0047 Ss 20190510 3

SUPPORTING STATEMENT - OMB NO. 0579-0047
COOPERATIVE STATE-FEDERAL BRUCELLOSIS ERADICATION PROGRAM
May 2019
A. Justification
NOTE: This is a reinstatement of a previously approved information collection with
changes.
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify
any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of
the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the
collection of information.
The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 2002 is the primary Federal law governing the
protection of animal health. The law gives the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to detect,
control, or eradicate pests or diseases of livestock or poultry. The Secretary may also prohibit or
restrict import or export of any animal or related material if necessary to prevent the spread of
any livestock or poultry pest or disease. The AHPA is contained in Title X, Subtitle E, Sections
10401-18 of P.L. 107-171, May 13, 2002, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
Disease prevention and disease surveillance are the most effective methods for maintaining a
healthy animal population and for enhancing the United States’ ability to compete in the world
market of animal and animal product trade. The Veterinary Services (VS) unit of the USDA’s
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for administering regulations
intended to protect the health of the U.S. livestock population.
Brucellosis is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by bacteria of the genus
Brucella. The disease is characterized by abortions and impaired fertility in its principal animal
hosts. The disease infects humans through contact with infected animals or with certain body
fluids of infected animals. Usually Brucella abortus is associated with the disease in cattle or
bison, Brucella suis with the disease in swine, and Brucella melitensis with the disease in sheep
and goats. The continued presence of brucellosis in a herd seriously threatens the health, welfare,
and economic viability of the livestock industry. There is no economically feasible treatment for
brucellosis in livestock.
The Cooperative State-Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program is a national program to
eliminate this serious disease of livestock. The program is conducted under the authority of the
various States, supplemented by Federal authorities regulating interstate movement of infected
animals. Regulations in title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, (9 CFR) part 78 outline the
Cooperative State-Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. These rules stipulate the necessary
surveillance, epidemiological investigation, annual reporting, and interstate movement activities
that must be documented.
Minimum program standards known as the Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules
(UM&R) have been developed cooperatively by organizations representing the livestock
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industry, State animal health agencies, and USDA. State and Federal officials in charge of
program activities in each State are responsible for continuously evaluating the efficiency of
local procedures in locating and eliminating infected livestock. The minimum standards in the
UM&R must be met or exceeded throughout the certification period to maintain continuous
status.
In addition, the APHIS bovine brucellosis program regulations in 9 CFR part 78 provide a
system for classifying States or portions of States according to the rate of Brucella abortus
infection present and the general effectiveness of a brucellosis control and eradication program.
The program also provides for the creation of brucellosis management areas within a State and
for testing and movement mitigation activities before regulated animals are permitted to move
interstate. This system enhances the ability of States to move healthy, brucellosis-free cattle and
bison interstate and internationally. This management area and testing system also enhances the
effectiveness of the Brucellosis Eradication Program by decreasing the likelihood that infected
animals will be moved interstate or internationally.
The creation of brucellosis management areas allows States that have found B. abortus in
wildlife (which are nonregulated animals) to mitigate the risk of transmission and spread of
disease while maintaining the State’s disease-free status in regulated domestic livestock. The
State must sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Administrator that describes
its brucellosis management plan. The brucellosis management plan developed by the State must
define the geographic brucellosis management area and describe the surveillance and mitigation
activities that the State will conduct to identify occurrence of B. abortus in domestic livestock
and wildlife and potential risks for spread of the disease. The use of brucellosis management
areas necessitates the use of information collection activities including 1) the brucellosis
management plan, and 2) the MOU. The information provided by these documents is critical to
APHIS’ mission to prevent the introduction or spread of brucellosis.
APHIS is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve, for 3 years, its use of
these information collection activities in connection with APHIS’ efforts to eradicate brucellosis
from the United States.
2. Indicate how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information is to be
used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the
information received from the current collection.
APHIS uses the following information collection activities to demonstrate that program
requirements are being met for State and herd status and to demonstrate that program-allowed
activities, such as testing, vaccinating, and movement, are being conducted in accordance with
program rules.
9 CFR 78.1, 78.40, and 78.42: Application for Brucellosis Classification or Reclassification
of State or Area (VS Form 4-1 or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments)
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This form documents State or area status for bovine brucellosis. States are classified annually.
This form is prepared by the District Epidemiologist (DE), using data gathered from APHIS
databases and reports compiled and provided by other State and Federal personnel. The
completed VS Form 4-1 is then reviewed and signed by the State veterinarian and Assistant
District Director, and submitted for review and approval by Cattle Health Center (CHC) staff and
Director.
The form requires the following information so that the State can be classified appropriately:
• The name of the State or the area.
• Type of request (advancement or continuation of status) and regulation reference.
• General information regarding herd and cattle population statistics and the reporting period
dates.
• Brucellosis field blood testing summary information for Market Cattle Identification (MCI)
reactor and brucellosis ring test epidemiological investigations, including numbers of herds
and cattle tested and results of these blood tests, including number of reactor animals and
infected herds identified.
• Brucellosis surveillance testing summary information for brucellosis ring testing and MCI
surveillance, including numbers of herds and cattle eligible for surveillance testing.
• Summary information and statistics by case closure categories for reactor animals.
• Summary information for other species of domestic animals blood tested.
9 CFR 78.1 and 78.32: Application for Validation of a Brucellosis-Free Area (VS Form 41D or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments)
This form documents State or area brucellosis status for swine brucellosis. States or areas are
validated every 3 years. It is prepared by the DE, reviewed and signed by the State veterinarian
and District Director, and reviewed by the regional brucellosis epidemiologist and the brucellosis
