**National Trichinae Certification Program**

**Program Standards**

**Contents**

Introduction

Part I Definitions

Part II Program Responsibilities and Requirements

Part III Administrative Procedures

Part IV Qualified Accredited Veterinarian Training

Part V Certification Documentation and Benefits

Part VI Flow of Events for Certification

Part VII Appendices

Part VIII References

**Introduction**

These program standards were adopted to provide documentation of swine
management practices which minimize risk of exposure of swine to the
zoonotic parasite *Trichinella spiralis*. The standards establish a set
of criteria that enable producers to market swine which are not
considered a risk to human health due to exposure to this parasite. The
standards have been developed as a cooperative effort among the USDA
agencies (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service \[APHIS\],
Agricultural Research Service \[ARS\], Cooperative States Research,
Education and Extension Service \[CSREES\], Food Safety and Inspection
Service \[FSIS\]) the National Pork Producers Council \[NPPC\], and the
pork processing industry. The concept of risk management for control of
*Trichinella* in the domestic swine population is endorsed by the U. S.
Animal Health Association, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture
and the American Association of Swine Practitioners. It is also
recognized by the International Commission on Trichinellosis in their
Recommended Methods for Control of *Trichinella* in swine.

**Part I - Definitions**

***Accredited Veterinarian*** - A veterinarian approved by the
Administrator of APHIS, USDA, to perform functions required by
cooperative State-Federal-Industry animal disease-control and
eradication programs.

***Animal Disposal Plan*** - A written document that describes methods
for removal of dead swine from the production facility. (see example in
Appendix).

***Animal Movement Record*** - A written record of certified animal
movement, which includes entry into or exit from a certified site (see
example in appendix).

***APHIS Administrator*** - The Administrator of APHIS, USDA, or any
other official of APHIS to whom authority has been delegated.

***Approved Laboratory*** - Any laboratory recognized by the APHIS or
FSIS Administrator for conducting official tests.

***Audit*** - An inspection process, as defined in these program
standards, which generates a written record documenting a production
sites compliance with Good Production Practices.

***Auditor*** - A Qualified Accredited Veterinarian or a Qualified state
or federal Veterinary Medical Officer .

***Certification*** - A designation given by the APHIS Administrator to
a pork production site for compliance with Good Production Practices as
defined in these program standards.

***Certified Pork** -* Certified trichinae-safe pork products
originating from market swine from a trichinae certified production site
with identity maintained through processing.

***Certified Production Site*** - A pork production site which has
attained a stage II status or higher as defined in these program
standards.

***Certified Swine**-* Swine originating from a certified production
site.

***De-Certification*** -- Removal of certification status by the APHIS
Administrator that results when program criteria are not met.

***Feed Manufacturing and Storage Plan*** - A written plan or other
documentation for the site demonstrating methods to exclude rodents and
wildlife from feed during manufacturing, mixing, and storage (see
example in Appendix).

***FSIS Administrator*** - The Administrator of FSIS, USDA, or any other
official of FSIS to whom authority has been delegated.

***Good Production Practices*** - Management practices which negate or
reduce the risk of exposure of swine to *Trichinella spiralis* (Section
A, Step II).

***Official Test*** - Any test for the diagnosis of *Trichinella
spiralis* infection in swine which has been approved by the APHIS or
FSIS Administrator.

***Pest Control Operator*** - A person trained and licensed in the
control of pests and vermin (particularly rodents).

***Producer*** - An individual or entity who owns or controls the
management of swine.

***Qualified Accredited Veterinarian*** - AUSDA accredited veterinarian
who has been awarded qualification status by the APHIS Administrator.

***Qualified VMO*** - A state or federal VMO who has been awarded
qualification status by the APHIS Administrator.

***Rodent Control Log Book*** - A written record which documents the
activities of a rodent control program for a production site.(see
example in Appendix).

***Rodent Control Plan*** - A written plan to control rodents (mice and
rats) on a swine production site.

***Site*** - A geographically definable area that includes pork
production facilities and ancillary structures under common ownership
and/or management systems and the space within a 100 yard perimeter of
the swine feeding areas.

***Site audit*** - An audit, performed by a Qualified Accredited
Veterinarian or a Qualified Veterinary Medical Officer, to determine
swine trichinae risk factor status of a pork production facility and
adherence to Good Production Practices that negate or reduce trichinae
infection.

***Spot Audit*** - An audit of a trichinae certified site conducted by a
Qualified APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer to ensure program integrity.

