Comment from Lee Jan, DVM, Texas Animal Health Commission

I have read the document and have the following comments for your consideration: On page 42319, under the heading, Restrictions Following Arrival in the United States, APHIS proposes prohibiting horses, allowed entry for noncompetitive public exhibition and entertainment purposes, from entering competitions. Should APHIS be concerned about the reason for importation? I believe the regulations should be designed to protect the health of U.S. equines, and not be concerned about the use of the imported equines. A temporary entry permit is acceptable as long as the equines meet the requirements of 93.304 and 93.314, import permit and health certificate. This proposal also will require the health certificate for noncompetitive entertainment horses to certify that cultures negative for CEM have been collected from each horse on three separate occasions within a 7-day period, with the last set of specimens collected within 30 days of exportation. The stated purpose for this requirement is that this would help to ensure that horses infected with CEM do not enter this country and jeopardize the health of the U.S. horse population. That is a good plan that should be applicable to horses entering the U.S. for competition as well. On page 42321, under the heading, Trust Fund Agreement and Cost of Government-Provided Services, the average salary, per hour, for an APHIS representative, among other factors, is used to establish estimated costs. APHIS should clarify that the average salary used in the calculation is the average salary of APHIS personnel qualified to perform duties required to conduct the required inspection and monitoring.