program manager for a recommendation to approve or disapprove the application. The form
requires the following information so that the area can be approved as a validated brucellosisfree area:
• The name of the State, status applied for, and qualifying method.
• Complete herd (area) testing summary information, including numbers of herds and swine
tested and number of validated swine brucellosis-free herds.
• Market swine testing summary information, including numbers of samples tested from
collection at first points of concentration and slaughter, and numbers of breeding swine
slaughtered.
• Summary information for blood samples collected and tested for diagnostic, sale, and other
purposes.
• Summary information for combined surveillance.
• Summary information for Market Swine Test (MST) reactors, including total number of
MST reactors, number traced, and number not traced.
• Range of dates of testing for the application period.
• Brief narrative of swine brucellosis status of the State, including identification and
disposition of last infected animal.
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9 CFR 78.1: Certified Herd – Cooperative Brucellosis Eradication (VS Form 4-13 or
equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents brucellosis herd status for cattle and bison. Certified herds are recertified
annually. This form is prepared by the DE and reviewed and signed by the State veterinarian and
Assistant District Director. The form includes the following information:
• Name of State and owner’s name and address.
• Number and description (type) of animals in the herd.
• Herd certification period ending date.
9 CFR 78.1: Quarterly Report of Swine Brucellosis Eradication Activities (VS Form 4-59
or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments)
This form is used for swine brucellosis program planning and in preparing national statistics and
reports regarding the progress of the national swine brucellosis program. This form is prepared
by the DE, using data gathered from APHIS databases and reports compiled and provided by
other State and Federal personnel. The completed form is then reviewed and signed by the State
veterinarian and District Director, and submitted for review and approval by the regional
brucellosis epidemiologist and the swine health program manager. The form requires the
following information to be submitted on a quarterly basis:
• Name of State, stage of program, and date (month/year).
• Summary data for samples collected at markets and slaughter establishments to include
number of sows and boars tested and number of reactors and suspects, for farm of origin
samples collected in the reporting State, and for farm of origin samples collected in other
States.
• Summary data for traceback of MST reactors and suspects, reported by numbers traced to
known infected herds, traced and complete herd tests required, traced and complete herd test
not required, traced to dealers, traced to other States, unable to trace, and test results pending.
• Summary data for on-farm testing as broken out by reason for test (tracebacks, diagnostic,
epidemiology, surveillance, validated herd, and change of ownership) and to include numbers
of herds tested and number of swine tested when no infection was found and when infection
was found.
• Summary data for sources of new herd infections; data reflects number of new herds infected
by purchased swine, exposure to feral swine, community spread, unknown source, or other
source.
• Summary data for swine brucellosis infected herds in the State to include numbers of herds
under quarantine, new infected herds, and herds released from quarantine.
• Summary data for herds depopulated and indemnified.
o Summary information regarding each swine brucellosis-infected herd, to include name
and address of herd owner, method of determination and source of infection, results of all
testing in the herd since the last report, herd inventory, and plans for eliminating swine
brucellosis from the herd.
9 CFR 78.1: Cooperative State-Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program, Brucellosis Test
Record (VS Form 4-33 or equivalent) and Brucellosis Test Record Continuation Sheet (VS
Form 4-33A or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
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The forms are prepared by the veterinarian (an accredited veterinarian or State or Federal
veterinarian) doing the testing. The VS-approved brucellosis laboratory records the test results
on the form. The DE reviews the form and classifies the animals tested. The form is prepared as
needed to document brucellosis testing of animals for movement, private sale, show, or
exhibition; herd certification; and brucellosis epidemiological investigations. These forms are
used to document on-farm or on-ranch brucellosis testing. They include:
• The herd owner’s name, address, county, herd number, premises ID number, and GPS
coordinates.
• The reasons for the tests, the type of herd tested, and whether the tests are complete herd tests
of all eligible animals.
• The individual animal identification and description of each animal tested and the test results.
9 CFR 78.1: Brucellosis Test Record Market Cattle Testing Program (VS Form 4-54 or
equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents brucellosis testing at slaughter facilities and livestock markets. The form
lists the name and address of the location where samples were drawn. The form is prepared by
the individual at the slaughter facility contracted to collect the blood samples or by the
veterinarian (accredited veterinarian or State or Federal veterinarian) at the livestock market
doing the testing. The VS-approved brucellosis laboratory (identified by name and address on the
form) identifies the names and addresses of the animals’ owners and records the test results on
the form. The DE reviews the form and classifies the animals tested. The form is prepared daily
at the slaughter facilities and whenever it is required at the livestock markets.
9 CFR 78.1: Report of Backtags Applied (VS Form 4-52 or equivalent) and Report of
Backtags Applied, Continuation Sheet (VS Form 4-52A or equivalent) (Private Sector)
These forms document the application of MCI backtags at slaughter facilities and livestock
markets. They are prepared by a designated slaughter facility individual, a designated livestock
market individual, or a State or Federal market inspector. The following information is collected
on these forms:
• The name, address, and type of the location where the tags were applied.
• The name and job responsibility of the person applying the tags.
• Inventory of the tag applied, to include the tag number, date applied, corresponding sales tag
number, any brand information, and the herd owner’s name, address, and county.
The completed forms are submitted to the appropriate program manager in the State or VS
District office on a daily to monthly basis depending on the number of backtags applied. A data
entry clerk enters the date into the appropriate database and files the report for use in brucellosis
epidemiologic investigations.
9 CFR 78.1, 78.10: Calfhood Vaccination Record (VS Form 4-26 or equivalent) (State,
Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents brucellosis vaccination or reapplication of a brucellosis tattoo. The forms
record:
• The name and address of the herd owner; herd number and owner number
• The kind of herd (beef, dairy, or mixed)
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The vaccine used, including serial number and expiration date, and dosage used
The date of vaccination and vaccination tattoo applied
Information identifying the cattle vaccinated, including the age, breed, sex, and grade
Information identifying the veterinarian performing the vaccination
Information if re-establishing the vaccination status, including the date of re-establishment,
when a vaccination tattoo is reapplied

