July 2023
Supporting Statement
Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health (CEAH),
National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS)1 Sheep 2024 Study
OMB Control Number 0579-XXXX
A. Justification
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.
This submission is a request for approval to initiate the National Animal Health Monitoring System’s (NAHMS’)1 Sheep 2024 study, an information collection by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The study will consist of two phases. In Phase 1, a National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) enumerator will contact up to 4,970 total producers and conduct interviews with consenting producers with 1 or more ewes in 30 States2. Respondents will be asked to consent to allowing NASS to securely transfer their contact information to APHIS–NAHMS-designated data collectors for further participation in the study. Phase 2 (APHIS phase) will consist of completing the producer agreement and an on-farm questionnaire. In addition, biologic sampling will be available to selected participants that complete the Veterinary Services (VS) Initial Visit questionnaire. The collection will support the following objectives:
The collection will support the following objectives:
Describe management and biosecurity practices associated with, and producer-reported occurrence of, common economically important diseases in sheep.
Describe antimicrobial stewardship on sheep operations and estimate the prevalence of enteric pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Describe management practices producers use to control internal parasites and reduce anthelmintic resistance.
Describe changes in animal health, nutrition, and management practices in the U.S. sheep industry from 1996-2024.
Provide a serologic bank for future research.
In Phase 1 of the Study, a NASS-designated enumerator will contact and conduct interviews with producers having 1 or more ewes (General Sheep Management Questionnaire). Respondents will be asked to consent (Informed Consent Form) to allowing NASS to present their names to APHIS-designated data collectors (Federal or State Veterinary Medical Officers – VMO’s – or Animal Health Technicians – AHT’s) for further consideration in the study. Phase 2 (APHIS phase) will consist of completing the producer agreement (Producer Informed Consent) and an on-farm questionnaire (VS Initial Visit Questionnaire). In addition, biologic sampling will be available to selected participants who complete the Veterinary Services (VS) Initial Visit questionnaire.
The information collected through the Sheep 2024 study will be analyzed and organized into descriptive reports. Several information sheets will be derived from this report and disseminated by APHIS to producers, stakeholders, academia, veterinarians, and other interested parties. Participation in this study is voluntary; it is up to the individual producer to decide whether or not it is desirable to participate.
Collection and dissemination of animal health data and information is mandated by 7 U.S.C. § 391, the Animal Industry Act of 18843, which established the precursor of the APHIS, Veterinary Services, and the Bureau of Animal Industry. Legal requirements for examining and reporting on animal disease control methods were further mandated by 7 U.S.C. § 8308 of the Animal Health Protection Act, “Detection, Control, and Eradication of Diseases and Pests,” May 13, 20023.
Collection, analysis, and dissemination of livestock and poultry health information on a national basis are consistent with the APHIS mission of protecting and improving American agriculture’s productivity and competitiveness. In connection with this mission, the NAHMS program includes periodic national commodity studies to investigate animal health related issues and examine general health and management practices used on farms. These studies are driven by industry and stakeholder interest, and information collected is not available from any other source on a national basis. Information about health and management practices on U.S. sheep operations is useful to various parts of the sheep industry as well as many Federal and State partners.
In addition, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is required to monitor antimicrobial use, resistance, and management practices in livestock under California Food and Agriculture Codes 14400-14408. In accomplishing this requirement, CDFA is further directed to collect these data in coordination with NAHMS, where possible, that the data be collected voluntarily, and that the data be used for monitoring and educational, not regulatory, purposes.
NAHMS staff has completed a needs assessment which was a collaborative effort with producers, researchers, extension veterinarians, Federal and State personnel, and clinicians. Almost 1,100 stakeholders responded to the needs assessment, and information gathered was used to determine the study objectives.
The NAHMS Sheep 2024 study will be the fourth opportunity to provide national estimates on U.S. sheep production and health. NAHMS Sheep 2011 was the last in-depth study of the US sheep industry. As part of NAHMS Sheep 2011, data were collected from the top 22 sheep producing states on baseline information about animal health issues, health and management practices and biosecurity practices on U.S. sheep operations. The 22 states in the Sheep 2011 study represented 70.1 percent of U.S. farms with ewes and 85.5 percent of the U.S. ewe inventory (NASS 2007 Census of Agriculture).
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.
