Change in Disease Status of Japan With Regard to Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Résumé

We are proposing to amend the regulations to add Japan to the list of regions that are considered free of rinderpest and foot-and- mouth disease. We are taking this action because we have determined that Japan is now free of foot-and-mouth disease. We are also proposing to add Japan to the list of regions that are subject to certain restrictions because of their proximity to or trading relationships with rinderpest- or foot-and-mouth disease-affected countries. These actions would update the disease status of Japan with regard to foot- and-mouth disease while continuing to protect the United States from an introduction of rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease by providing additional requirements for any meat and meat products imported into the United States from Japan.