The accredited veterinarian or the State or Federal veterinarian performing the vaccination
prepares the form whenever brucellosis vaccination occurs. The form is submitted to the
appropriate brucellosis program personnel in the State where the vaccination is performed. The
data is entered in the appropriate database and is used in preparing the VS Form 4-1 and in
epidemiological investigations.
9 CFR 78.1: Recordkeeping (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
Records are maintained by producers, State and Federal animal health agencies, livestock
markets, livestock dealers, slaughter establishments, dairy plants, laboratories, animal agriculture
agencies, breed registries, and private veterinary practitioners. The information primarily
encompasses animal identification, animal location, animal movement, and animal health
management activities. In addition, diagnostic testing information is maintained as part of routine
surveillance activities as well as disease investigation activities.
Various documents are kept for various lengths of time depending on their purpose. Record
retention periods range from 2 years to 10 years. The recordkeeping requirement documents
compliance with program regulations and enables APHIS to trace animals for disease
epidemiological investigations.
Current animal identification requirements for cattle and swine provide a means for all cattle and
swine in interstate commerce to be traced through marketing channels. The regulations require
that cattle and swine be identified while in interstate commerce, and that records be maintained
showing ownership of the cattle and swine. The types of records normally kept (waybills, bills of
lading, dock receipts, and tagging tickets) are records normally kept by the business to properly
pay for the livestock after sale. APHIS uses this same information for disease tracebacks.
9 CFR 78.1: Field Investigation of Brucellosis Market Test Reactors (VS Form 4-106 or
equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
The DE, appointed State or Federal brucellosis program person, or investigating regulatory
veterinarian prepares the form as needed and uses the data in preparing the VS 4-1. This form
documents the findings of brucellosis epidemiological investigations conducted after finding a
brucellosis reactor animal. Information recorded on this form includes:
• Summary information regarding initiation of the investigation, the origin of the test sample,
laboratory testing information, and animal backtagging information.
• Reactor animal identification information.
• Information for tracing to herd of origin.
• Herd information.
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Summary information for tracing exposed animals.

