual.
Recordkeeping for Approved Feedlots; (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (Business)
Approved feedlot owners must keep records for 5 years of all livestock identification, inventory, changes in inventory, and the origin and destination of all livestock moved into and out of approved facilities.
Template for Owner Participation; (9 CFR 77.7, 77.9, 77.11); (Business)
Livestock owners read and sign a document that indicates their voluntary participation in the evaluation of TB tests for approval as official TB eradication program tests.
Apply Label to Shipment; (9 CFR 77.33); (State) (Business)
NVSL provides accredited veterinarians performing TB testing on captive cervids pre-printed labels and shipping materials for shipping samples to NVSL. The labels bear the NVSL address (1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010) and must be applied to the package to ensure proper delivery. About 98 percent of the veterinarians submitting samples from captive cervids are private, accredited veterinarians. The remaining 2 percent are evenly divided between State-employed veterinarians and federally employed veterinarians.
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.
The program has made progress in automating its forms used in this information collection. APHIS is modernizing its Mobile Information Management (MIM) platform which will include VS Forms 1-23,
1-24, 1-27, 1-27A, 6-22, 6-22A, 6-22B, 6-22C, and 6-22D. The target date for full implementation is projected for 2025.
VS Form 6-35 is available as a fillable PDF and may be downloaded from the VS Forms website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/forms/ct_vs_forms.
VS Forms 6-4A, 6-4B, 6-22, 6-22B, 6-38, 10-4, and 10-7 are available as fillable PDFs and may be downloaded from the VS Forms website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/forms/ct_vs_forms. These forms require original signatures and must be printed to accompany samples sent to Federal laboratories.
VS Forms 6-2, 6-4, 6-22A, and 6-22C are available in PDF format but are not fillable. Because they require original signatures, they are not currently candidates for electronic submission.
VS Forms 1-23, 1-24, 1-27, 1-27A, 6-22D, and NVSL shipping labels are multi-part paper forms, continuation sheets, or self-adhesive labels. They require original signatures or are otherwise not currently suitable for electronic submission.
The following are not standardized forms but customized documents tailored to specific purposes and situations, and require original signatures. Currently, they are not available for electronic retrieval and submission. Examples and modified documents serving as templates may be used with each requirement.
Requests for State or zone status
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for split-State recognition
Epidemiological reviews of zone testing
TB management plans
Accredited herd plans
Wildlife risk surveys
TB test records, gamma
Affected herd data and affected herd testing results
Approved herd plans (depopulation and repopulation, and test-and-remove agreements)
Requests for 15-day extensions
Certificates of (interstate) movement
Commuter herd agreements
Inspection results of feedlot records
Agreements for owner participation in projects evaluating new TB tests
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 Federal agency responsible for preventing, detecting, controlling, and eradicating bovine TB from the United States. All burden within this collection is focused on specific aspects of the TB Surveillance and Eradication Program.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
APHIS estimates that 20 percent of the respondents for this information collection are small businesses. The information collected is the absolute minimum needed to initiate and maintain an effective bovine TB surveillance, containment, and eradication program in the United States.
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 was collected less frequently or not collected, APHIS would be unable to operate an effective bovine TB surveillance, containment, and eradication program. Consequently, TB would likely spread to areas of the United States that are currently not affected.
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;
To support a State’s formal request for zone status (Epidemiological Review of Zone Testing), APHIS requires that the State's TB epidemiologist review reports of all testing for each zone within the State within 30 days of the testing.
Also, each State must prepare a tuberculosis eradication report for the entire State or for each zone within the State within 30 days of the end of each quarter.
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 3 years;
Approved feedlot owners must keep records for 5 years of all livestock identification, inventory, changes in inventory, and the origin and destination of all livestock moved into and out of approved facilities. APHIS requires the 5-year retention to align with traceability regulation requirements and to facilitate disease tracking and eradication.
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.
No other special circumstances exist that would require this information collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the general information collection guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.
8. Describe efforts to consult with individuals 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, and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publications in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.
APHIS engaged in productive consultations with the following individuals regarding the bovine tuberculosis program and the information APHIS collects to administer its bovine TB surveillance, containment, and eradication program. We discussed with them how we and they obtain the necessary data and how frequently; how much data is available; the convenience and clarity of reporting formats and other collection instruments; and the clarity of, and necessity for, any recordkeeping requirements. Two of the three respondents did not express concerns with any of these items and had no further recommendations. One respondent provided feedback to emphasize the significant amount of time the State spends on specific TB data collection forms. Due to circumstances within the respondent’s State, APHIS expects that this State would spend more time collecting this data than other States. This variation was taken into consideration with the reported numbers.
