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USDA/APHIS

RIN: 0579-AC02

Publication ID: Fall 2008

Title: Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds
Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for use in research.
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended the definition of animal in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by specifically excluding birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus, bred for use in research. While the definition of animal in the regulations contained in 9 CFR part 1 has excluded rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, that definition has also excluded all birds (i.e., not just those birds bred for use in research). In line with this change to the definition of animal in the AWA, APHIS intends to establish standards in 9 CFR part 3 for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than those birds bred for use in research.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards and other requirements governing the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain animals by dealers, research facilities, exhibitors, operators of auction sales, and carriers and immediate handlers. Animals covered by the AWA include birds that are not bred for use in research.

Alternatives: To be identified.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: To be determined.

Risks: Not applicable.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	02/00/2009
NPRM Comment Period End	04/00/2009

Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes
Agency Contact: Darrel Styles Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone:301 734-0658