DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
9 CFR Part 77
[Docket No. APHIS–2008–0067]
Tuberculosis; Amend the Status of California From Accredited Free to Modified Accredited Advanced

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.

SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations to remove California from the list of accredited-free States for bovine tuberculosis and reclassify the State as modified accredited advanced. Because two affected cattle herds have been detected in California since November 2007, the State no longer meets our requirements for accreditedfree status. This action is necessary to reduce the likelihood of the spread of bovine tuberculosis within the United States.

DATES: This interim rule is effective September 18, 2008. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before November 17, 2008.
Compliance Date: The date for complying with certain requirements of 9 CFR 77.10 for sexually intact heifers, steers, and spayed heifers moving interstate from California is delayed until further notice (see ‘‘Delay in Compliance’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). The compliance date for all other provisions in 9 CFR part 77 applicable to the interstate movement of cattle and bison from the State of California is September 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/ component/ main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS- 2008-0067 to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2008–0067, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2008–0067.

Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690–2817 before coming. Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. C. William Hench, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Tuberculosis Eradication Program, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. B, MSC 3E20, Ft. Collins, CO 80526; (970) 494–7378.