Dr. Scott Leibsle
State Veterinarian/Administrator
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
2270
Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
Phone: (208) 332-8540
Email: scott.leibsle@isda.idaho.gov
Dr. Michael VanderKlok
Bovine TB & Cattle Programs
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 284-5690
Email: vanderklokm@michigan.gov
Dr. Angela Lackie
Assistant Executive Director, Animal Health Programs
Texas Animal Health Commission
P.O. Box 12966
Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 719-0705
Email: angela.lackie@tahc.texas.gov
On Thursday, November 3, 2022, APHIS published a 60-day notice on pages 66257 and 66258 of the Federal Register (87 FR 66257) seeking public comment on its plans to request renewal of this collection of information. No comments were received.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
This information collection activity involves no payments or gifts to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in 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 individuals 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.
See APHIS Form 71. APHIS estimates there are 1,053 respondents –1,000 businesses and 53 State, local, and tribal entities. Response and burden estimates were developed using historical data, calculations, and discussions with field and industry personnel.
APHIS estimates the total annualized cost to the above respondents to be $3,915,279 and arrived at this figure by multiplying the hours of estimated response time (56,036) by the respondents’ estimated average hourly wage of $48.22, and then multiplying the result by 1.449 to capture benefit costs. According to DOL BLS news release USDL-22-0469 dated 03/18/2022 (see www.bls.gov/news.release/ pdf/archives/ecec 03182022.htm), benefits account for 31 percent of employee costs, and wages account for the remaining 69 percent. Mathematically, total costs can be calculated as a function of wages, resulting in a multiplier of 1.449.
The USDL SOCC codes and average hourly wage for State animal health officials (11-0000, management occupations, $59.31); producers and owners, including feedlot owners (11-1020, general and operations managers, $55.41); accredited veterinarians (29-1131, veterinarians, $52.84); professional appraisers (13-1020, buyers and purchasing agents, $34.88); and laboratory technicians (19-1011, animal scientists, $38.65) were obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2021 Report - Occupational Employment and Wages in the United States.
13. Provide estimates of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information (do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in items 12 and 14). The cost estimates should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and startup cost component annualized over its expected useful life; and (b) a total operation, maintenance, and purchase of services component.
No annual cost burden is associated with capital and startup costs, operation and maintenance expenditures, and purchase of services.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government. 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.
See APHIS Form 79. The estimated annualized cost to the Federal Government is $1,782,335.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-1.
|
Requested |
Program Change Due to New Statute |
Program Change Due to Agency Discretion |
Change Due to Adjustment in Agency Estimate |
Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA |
Previously Approved |
Annual Number of Responses |
63,205 |
0 |
34,840 |
(60,960) |
0 |
89,325 |
Annual Time Burden (Hours) |
56,036 |
0 |
44,339 |
(16,133) |
0 |
27,830 |
The activity “Report of Tuberculosis Eradication (Quarterly Report)” was previously reported as “Report of Tuberculosis Eradication (Monthly Report)”.
The activity “Permit for Movement of Restricted Animals (VS Forms 1-27 and VS 1-27A (Continuation Sheet))” was previously reported as “Restricted Animals Movement Permit (VS Forms 1-27 and 1-27A Continuation Sheet)”.
This request for renewal includes 63,205 annual responses, and 56,036 hours of burden. There is a decrease of 26,120 responses and an increase of 28,206 hours of burden from the previous request.
A summary of these changes is shown in the two tables below. All discretionary changes are reassessments of estimated response times for affected activities.
