USDA Seeks Simpler Livestock Sample Reporting from Vets and Farmers
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants to update and keep collecting info about livestock disease checks. This affects farmers and vets who submit animal samples, with a chance to share thoughts by March 10, 2026. No big cost changes, just smoother ways to keep animals healthy and safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Forms Are Critical to Disease Surveillance
APHIS states that Specimen Submission and Parasite Submission forms are routinely used when blood, milk, tissue, urine, or tick samples from animals (cattle, cervids, swine, sheep, goats, horses, poultry) are sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and that without this information APHIS could not effectively operate disease surveillance or identify animals and herds for disease prevention and eradication.
Three-Year Extension of Specimen Forms
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will request Office of Management and Budget approval to continue its Specimen Submission information collection (OMB Control Number 0579-0090) for an additional 3 years. The notice asks for public comment on or before March 10, 2026.
Time Burden Per Specimen Submission
Each specimen submission is estimated to average 0.325 hours per response. APHIS estimates 14,860 respondents, an average of 6 responses per respondent, 95,060 total annual responses, and a total annual burden of 30,930 hours.
Estimated Burden Has Increased
APHIS states it has amended this information collection due to an increase in the number of respondents, the number of responses, and the total burden hours reported for the collection.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10294 — Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of an Information Collection; Standards for Privately Owned Quarantine Facilities for Ruminants
The USDA wants to update and keep collecting info from privately owned quarantine facilities that care for ruminants like cows and deer. This affects facility owners who must follow new rules to keep animals safe and healthy. Comments on these changes are open until July 21, 2026, and the update helps protect animals without adding big costs.
2026-09639 — Notice of Request for Revision To and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Restrictions on Importation of Live Poultry, Poultry Meat, and Other Poultry Products From Specified Regions
The USDA wants to keep rules on importing live poultry and poultry products from certain places, but they’re updating the paperwork involved. This affects farmers, importers, and businesses dealing with poultry, who’ll need to keep up with the new info collection. Comments on these changes are open until July 13, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!
2026-08418 — Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Pale Cyst Nematode
The USDA wants to keep collecting info to stop the pesky pale cyst nematode from spreading across states. They’re updating and extending the paperwork rules that farmers and businesses must follow when moving certain plants. If you’re involved, get ready to share info by June 29, 2026, but don’t worry—this helps protect crops without adding big costs.
2026-07891 — Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Spongy Moth Identification Worksheet and Checklist
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants to keep using the Spongy Moth Identification Worksheet and Checklist to help track and manage spongy moths. This affects people involved in monitoring these pests and asks for public comments by June 22, 2026. No new costs or big changes are planned—just a smooth extension to keep fighting these pesky moths.
2026-07748 — Importation of Fresh Leaves and Stems of Glasswort From Israel Into the United States
Starting April 21, 2026, fresh leaves and stems of glasswort from Israel can be imported into the U.S. This change affects importers and consumers by allowing a new, safe product on the market after careful checks to prevent pests. The USDA made sure the right plant health rules are in place to keep American farms safe without slowing down trade.
2026-06955 — Import Regulations for Horses; Pre-Export Examination
Starting May 11, 2026, horses imported to the U.S. no longer need a special vet’s signed exam within 48 hours before leaving their home port. This change helps horse owners and shippers avoid tricky paperwork delays without lowering safety standards. If you’re in the horse import game, get ready for smoother, faster trips and fewer hoops to jump through!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00239 — Debt Management Advisory Committee Meeting
On February 3, 2026, the Treasury’s Debt Management Advisory Committee will meet behind closed doors to give expert advice on managing the nation’s debt and financing plans. Their recommendations could influence how the government borrows money, affecting the economy and financial markets. While the public won’t see the meeting, the Treasury will share a summary later, helping keep borrowing smart and stable.
Next: 2026-00242 — Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge
The Oak Ridge Environmental Management Advisory Board is holding a public meeting on February 11, 2026, to talk about cleaning up and managing waste at the site. Anyone interested can join in person or online and share their thoughts. This meeting helps make sure the community’s voice is heard about important environmental decisions.