Data collected, analyzed, and interpreted will be disseminated to a wide variety of constituents4. Producers will use the information to compare their operation’s animal health and productivity with other flocks regionally and nationally. Producer groups and veterinarians will use information derived from analyses to improve preventive measures and information outreach efforts. Pharmaceutical and biologics companies will use the information to plan and develop research and marketing strategies for their products. Extension veterinarians will use the information to identify diseases and disease trends. State and Federal officials, responsible for regulatory veterinary medicine, will use the information to gain a more complete picture of animal health as a basis for program planning and to direct priorities to research. State and Federal officials will use the data to make scientifically based decisions. Public health officials will use the information to estimate the magnitude of health conditions which could affect public health. Research scientists will use the information to define current and future animal health issues and direct research programming. Veterinary and agricultural students will use these data to determine the occurrence, potential risk factors, and cost of animal disease as a foundation for training in health management, animal welfare, nutrition, and environmental impacts. The benefit to the industry from Sheep 2024 study is scientifically valid national estimates of health and management practices of the nation’s sheep industry.
APHIS will use the data collected to:
Establish national and regional production measures for producer, veterinary, and industry reference;
Predict or detect national and regional trends in disease emergence and movement;
Address emerging issues;
Examine the economic impact of health management practices;
Provide estimates of both outcome (disease or other parameters) and exposure (risks and components) variables that can be used in analytic studies in the future by APHIS;
Provide input into the design of surveillance systems for specific diseases;
Provide parameters for animal disease spread models.
Sheep 2024 Study Data Collection Forms
Phase 1
General Sheep Management Questionnaire; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be administered during and after the NASS January 2024 Sheep and Goat Report to producers with 1 or more ewes by producers or by NASS-designated enumerators, to collect data on the producer’s sheep inventory, general management practices, and sheep disease knowledge. A unique NAHMS identification number is assigned to each operation. NASS will enter and validate data collected and provide consenting producer reports to the APHIS–NAHMS coordinators. The complete dataset will be securely transferred to NAHMS in Fort Collins, Colorado. Upon completion, scanned versions of questionnaires (without producer contact information) completed on paper will be securely transferred to NAHMS in Fort Collins, Colorado, for data validation. Questionnaires will be retained by the data collector to facilitate validation.
Informed Consent Form; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be sent along with mailed questionnaires and/or administered by a NASS-designated enumerator to producers who complete Phase 1, to obtain consent to be contacted by an APHIS-designated data collector for Phase 2. The form will be provided and/or explained to the producer during completion of the Phase 1 questionnaire. This form will provide the producer with complete information regarding the requirements and data protections regarding their potential participation in Phase 2 of the Study. If the producer consents to the opportunity to participate in Phase 2, they will indicate their consent on the General Sheep Management Questionnaire. Upon completion of Phase 1, NASS will securely transfer an electronic dataset to APHIS that contains the information needed for APHIS to complete Phase 2 of the Study. APHIS will contact producers if and only if they have consented to be contacted for Phase 2. APHIS will not know the identities of producers who do not consent to the sharing of their information in order to participate in Phase 2.
Phase 2
VS Initial Visit Questionnaire; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be administered to consenting producers by an APHIS-designated data collector to collect data on management practices relating to animal health. Surveys will primarily be collected electronically, with a paper-based mode as a secondary mode. Electronic data will be uploaded to a central database. Upon completion, any forms completed on paper (without producer contact information such as name or address) will be returned to NAHMS in Fort Collins, Colorado for data entry and validation. Questionnaires will be retained by the data collector to facilitate validation.
Producer Informed Consent; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be presented to the participant by the APHIS-designated data collector upon entry into Phase 2 of the study. This form is designed to increase the participant’s understanding of the study focus, highlight confidentiality safeguards, and explain participation requirements and benefits. After completing the form with the participant, it will be signed by the participant and the APHIS-designated data collector. One copy of this agreement will be left with the participant and one copy will be retained by the APHIS-designated data collector.
Biologic Sampling
Blood and Swab Collection Record; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be used by the VS data collector (Federal VMO other authorized personnel such as Federal AHT, state VMO or AHT) to record information about blood samples and interdigital swabs taken from sheep on each participating operation. Collection records will primarily be collected electronically, with a paper-based mode as a secondary mode. Samples will be sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for processing and banking and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Iowa. Any completed paper forms will be returned via U.S. mail (pre-paid postage envelope) to NAHMS for data entry and validation and a copy is retained by the data collector to facilitate validation.
