This ICR covers activities related to verifying compliance with restrictions related to importing dogs from an African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected country.
As of December 1, 2020, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service identified an inventory of 77.5 million hogs and pigs in the United States. APHIS Wildlife Services estimates feral swine are in at least 35 States with a rapidly expanding population of over 6 million. According to the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System, the U.S. swine industry is worth more than $22.5 billion, which without proper preparation could be put at risk if ASF was introduced into the United States. An ASF outbreak of any size or type, particularly a multistate outbreak, would likely have a sizeable and lingering economic impact for an extended period. An outbreak would immediately disrupt international exports of meat, meat products, and swine byproducts.
This request for emergency ICR affects 200 respondents submitting approximately 1,800 responses per year for an estimated 900 hours of burden. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a deadly disease that may potentially be transmitted via imported dogs. This ICR covers activities related to verifying compliance with restrictions related to importing dogs from an African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected country.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.