In the August 12, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS") issued a final rule amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan ("NPIP"), its auxiliary provisions, and the indemnity regulations for the control of H5 and H7 low pathogenic avian influenza. Specifically, the rule clarifies who may participate in the NPIP, amends participation requirements, amends definitions for poultry and breeding stock, amends the approval process for new diagnostic tests, and amends slaughter plant inspection and laboratory inspection and testing requirements. These changes will align the regulations with international standards. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2014 National Plan Conference. The rule was effective September 12, 2016.
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