Notice of Availability of a Bovine Tuberculosis Program Concept Paper

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes this opportunity to comment on the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (USDA APHIS) concept paper "A New Approach for Managing Bovine Tuberculosis: Veterinary Services' Proposed Action Plan"(Docket No. APHIS‐2009‐0073). Additionally we greatly appreciate the approach APHIS has taken in soliciting input from stakeholders prior to initiating rulemaking. Undertaking a much needed new approach to a longstanding regulatory program is challenging and as with all change, often disconcerting to affected parties. The ability to have an open dialogue which would not be possible under rulemaking restrictions is appreciated and will be beneficial for all parties as we move towards the future of reaching a common goal of eliminating this disease from the United States. Please review the attachment for our complete set of comments.