Fecal Parasite Resistance Sample Collection Record (Composite); 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be used by the VS data collector (Federal VMO other authorized personnel such as Federal AHT, State VMO or AHT) to record information on composite fecal samples taken from up to 25 individual sheep to be tested for the presence of nematodes via a fecal egg count and anthelmintic resistance to the top 3 classes of dewormers through a Drenchrite laboratory test. Collection records will primarily be collected electronically, with a paper-based mode as a secondary mode. Samples will be sent to a qualified laboratory (Louisiana State University) for testing. Test results will be returned to NAHMS. Any completed paper forms will be returned via U.S. mail to NAHMS for data entry and validation and a copy is retained by the data collector to facilitate validation.
Enteric Microbe Individual Sample Collection Record; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; Private Sector
This document will be used by the VS data collector (Federal VMO other authorized personnel such as Federal AHT, State VMO or AHT) to record information on individual fecal samples taken from sheep to be tested for the presence of selected gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus). Collection records will primarily be collected electronically, with a paper-based mode as a secondary mode. Samples will be sent to a qualified laboratory (North Carolina State University, Iowa State University, NVSL) for pathogen isolation. Isolates will be shipped to NVSL for characterization of antimicrobial resistance patterns. Test results will be returned to NAHMS. Any completed paper forms will be returned via U.S. mail (pre-paid postage envelope) to NAHMS for data entry and validation and a copy is retained by the data collector to facilitate validation.
VS Field Staff Visits; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; State, Local, Tribal Government
State data collectors will support the completion of the VS questionnaire and biologics collection on phase II and biologic sampling operations.
Producer Evaluation Questionnaire; Private Sector
This document will be used by the participant to provide an evaluation of the NAHMS Sheep 2024 study. The questionnaire will be left with consenting producers who completed the VS Initial Visit Questionnaire by an APHIS-designated data collector. The anonymous questionnaires will be returned to NAHMS via U.S. mail (pre-paid postage envelope) for data entry and validation and a copy will be retained by the data collector to facilitate validation. In addition, there will be a postcard with a QR code on it that will link to a Qualtrics (electronic) questionnaire.
After Action Field Survey; 7 U.S.C. 391 and 8308; State, Local, Tribal Government
State officials assisting with the study will be asked to complete an after action survey about their experiences with the producers and the Agency.
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.
Electronic technologies will be used to help promote the Sheep 2024 study and will be used for questionnaire completion for the respondents when possible. Sheep owners and others affiliated with the sheep industry will learn about the Sheep 2024 study via paper mailings, APHIS–NAHMS email messages, association membership groups, notices published in hard copy magazines, web sites, trade magazine emails, and other agricultural publications.
For Phase 1 and Phase 2, electronic data collection systems will be used where possible. It is expected that 75% of responses to both phases will be made using an electronic data collection system, including the use of computer-assisted self-interviews, computer-assisted telephone interviews, and computer-assisted personal interviews. These additional means of collection are being used to expand access to the study survey for people who need or prefer electronic or telephone options for participating in the study; providing these means will reduce burden for producers who would have difficulty or limited time for completing and mailing back a paper survey.
Since biological samples will be collected, an on-farm visit is required and provides an opportunity for the data collector to administer the questionnaire.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose(s) described in item 2 above.
Literature searches for existing data relevant to the Sheep 2024 study have been performed. Available data were reviewed and compiled from all known sources. Sources reviewed include cooperative State research, private industry and professional publications, diagnostic laboratories, other Federal and State agencies, the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP), the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, and universities such as the University of Wyoming, and Louisiana State University. Personnel from Federal agencies and academia were consulted in their area of expertise to identify areas of potential duplication. No other entity/source is collecting and analyzing this type of information on the health of the U.S. sheep industry.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.
Approximately 30 percent of the sample, or almost 1,500 producers are expected to have 1–19 ewes. Approximately 90 percent of the sample, or almost 4,500 producers are expected to have fewer than 500 ewes. The Small Business Administration’s Federal Government standards outlined in the North American Industry Classification Systems Codes defines a small agricultural business as having annual business receipts of $750,000 or less. Using data from the NASS 2012 and 2017 Censuses of Agriculture, only the largest (5,000 or more head) and second largest (2,500 to 4,999 head) size categories of sheep operations had reported sales of sheep close to this threshold. Therefore, it is expected that as much as 95 percent of the sample is expected to be classified as a small agricultural business, based on estimates of average annual sales of sheep.