9 CFR 78.1: Log for Market Cattle Test Reactors (VS Form 4-100 or equivalent) (State,
Local, and Tribal Governments)
This form is used to summarize the VS 4-106 (Field Investigation of Brucellosis Market Test
Reactors). The DE prepares or updates the form as needed and uses the data in preparing the VS
4-1. The information recorded on the form includes:
• MCI blood sample ID, sample test results, animal identification accompanying the sample,
and name of the laboratory where the sample was tested.
• The name and address of the consignor of the animal from which the MCI blood sample was
collected and total number of cattle in the consignment.
• The destination of the reactor cattle in the consignment.
• The date of the field investigation, including the date the herd of origin was tested and the
result of that herd test.
9 CFR 78.1: Epidemiologic Investigation of Brucellosis Reactor Herd (VS Form 4-108 or
equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents information of epidemiological importance when a herd is found to be
infected with brucellosis. (VS Forms 4-108A, VS 4-108B, and VS 4-108C, described below, are
supplements to this form. These forms are all completed at the same time.) Information recorded
on this form is collected by the DE or assigned State or Federal field veterinarian and includes:
• Name and address of the herd owner and the herd number.
• The reason for testing the herd.
• Summary herd status information including clinical signs present, vaccination status of the
herd, and number and location of other herds under the same ownership or management.
• Type of operations, cattle census on the premises, number of susceptible species on the
premises, and herd breeding program.
• Traceback and contact herd information including possible and probable sources of infection,
origins, movement, and sales of animals in the herd, and accompanying documents.
• Quarantine and permits information, including names of six nearest herd owners, quarantine,
quarantine release, and movement permit requirements.
• Documentation of communication with the herd owner regarding herd plan and test schedule
and documentation of completing other forms in the 4-108 series and remarks.
9 CFR 78.1: Origin of Reactors/Herd Additions (VS Form 4-108A or equivalent) (State,
Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents the origin of reactor animals and herd additions. Information recorded on
this form is collected from the herd owner by the DE or assigned State or Federal field
veterinarian and includes:
• The name and address of the current herd owner, county location, and herd number.
• Information identifying the origin of reactors and herd additions, including sources, animal
identification and description, and test results.
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9 CFR 78.1: Animals Removed from Infected Herds (VS Form 4-108B or equivalent)
(State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents animals removed from the infected herd. Information recorded on this form
is collected from the herd owner by the DE or assigned State or Federal field veterinarian and
includes:
• The name and address of the current herd owner, county of location, and herd number.
• Information identifying the list of animals sold or otherwise removed from the herd,
including sources, animal identification and description, and test status.
9 CFR 78.1: Epidemiological Report – Area Herds (VS Form 4-108C or equivalent) (State,
Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form lets APHIS evaluate whether animals have been mingled, and to determine whether
other herds in the area need to be evaluated to detect disease spread. It identifies premises with
cattle in the vicinity of the infected herd. Information recorded on this from is collected by the
DE or assigned State or Federal field veterinarian and includes a diagram showing the location of
infected and other herds in the same vicinity and the following information for each of those
herds:
• The name and address of the herd owner, county of location, and the herd number.
• Diagram showing location of infected and other herds in the same locality.
• The names and addresses of owners of herds in the same vicinity, dates these owners were
contacted, and dates herds are scheduled for test or an explanation if no test is required.
9 CFR 78.1, 78.9, 78.11, 78.20, 78.25, 78.30, and 78.34: Permit for Movement of Animals
(VS Form 1-27 or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
This form documents the movement of brucellosis reactor, exposed, or suspect animals to
provide assurance that the animals are not diverted in shipment. This document is prepared, as
needed, by an accredited veterinarian or State or Federal veterinarian before the animals are
moved. A copy of the form accompanies the animals to their destination. Personnel at the
destination acknowledge receipt of the animals. Information recorded on this form includes:
• Name and address of the shipper or consignor, consignee, and owner at the time the disease
condition was diagnosed.
• State where the VS 1-27 is issued, location of the premises the animals are moved from, the
type and purpose of the movement, and the number and species of animals in the shipment.
• Disease and classification status of the animals, the herd of origin and of the area of origin.
• Transportation vehicle identification, seal number, and vehicle cleaning and disinfection
instructions.
• Breed, sex, disease brand, and complete identification tag information for each individual
animal to be moved in the shipment.
• Signature of issuing individual, date and time issued, and expiration date and time.
• Owner, shipper, or trucker identification and title.
• Location and date animals received, number of animals received, and date slaughtered or
quarantined.
• Documentation of date and time seals broken and identification of authorized individual.
• Documentation of cleaning and disinfection of conveyance vehicle if required.
