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Statement of Need: We are proposing to amend the regulations after conducting a thorough review of relevant scientific literature and a comprehensive evaluation of the issues and concluding that the proposed changes would continue to guard against the introduction of BSE into the United States, while allowing the importation of additional animals and animal products into this country.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Under the Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate regulations to prevent the introduction into the United States or dissemination of any pest or disease of livestock.

Alternatives: We could leave the bovine regulations unchanged. The current regulations are not consistent with the latest scientific information, however, and, as a result, are more restrictive than necessary. Another alternative--modifying the BSE regulations related to the importation of bovines and bovine-derived products to precisely match the OIE guidelines without allowing for modification deemed necessary by APHIS--would not allow APHIS to independently interpret the scientific literature or reflect current USDA regulations and policies. Making no changes to the current regulations that govern the importation of cervids and camelids would perpetuate an unnecessary constraint on trade in those commodities, because cervids and camelids pose an extremely low BSE risk.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Undetermined.

Risks: APHIS has concluded that the proposed changes would continue to guard against the introduction of BSE into the United States.