The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to adjust the user fees charged for certain veterinary diagnostic services.

“One important way we protect animal health is by providing timely, accurate, and reliable laboratory support,” said Joan M. Arnoldi, deputy administrator for veterinary services with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs mission area.

Various APHIS laboratories analyze blood, tissue, and environmental samples to promote disease tracking and identification. APHIS also assists in quality control of animal vaccines and related products. Current regulations allow APHIS to collect user fees sufficient to cover the costs of providing these veterinary diagnostic services.

Notice of this proposed rule was published in the May 4 Federal Register