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9 CFR 51.1, 51.10, 51.20, and 51.33: Appraisal and Indemnity Claim for Animals
Destroyed, Materials Destroyed, or Services Provided (VS Form 1-23 or equivalent);
Appraisal and Indemnity Claim for Animals Destroyed, Materials Destroyed, or Services
Provided Continuation Sheet (VS Form 1-23A or equivalent); Proceeds From
Animals/Animal Products/Materials Sold for Salvage (VS Form 1-24 or equivalent); and
Appraisal and Indemnity Request for Affected Premises Using Contract Growers (VS
Form 1-26 or equivalent) (Private Sector)
These forms document appraisal values of the animals and approval of payment to the ownersclaimants (including contract growers). They are prepared by the Assistant District Director. The
Assistant District Director submits the completed forms to the CHC staff for review and
approval, then to the District Director for processing of the request to transfer funds. Information
recorded on these forms includes:
• Date animals or materials to be destroyed are appraised, dates destroyed, and date of cleaning
and disinfection.
• The disease for which the action is being taken.
• The name and address of the owner-claimant, the name of all partners if joint ownership, and
the location of the premises where the appraisal is made.
• The number, species, age, sex, breed, and identification of each animal appraised.
• The appraisal value per unit, unit type, and weight or number of units appraised.
• The total appraisal value of grade and purebred animals or materials appraised.
• Amount due from either or both Federal and State agencies, once adjusted for salvage value.
The two information collection activities described below are needed to provide indemnity to
owners of goats, sheep, or horses destroyed because of brucellosis. These animals rarely contract
brucellosis; APHIS has this indemnity program as a safeguard in the event that brucellosis is
detected in a band, flock or herd of these animals. This program enables APHIS to purchase
infected or exposed animals in a timely manner, thus preventing the possibility of disease spread.
Proof of Destruction
Before receiving indemnity for animals destroyed because of brucellosis, the owner must submit
documentation of destruction to the District Director. These documents may include a
postmortem report; a meat inspection certification of slaughter; a written statement by a State
representative, APHIS representative, or accredited veterinarian attesting to the destruction of the
animals; a written, sworn statement by the owner or caretaker of the animal attesting to the
destruction of the animals; or a permit (VS Form 1-27) consigning the animal from a farm or
livestock market directly to a recognized slaughter establishment.
Extension Request
Ear tags or other forms of animal identification must be applied within 15 days after the animals
are condemned. The District Director may extend this time limit to 30 days if he or she receives
a request for extension from the owner (either verbally or in writing). After the condemned
animals are removed from their holding location, all structures, holding facilities, conveyances,
and materials contaminated due to the presence of these animals must be properly cleaned and
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disinfected within 15 days from the date the animals are removed. The District Director may
extend this time limit to 30 days if he or she receives a request for extension from the owner
(either verbally or in writing).
9 CFR 78.1, 51.1, 51.10, 51.20, and 51.33: Justification for Brucellosis Herd Depopulation
(VS Form 4-6 or equivalent) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments)
This form is used to obtain approval for the destruction of infected herds. It is prepared as needed
by the DE, approved by the District Director, and submitted to the CHC staff. It is also used to
assist with appraisal and indemnity activities.
9 CFR 78.1, 51.1, 51.10, 51.20, and 51.33: Agreement for Complete Herd Depopulation –
Brucellosis (VS Form 4-7 or equivalent) (Private Sector)
This form is prepared as needed by the DE, approved by the District Director, and submitted to
the CHC staff. It is also used to assist with appraisal and indemnity activities. The form lists the
name and address of the herd owner, the species and number of animals in the herd, the number
of exposed nonreactors to be destroyed, and a description of the nonreactor animals.
9 CFR 71, 78.1, 78.9, 78.11, 78.20, 78.25, 78.30, and 78.34: Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection (CVI) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
These certificates (state-issued forms) are prepared as needed by an accredited veterinarians to
document interstate movement of animals. These certificate contain: (1) the number and
description of animals to be moved, (2) a statement that the animals are not showing signs of
infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases, (3) the purpose for which the animals are to be
moved, (4) the shipment’s points of origin and destination, and (5) the names and addresses of
the consignor and consignee. These certificates are used in brucellosis epidemiological
investigations if brucellosis is detected in an animal or herd.
9 CFR 78.1, 78.9, 78.11, 78.20, 78.25, 78.30, and 78.34: Quarantine and Quarantine Release
Forms (State, Local, and Tribal Governments and Private Sector)
These state-issued forms are prepared as needed by State animal health officials to document the
quarantine of brucellosis-affected animals or herds and release from quarantine of animals or
herds. These state-issued forms also document that the appropriate procedures have been used to
prevent transmission of brucellosis to other animals or herds.
9 CFR 78.1: Brucellosis Management Plans (no form)(State, Local, and Tribal
Governments)
Any State in which APHIS has determined wildlife are infected with B. abortus must develop