Changes in Responses
PREVIOUS NEW TYPE OF
REGS REASON RESPONSES RESPONSES DIFFERENCE CHANGE
77.4 Annual Report (VS 6-38) 52 53 1 Adjustment 77.4 Request for Zone Status 1 2 1 Adjustment 77.4 MOU for Zone Recognition 1 2 1 Adjustment 77.4 Epidemiological Review 1 1 0 77.7 et al TB Management Plan 1 2 1 Adjustment 77.1 Accredited Herd Plan 16 4 (12) Adjustment
77.4 Wildlife Risk Survey 1,095 2,000 905 Adjustment
77.7 et al Monthly Report [VS 6-2] 24 208 184 Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-35 1,400 100 (1,300) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 10-4 19,875 874 (19,001) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 10-7 900 15 (885) Adjustment
77.17 et al VS 1-27 40,940 8,650 (32,290) Adjustment
77.1 VS 6-22, 6-22B 12,940 25,880 12,940 Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-22C 800 800 0
77.1 et al VS 6-22D 800 800 0
77.1 TB Test, Gamma 2,000 258 (1,742) Adjustment
77.1 Affected Herd Data 2 6 4 Adjustment
77.1 Affected Herd Testing 6 1 (5) Adjustment
77.1 Approved Herd Plan 11 8 (3) Adjustment
77.7 et al Depop/Repop Agreement 3 1 (2) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-22A 4 1 (3) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-4 30 1 (29) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-4A 500 12 (488) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-4B 800 49 (751) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 1-23 225 115 (110) Adjustment
50.7 15-Day Extension 25 25 0
77.7 et al VS 1-24 25 40 15 Adjustment
77.8 et al Certificate for Movement 6,000 22,500 16,500 Adjustment
77.4 Recordkeeping, Movements 4 4 0
77.7 et al Commuter Herd Agreement 34 2 (32) Adjustment
77.7 et al Recordkeeping, Feedlots 15 15 0
77.7 et al Template Owner Participation 20 1 (19) Adjustment
77.33 Apply Label to Shipment 775 775 0
_________ _________ _________
89,325 63,205 (26,120)
Changes in Burden
All of the discretionary changes are the results of reassessments of estimated response times per response.
PREVIOUS NEW TYPE OF
REGS REASON HOURS HOURS DIFFERENCE CHANGE
77.4 Annual Report (VS 6-38) 475 265 (210) Discretionary 77.4 Request for Zone Status 300 600 300 Adjustment 77.4 MOU for Zone Recognition 300 600 300 Adjustment 77.4 Epidemiological Review 5 5 0 Adjustment 77.7 et al TB Management Plan 300 600 300 Adjustment 77.1 Accredited Herd Plan 56 14 (42) Adjustment
77.4 Wildlife Risk Survey 2,190 4,000 1,810 Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-2 12 104 92 Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-35 224 9 (215) Discretionary
77.7 et al VS 10-4 3,180 141 (3,039) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 10-7 144 3 (141) Adjustment
77.17 et al VS 1-27 6,550 4,326 (2,224) Discretionary
77.1 VS 6-22, 6-22B 6,470 38,820 32,350 Discretionary
77.7 et al VS 6-22C 336 336 0 Adjustment
77.1 et al VS 6-22D 336 336 0 Adjustment
77.1 TB Test, Gamma 200 27 (173) Adjustment
77.1 Affected Herd Data 40 120 80 Adjustment
77.1 Affected Herd Testing 24 4 (20) Adjustment
77.1 Approved Herd Plan 230 140 (90) Adjustment
77.7 et al Depop/Repop Agreement 120 40 (80) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-22A 14 2 (12) Discretionary
77.7 et al VS 6-4 120 2 (118) Discretionary
77.7 et al VS 6-4A 750 18 (732) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 6-4B 1,200 74 (1,126) Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 1-23 1,450 115 (1,335) Discretionary
50.7 15-Day Extension 6 7 1 Adjustment
77.7 et al VS 1-24 1,000 800 (200) Discretionary
77.8 et al Certificate for Movement 1,002 3,758 2,756 Adjustment
77.4 Recordkeeping, Movements 160 160 0 Adjustment
77.7 et al Commuter Herd Agreement 24 2 (22) Adjustment
77.7 et al Recordkeeping, Feedlots 600 600 0 Adjustment
77.7 et al Template for Owner Participation 5 1 (4) Adjustment 77.33 Apply Label to Shipment 7 7 0 Adjustment
_________ _________ _________
27,830 56,036 28,206
16. For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.
APHIS has no plans to publish the information it collects in connection with this program.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
VS Forms 1-23 and 1-24 are used in 7 collections, the VS Forms 1-27 and 1-27A are used in six collections, and the VS 10-4 is used in 5 collections. It is not practical to include an OMB expiration date on these forms because of the various expiration dates for each collection. APHIS is seeking approval to not display the OMB expiration date on these forms.
APHIS has begun work on consolidating its “common forms” (forms used in multiple ICR’s) into a single ICR where the forms will display only one OMB control number and an approval expiration date.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act.”
APHIS can certify compliance with all the provisions in the Act.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
Statistical methods are not used in this information collection.
1 Formerly APHIS required this form to be submitted between October 1 and November 30 but has since moved to a soft deadline.
2 VS is retiring use of this form as it now collects the information via the Data Integration System from the involved State agencies.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Moxey, Joseph - APHIS |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2023-07-31 |