This survey is designed to collect the minimum amount of data required from a minimum number of producers with sheep to ensure statistically and scientifically valid data. This is done by both tailoring the information requested on the questionnaires themselves as well as building in skip and routing logic to request specific information only from the subsets of the respondent group from which the information is needed. Industry and producer input is solicited to ensure that information collected is relevant and timely. This is a voluntary study; it is at the discretion of the individual producer to decide whether or not it is desirable for them to participate.
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.
Twelve years have passed since the last NAHMS Sheep study and a new look at the health and management practices is needed. The type and quality of data collected by the NAHMS through national on-farm collections is unique, no other entity is collecting this type of information in the U.S.
Without this type of national data, the U.S.’ ability to detect trends in management, production, and health status, either directly or indirectly, would be reduced or nonexistent. The possibility of assessing the reduction of risk to human health from food borne pathogens and zoonotic diseases due to management changes based on NAHMS data would also be nonexistent. Furthermore, the ability to respond to international trade issues involving the health status and production practices of the U.S. sheep population would be severely reduced, potentially impacting the global marketability of animals, meat, and byproducts. Disease spread models would not have the necessary parameters to more accurately predict the spread of an outbreak.
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
Phase 1 will take place in fewer than 30 days after first contact; however, a prepared written response is not required of respondents. Phase 2 will take place within 3 to 6 months after first contact. Survey will be administered electronically, over the phone, and on paper. Field staff will mail biological sampling kit to designated laboratory on behalf of respondents the day of sample collection, which is part of Phase 2.
No other special circumstances exist that would require this 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.
The following people were consulted during the planning and coordination of the Study:
Ms. Amy Hendrickson
American Sheep Industry Association, Liaison
Tel. 303-771-3500
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Adriano Vatta
Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Associate Professor
Tel. 225-578-9206
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Megan Jacob
North Carolina State University, Professor and Director of Diagnostic Laboratories
Tel. 919-513-6236
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Jaymes Adams
California State Department of Agriculture, Epidemiologist
Tel. 916-576-0301
Email: [email protected]
We regularly consult with these individuals regarding study objectives, goals and plans, and they help to recommend questions and biologics collections that are beneficial to the industry.
APHIS published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2023 (see 88 FRN 2317) a 60-day public comment notice for this information collection request. We received two comments, neither of which recommended substantive changes to the information collection request. One was from a citizen generally opposed to the study. The other was from the American Sheep Industry Association who was very supportive of the study.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
APHIS will provide no direct payments or gifts to respondents. The biological sampling provided to producers completing the biologics portion of the study does have a monetary value, valued at approximately $3,200 ($1,500 for fecal pathogens, $600 for fecal parasites, and $1,100 for lameness pathogens) per farm if producers were to independently perform these tests. However, APHIS gets a reduced cost on laboratory testing compared to any individual producer due to APHIS signing cooperative agreements with publicly funded laboratories for testing in bulk; this is why the laboratory test costs on APHIS 79 Form are cheaper per test than the estimates cited in this paragraph.
This sampling is a means of gathering valuable information concerning the presence and prevalence of important sheep parasites and fecal pathogens that cannot be provided via other means, but the sampling can also be seen as an incentive to participate as it can be used by the producer to gain a better understanding of the disease status of their animals and inform management decisions. Additionally, the fecal pathogen testing will look for some economically important microbes that can be pathogenic, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter; this information will be helpful for the industry in providing national baseline numbers.
Communication back to respondents will include a thank you card sent by NASS to those who complete the survey, providing them with an information product from the survey and letting them know that aggregate survey results are available. Additionally, results of the biological testing will be securely returned to the individual producers so that they can use the information in the management of their flock. Respondents will receive biologics reports identified by NAHMS ID only via email or mail or delivered by a field staff.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
Phase 1 (the NASS collection phase) and the questionnaire portion of Phase 2 (the APHIS collection phase, not including biological sampling) of the Study will be collected under the Confidential Information protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA). Only the NASS- or APHIS-designated data collector collecting on-farm data will have knowledge of the participant’s identity, connected with questionnaire information. All forms, data, and reports will refer to the respondent by a numeric code, which is assigned by NASS. NAHMS will destroy the link between participant and numeric code will be destroyed once data collection, entry, validation, and report dissemination are complete. NAHMS will not link survey information with participant name or contact information. All completed survey forms received by NAHMS will be stored securely in a limited access records room.