and implement a brucellosis management plan approved by APHIS. APHIS may also require a
Class Free State or area to develop and implement a brucellosis management plan under any
other circumstances if APHIS determines it is necessary to prevent the spread of brucellosis.
APHIS may reclassify to a lower status any State or area that has not implemented an approved
brucellosis management plan within 6 months of being required to develop one. The brucellosis
management plan, which is written by State animal health and (if necessary) wildlife officials,
must 1) define and explain the basis for the geographic area in which a disease risk exists from
B. abortus and to which the brucellosis management plan activities apply; 2) describe
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epidemiologic assessment and surveillance activities to identify occurrence of B. abortus in
domestic livestock and wildlife and potential risks for spread of disease; and 3) describe
mitigation activities to prevent the spread of B. abortus from domestic livestock and/or wildlife,
as applicable, within or from the brucellosis management area. The State officials submit the
plan for review to the APHIS. The plan is reviewed by APHIS VS officials at the District and
Headquarters levels before being signed by State animal health (and, if necessary) wildlife
officials as well as APHIS officials. APHIS retains the original plan. States generally keep a
copy for their records, but are not required to by APHIS.
9 CFR 78.1: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Brucellosis Management Plans
(no form) (State, Local, and Tribal Governments)
As part of the process for developing and implementing a brucellosis management plan, the State
must enter into an MOU with APHIS which describes the brucellosis management plan the State
will administer. The MOU is prepared by APHIS and State animal health and wildlife (as
appropriate) officials and signed by all parties. The MOU must be updated annually.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other
forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and
the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any
consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
Automated and electronic information technology is available and used by States to submit their
annual and monthly reports (VS Form 4-1 and VS Form 4-1D) directly into the program’s
disease database (SCS) via Web access, reducing the burden of accessing data. In addition,
APHIS VS or the State’s animal health agency may enter data from VS Forms 4-26, 4-33, 433A, and 4-54 directly into the program’s disease database.
The SCS is an internal program database maintained by APHIS VS. Access to this database is
limited; approved users have a user ID and passcode. The SCS is also set to be State-specific; in
other words, each State has a separate access point opened by using the State postal code. For
example, for Maryland, a user would use this URL: https://scs.aphis.usda.gov/MD. For a
different State, change “MD” to the 2-letter State postal code.
APHIS continues to refine the SCS by developing a more comprehensive systems/processes to
allow for the sharing of animal identification, animal movement, and animal health management
activities across all disease programs with the intent is to significantly increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of data collection and data management.
APHIS developed electronic versions of VS Forms 4-33 and 4-26 to be used in the Mobile
Information Management (MIM) system. Information collected via the MIM system can also be
uploaded into the SCS. These electronic forms can be used in the field and incorporate use of
electronic animal identification information being applied and read onsite to populate the
appropriate information collection fields on these forms. Use of these automated forms
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significantly can decrease the time and collection burden on producers, private veterinary
practitioners, and State and Federal animal health officials.
The following VS Forms are available as fillable fileable pdfs – either on the APHIS VS Forms
Web site or sent to respondents: 1-23, 1-23A, 1-24, 1-26, 1-27, 4-1, 4-1D, 4-26, 4-33, 4-33A, 452, 4-52A, and 4-54.
The brucellosis management plan and MOU are each unique to each situation; however, the
documents may be drafted and submitted to APHIS via email.
Documents used for proof of destruction associated with appraisals and indemnity claims may be
submitted by any convenient means, including email and other electronic means, at the discretion
of the APHIS.
Requests for extending certain deadlines associated with this program can be made via phone,
fax, or electronically, as well as by hard copy.
The CVI forms and Quarantine and Quarantine Release forms are State-issued forms. Some, but
not all, States use and accept electronic CVIs.
APHIS strives for continual improvement and, thus, will continue efforts to further streamline
and automate its collection instruments and methods.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information
already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose described in item 2
above.
The information that APHIS collects in connection with this program is not available from any
other source. APHIS is the only Federal agency responsible for preventing, detecting,
controlling, and eliminating brucellosis and other domestic diseases of animals and poultry from
the United States.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe
any methods used to minimize burden.
The information collected is the absolute minimum needed to conduct effective brucellosis
surveillance, control, and eradication efforts. APHIS estimates that 90 percent of the private
sector respondents are considered small entities.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not
conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to
reducing burden.
12

