Agency: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Action: Reopening of Comment Period
Why it matters: USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking comments on a proposed rule about creating regulations that govern the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP). US SHIP would be a voluntary livestock improvement program to improve biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine health. Establishing a health improvement plan would allow participating sites to market their products with the relevant certification status. This would limit disruptions to international and interstate commerce during outbreaks. Currently, no health improvement program exists for the swine industry. Comments received by March 31, 2025, will be considered.