The biological sample collection portion of Phase 2 (the APHIS collection phase) will not be protected under CIPSEA. Respondent information will be protected by ensuring that no identifying information is linked to the data after entry into a dataset. Personally identifiable information is not linked to biologic sample collection form responses or results and is destroyed after biologic reports are returned to the producer. Samples sent to cooperating labs will only have a unique participant ID. Only summary estimates based upon the inference population will be reported. All forms and datasets held by APHIS will refer to the respondent by a unique numeric code, which is assigned by NASS. While every effort will be made to ensure respondent confidentiality, it is possible that information could be released as required by a Freedom of Information Act request, or in the case of required disease reporting. However, since names, addresses, and personal information will not be collected on forms, no connection can be made between a completed questionnaire or laboratory results and the respondent.
Regarding coordination with CDFA, except in collaboration on data collection within the State, NAHMS will share aggregate, and not record-level information, to CDFA for sheep operations in California to fulfill California Food and Agriculture Codes 14400-14408 to monitor antimicrobial use, resistance, and management practices in livestock. The identity of the producer will be withheld, and no individual responses will be shared or published.
Additionally, NASS has statutory protection that allows them to keep on-farm data (such as producer name and address information) confidential. Several U.S. Codes apply to data collected by NASS:
Title 7, Section 2276 - Confidentiality of Information.
Title 18, Section 1902 - Disclosure of Crop Information and Speculation Thereon.
Title 18, Section 1905 - Disclosure of Confidential Information Generally.
There are also additional protections available through CIPSEA:
Title V of E-Government Act of 2002, Public Law 107-347, Section 513. Fines and Penalties.
Title V of E-Government Act of 2002, Public Law 107-347, Section 512. Limitations on Use and Disclosure of Data and Information.
Every NASS and APHIS employee or other individual that may handle a questionnaire, or data coming from a completed questionnaire, is required to sign a form governing certification and restrictions on use of unpublished data. Furthermore, once data are published, individuals are limited to the use of aggregate data files. Access to individual data files is restricted to maintain respondent confidentiality.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and 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.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature used in this collection activity.
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 71. The agency estimates there are 4,970 respondents and 8,000 hours of burden for this study. The respondents include ranchers and state agricultural officials.
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using the correct wage rate categories.
The estimated annualized cost to respondents is $467,163.
The estimated annualized cost to rancher respondents is $445,383, computed by multiplying the estimated average hourly wage ($40.29) by the total number of burden hours (7,629), and then multiplying the product ($307,372) by 1.449 to capture benefit costs. The wage for SOCC 11-9013 was obtained from the U.S. DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/current/oes_stru.htm. According to DOL BLS news release USDL-23-0488, employee benefits account for 31 percent of employee costs, and wages account for the remaining 69 percent. Total costs can be calculated as a function of wages using a multiplier of 1.449.
The total estimated annualized cost to state agricultural officials is $21,780, computed by multiplying the estimated compensation cost ($58.08) by the total number of burden hours (375). The compensation cost was obtained from the U.S. DOL Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics news release USDL-23-0488.
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 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.
There are no capital/start-up costs or ongoing operations and maintenance costs for respondents or record keepers associated with this information collection.
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.
See APHIS 79. The estimated cost to the Federal Government is $2,275,073.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.
This is a new information collection request.
16. For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.
Information from this survey will be summarized immediately following the collection, editing, and validation of the data. Data will be entered into a database management system, and statistical calculations will be performed, e.g., descriptive statistics including frequency distribution, prevalence, and point estimates. Variance measures and confidence intervals for the point estimates will be calculated in order to describe the precision of the descriptive statistics generated. SAS survey procedures or SUDAAN software from Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) will be used to correctly calculate the standard error to account for the complex study design. Standard errors will be published along with the point estimates.
Considerable effort has been placed on reducing the time between the end of data collection and release of a final publication. Electronic information in the form of dashboards and PDF reports from the study will be made available to producers, universities, researchers, practitioners, animal health related industries, Federal agencies, legislators, and any other interested party. Copies of current and past information from the NAHMS are available on the NAHMS website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms.
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.
The OMB approval expiration date will be displayed on the electronic and paper surveys and read over the phone. APHIS is not seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval on the forms used in this collection.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act.”
APHIS is able to certify compliance with all provisions in the Paperwork Reduction Act.
1 The National Animal Health Monitoring System is responsible for collecting national data on animal health and productivity from voluntary participants.
2 Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
3 7 United States Code § 391, and 7 U.S.C. § 8308, are available upon request.
4 A complete list of publications using NAHMS Sheep data is available on the web at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms/.
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