If the information were conducted less frequently or not at all, APHIS would be unable to
conduct an effective brucellosis surveillance and eradication program. Consequently, brucellosis
would likely spread to areas of the United States that are currently classified free of the disease
which could have a potentially devastating effect on U.S. livestock markets and trade.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with the general information collection guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5,
such as:
•

requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than
quarterly;
VS 4-52 – Report of Back Tags Applied: The form is submitted on a daily to monthly
basis depending on the number of back tags applied.
VS 4-54 – Brucellosis Test Record Market Cattle Testing Program: The form is
prepared daily at the slaughter facilities and whenever it is required at the livestock
markets.
APHIS requires reporting and collection of information at frequent intervals to ensure
that program activities are being carried out as regulations require. Moreover, frequent
testing and rapid review of results allows APHIS and States to respond promptly and
appropriately to the brucellosis situation in the State or District.

•

requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in
fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
Ear tags or other forms of animal identification must be applied within 15 days after the
animals are condemned. The District Director may extend this time limit to 30 days if he
or she receives a request for extension from the owner (either verbally or in writing).
After the condemned animals are removed from their holding location, all structures,
holding facilities, conveyances, and materials contaminated due to the presence of these
animals must be properly cleaned and disinfected within 15 days from the date the
animals are removed. The District Director may extend this time limit to 30 days if he or
she receives a request for extension from the owner (either verbally or in writing).

•

requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any
document;

•

requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government
contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than 3 years;
13

•

in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

•

requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and
approved by OMB;

•

that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security
policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing
of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

•

requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential
information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to
protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

No other special circumstances exist that would require this information collection to be
conducted in a manner inconsistent with the general information collection guidelines in 5 CFR
1320.5.
8. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the
availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping,
disclosure, or reporting form, and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or
reported. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of
publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, soliciting comments on the
information collection prior to submission to OMB.
APHIS engaged in productive consultations with the following stakeholder organizations by
email and phone to discuss the information APHIS collects to administer its brucellosis
management program. APHIS discussed with them how we obtain the necessary data and how
frequently; how much data is available; the convenience and clarity of reporting formats and
other collection instruments; and the clarity of, and necessity for, any recordkeeping
requirements. The respondents stated via email or phone that they had no concerns with any of
these items and had no further recommendations.
Paul Sundberg
National Pork Board
1776 N.W. 114th Street
Clive, IA 50325
Office Telephone No.: 515-223-2600 (2764)
Dr. Martin Zaluski, State Veterinarian
Animal Health Division, Montana Department of Livestock
14

P.O. Box 202001
Helena, MT 59620-2001
Office Telephone No: 406-444-2043
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Jim Logan, State Veterinarian
Wyoming Livestock Board
610 Fairgrounds Road
Riverton, WY 82501
Office Telephone No: 307-857-4140
E-mail: [email protected]
On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, pages 63825-63826. Volume 83, No. 238, APHIS
published in the Federal Register, a 60-day notice seeking public comments on its plans to
request a reinstatement and 3-year approval of this information collection. During that time, one
comment was received from a concerned citizen about her perception of the general
maltreatment of animals which is not relevant to the purpose of this information collection.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than
reenumeration of contractors or grantees.
This information collection activity involves no payments or gifts to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
No additional assurance of confidentiality is provided with this information collection. Any and
all information obtained in this information collection shall not be disclosed except in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a, APHIS-15, APHIS Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring
System, and APHIS-6, Veterinary Services—Brucellosis Information System and Brucellosis
Recording and Reporting System.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the
questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be
given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to
obtain their consent.
Questions of a personal nature are not found in this information collection.
15

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. Indicate the
number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of
how the burden was estimated.
•Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an
explanation of how the burden was estimated. If this request for approval covers more than
one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour
burdens in Item 13 of OMB Form 83-I.
See APHIS Form 71. Burden estimates were developed based on real-time use and discussions
with commercial livestock farm owners and managers; animal agriculture-related business
owners and managers; private veterinarians; animal agriculture-related agencies and
organizations; breed registry agencies; agriculture extension agents; fair and exhibition officials;
owners, operators, and managers of livestock markets; owners, operators, and managers of
slaughter establishments and dairy plants; and State animal health officials and laboratory
personnel (including wildlife biologists).
•Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of
information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.
APHIS estimates the total annualized cost to these respondents to be $11,151.356.70. APHIS
arrived at this figure by multiplying the hours of estimated response time (247,321 hours) by the
estimated average hourly wage of the above respondents ($30.66) and then multiplying the result
($7,582,861.86) by 1.4706 to capture benefit costs.
APHIS derived the estimated wage by averaging the following figures from the U.S. Department
of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics (see https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.htm).
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers: $38.43
Animal scientists:
$32.54
Agricultural technicians
$24.52
Veterinarians
$50.59
Animal breeders
$21.71
Ranch farmworkers
$13.87
Inspectors
$22.10
Wildlife Biologists
$41.54
According to DOL BLS news release USDL-18-1499, dated September 18, 2018 (see
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf), benefits account for 32 percent of employee
costs, and wages account for the remaining 68 percent. Mathematically, total costs can be
calculated as a function of wages using a multiplier of 1.4706.
13. Provide estimates of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers
resulting from the collection of information (do not include the cost of any hour burden
16

