USDA Renews Paperwork to Keep Mad Cow Disease at Bay
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
3-year continuation of BSE reporting
If you are an accredited veterinarian, animal scientist, or slaughter-plant worker, APHIS is asking OMB to approve continuation of its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) information collection for an additional 3 years. APHIS estimates 204 respondents making 94 responses each (19,200 total responses) at 0.12 hours per response, for an estimated 2,295 total burden hours annually.
Maintains 25,000-sample annual target
APHIS states the BSE surveillance target remains 25,000 samples annually (the target was reduced from 40,000 to 25,000 in 2016). The notice says the United States was granted 'negligible risk' status for BSE in 2013 and that complying with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) standards is critical to maintain that BSE-risk status, which APHIS says improves standing with trading partners and reduces surveillance requirements.
Reported respondent burden decreased
The notice states APHIS has amended the information collection by decreasing the number of Responses and Total Burden Hours reported. The current estimates shown are 0.12 hours per response, 19,200 annual responses, and 2,295 total annual burden hours.
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Previous: 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!
Next: 2026-21203, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 17Ad-22
The SEC is asking to keep collecting info under Rule 17Ad-22, which helps make sure clearing agencies—those that handle big financial trades—stay safe, clear, and fair. This rule affects these agencies by requiring them to follow strict policies on how they operate and manage risks. It takes about 14,000 hours and costs nearly $18 million yearly, and the SEC wants your thoughts before extending it.