The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to eliminate import requirements for equine semen from Canada.

Under the proposed amendment, equine semen originating from Canada would no longer need an import permit, declaration, health certificate, or other document and would not have to meet any other requirements when imported into the United States. (See “Consequences,” page 7.)

Notice of this proposed regulation was published in the Jan. 26 Federal Register. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) documents in the Federal Register and related information are available at aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before March 27. Please send an original and three copies to Docket No. 99-023-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238.

Comments may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead, 202/690-2817, to facilitate entry into the comment reading room