shown in items 12 and 14). The cost estimates should be split into two components: (a) a
total capital and start-up cost component annualized over its expected useful life; and (b) a
total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.
No annual cost burden is associated with capital and startup costs, operation and maintenance
expenditures, and purchase of services.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Provide a description
of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been
incurred without this collection of information.
The annualized cost to the Federal government is estimated at $8,938,810.31. (See APHIS
Form 79.)
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or
14 of the OMB Form 83-1.
ICR Summary of Burden:

Requested

Program
Program
Change Due to Change Due to
Change Due Change Due to Adjustment in
Potential
Previously
to New
Agency
Agency
Violation of the Approved
Statute
Discretion
Estimate
PRA

Annual Number of
Responses

957,102

0

0

0

957,102

0

Annual Time
Burden (Hr)

247,321

0

0

0

247,321

0

Annual Cost
Burden ($)

0

0

0

0

0

0

This is a reinstatement of a previously approved information collection resulting in 247,321 total
burden hours.
This information collection submission includes the Brucellosis Management Plan (+3
responses, + 480 hours) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Brucellosis
Management Plan (+3 responses, +480 hours) which were previously approved under 05790438.
The Recordkeeping burden for the State, Local, and Tribal Government (+52
recordkeepers/responses, +5,200 recordkeeping hours/hours) has been added to this information
collection submission.

17

The following burden activities/forms are no longer used by the brucellosis program; therefore,
they have been removed from this information collection submission resulting in -8,924
responses and -6,377 hours:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

VS Form 4-80 (-1,800 responses, -150 hours)
VS Form 4-33D (-624 responses, -2,496 hours)
VS Form 4-54D (-624 responses, -2,496 hours)
VS Form 4-34 (no change in burden figures) (see VS Forms 4-33 and 4-33A)
VS Forms 4-39 and 4-39A (-4,472 hours, 1,118 hours)
VS Form 4-38 (-1,404 responses, -117 hours)
VS Form 4-24 (no change in burden figures) (see VS Form 4-26)

In addition, the following burden activities/forms were adjusted in this information collection
package submission to more accurately reflect their burden resulting in -21,185 responses and 4,797 hours:
•
•
•
•
•
•

VS Form 4-13 (no change for responses, -12 hours)
VS Forms 4-33 and 4-33A (-10,870 responses, -1,848 hours)
VS Form 4-54 (+44 responses, +7 hours)
VS Forms 4-52 and 5-52A (-10,359 responses, -1,516 hours)
VS Form 4-26 (no change for responses, -1,440 hours)
VS Forms 1-23, 1-23A, 1-24, and 1-26 (no change for responses, +12 hours)

16. For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans
for tabulation and publication.
APHIS has no plans to publish information it collects in connection with this program.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
Not applicable. APHIS will display the OMB expiration date on VS Forms 4-1, 4-1D, 4-6, 4-7,
4-13, 4-26, 4-33, 4-33A, 4-52, 4-52A, 4-54, 4-100, and 4-106.
APHIS is seeking approval to not display the OMB expiration date on VS Forms 4-108, 4-108A,
4-108B, and 4-108C, because these forms are serially numbered to track the movement of the
shipment for regulatory purposes. Also they are composed of multiple parts using carbon to
provide copies. It is not practical to store these forms for long periods of time because the carbon
breaks down in storage.
APHIS is seeking approval to not display the OMB expiration date on VS Forms 1-23, 1-23A, 124, 1-26, and 1-27, because these forms are used in more than one information collection;
18

therefore, it is not practical to include an OMB expiration date because of the various expiration
dates for each information collection. However, APHIS is considering reorganizing information
collections so that all of the uses of these forms can be contained in one information collection.
APHIS is also considering making these forms common forms.
18. Explain each exception to the certification Statement in the "Certification for
Paperwork Reduction Act."
APHIS can certify compliance with all provisions under the Act.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
There are no statistical methods associated with the information collection activities used in this
program.

19