USDA Tracks Blood and Tissue Samples From Slaughterhouses and Livestock Markets
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants to update and keep collecting info about blood and tissue samples at places where animals are slaughtered, rendered, or sold. This affects businesses like slaughterhouses and livestock markets, who must keep good records. They’re asking for public comments by December 15, 2026, and the changes won’t add extra costs but help keep things safe and organized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Recordkeeping and Agreement Requirements
If you run or work at a slaughtering, rendering, or livestock marketing facility, you must enter APHIS Approval or Listing Agreements that let the agency inspect, collect blood and tissue samples, record animal identification, make timely notifications, provide sale-day schedules, post quarantine signs, and maintain required records. APHIS is asking OMB to renew this information collection for an additional 3 years (OMB Control Number 0579-0212); the agency estimates 3,368 respondents, 3 responses per respondent (10,866 total responses), an average reporting burden of 0.273 hours per response, and 2,970 total annual burden hours. Public comments are due by December 15, 2026.
Increased Sampling During Outbreaks
APHIS may increase blood and tissue sampling at selected facilities when a disease outbreak is suspected and later reduce sampling when testing shows the area is clear or the disease is eradicated. Sampling is used to detect disease presence or absence, estimate incidence or prevalence, and to trace animals that test positive.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2025-04813, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Delay of Effective Date, and Request for Comment
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
2025-01836, Horse Protection Amendments; Postponement of Regulations
The USDA is delaying new horse protection rules that were set to start on February 1, 2025, pushing them back 60 days to April 2, 2025. These rules affect horse shows, exhibitions, and sales by requiring trained inspectors to catch soring, a harmful practice. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready without changing any fees or costs.
2026-21223, Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Interstate Movement of Fresh Leaves and Rhizomes of Wasabi From Hawaii Into the Continental United States
The USDA has studied the risks of moving fresh wasabi leaves and rhizomes from Hawaii to the continental U.S. Right now, this move isn’t allowed, but the new analysis shows that certain safety steps can make it safe. People can check out the study and share their thoughts by December 15, 2026.
2026-21201, Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis: Importation of Cattle and Bison
The USDA wants to keep collecting info on rules for bringing cattle and bison into the U.S. to keep diseases like brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis in check. This affects farmers, ranchers, and importers who follow these health rules. You’ve got until December 15, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or big changes, just keeping the system running smoothly!
2026-21202, Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Veterinary Services Laboratories; Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants to update and keep collecting info for its program that watches out for mad cow disease in U.S. cattle. This affects farmers, vets, and labs who help track and stop the disease. They’re asking for public comments by December 15, 2026, and the changes aim to keep the program running smoothly without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21199, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request; FEMA Preparedness Grants: Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP).
FEMA is asking for public comments on extending the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) paperwork without any changes. This program helps Native American tribes get federal money to boost their ability to prevent and respond to terrorism. Comments are due by December 15, 2026, so tribes and others should speak up soon!
Next: 2026-21201, Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis: Importation of Cattle and Bison
The USDA wants to keep collecting info on rules for bringing cattle and bison into the U.S. to keep diseases like brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis in check. This affects farmers, ranchers, and importers who follow these health rules. You’ve got until December 15, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or big changes, just keeping the system running smoothly!