***Stage 1*** - Preliminary program status of a production site attained
when the APHIS Administrator approves the outcome of an initial audit.

***Stage 2*** - Program status attained upon approval of an audit of a
Stage 1 production site.

***Stage 3*** - Program status attained upon approval of an audit of a
Stage 2 production site

***Trichinae Identification Number*** (T.I.N.) - A unique number
assigned to a site by the APHIS Administrator based on location and
ownership.

***Veterinary Medical Officer** -* A veterinarian employed by the state
or federal government who is authorized to perform official animal
health activities on their behalf.

***Waste Feeding Log Book*** - A written record which documents Good
Production Practices in the trichinae program standards with respect to
feeding of meat-containing waste to swine and compliance with relevant
state and federal waste food feeding laws (see example in Appendix).

***Wildlife Control Plan* -** A site specific plan to minimize contact
of swine with all other animals.

**Part II - Program Stages and** **Requirements**

**[Section A - Certification]{.underline}**

***Step I - Preparation***

The preparatory stage of the program will introduce the certification
process to the producer. A pre-audit package contains all information
needed to understand the steps of the program and actions necessary to
prepare for an audit. A pre-audit package may be obtained from the
following sources: Qualified Accredited Veterinarians, state or federal
animal health offices,, and the National Pork Producers Council, , or by
writing to:

USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services

Trichinae Certification Program

4700 River Road, Unit XX

Riverdale, Maryland 20737

A pre-audit package may also be requested electronically through the
program website:

**[www.usda.aphis.vs/trichinae]{.underline}**

Producers and production site personnel, in consultation with their herd
veterinarian, should thoroughly review the information in the pre-audit
package. Each point within the program standards should be considered
during the pre-audit process and the sample audit and the checklist
completed. A request for an official audit should not be made until both
the producer and herd health personnel concur that program standards
have been met.

***Step II - Auditing and Program Stages***

[Requesting an audit]{.underline}

When a pork producer has determined that all necessary steps have been
taken to meet program standards, he/she may contact a qualified
accredited veterinarian for a Stage I audit. An audit can only be
performed by a Qualified Accredited Veterinarian or a Qualified
Veterinary Medical Officer. A list of Qualified Accredited Veterinarians
available to conduct trichinae audits can be found on the APHIS web site
(**[www.usda.aphis.vs/trichinae]{.underline}**) or a list may be
requested in writing from the APHIS Administrator through the area
office. . If a Qualified Accredited Veterinarian is unavailable a
Qualified Veterinary Medical Officer should be contacted through the
area office A fee will be charged of the producer for audit related
activities.

[Conducting an audit]{.underline}

At the time of audit, the producer, or a designated representative, will
accompany the Auditor. The audit will determine whether the site has
implemented the following Good Production Practices:

1.  All non-breeding swine entering the site either originate from a
    Certified production site or are less than 5 weeks old. The source
    herd T.I.N. must be documented in an animal movement record. (see
    example in appendix)

2.  Sources of feed or feed ingredients meet Good Manufacturing
    Practices or quality assurance standards recognized by the feed
    industry.

3\. Feed prepared on the site must be prepared, stored, and delivered in
a manner such that the feed has not been contaminated with rodent and
wildlife carcasses.

4\. Exclusion and control of rodents and wildlife is to a level such
that fresh signs of activity of these animals are not observed in the
swine production or feed preparation and storage areas. The producer
maintains a rodent control logbook with site diagram, or records of a
Pest Control Operator, which are updated on at least a monthly basis
(see example in Appendix).

5\. Wildlife carcasses are not intentionally fed to swine. Swine shall
not have access to wildlife harborage or carcasses on the site.

6.  Feeding of waste containing meat is a major risk factor for swine
    infection with trichinae.

• Feeding of waste food to swine requires state licensing and cooking
time and temperature consistent with state and federal regulations.
Storage of waste products to be fed must avoid contamination of cooked
material with uncooked material.

• Uncooked household waste shall not be fed to swine.

7\. Dead animal disposal methods shall accomplish prompt removal of
swine carcasses from pens preventing cannibalism. Dead animals shall
also be promptly removed from the site to prevent attraction of rodents
and wildlife.

8.  General hygiene of the facility should be such that rodents and
    wildlife are not attracted.

• Solid waste (facility refuse) shall be contained and regularly removed
from the site preventing rodent and wildlife access and attraction.

• Spilled feed shall be regularly removed.

9\. Departures from the site shall be documented on an animal movement
record and take place in a manner that ensures the identity of these
swine can be traced to their origin, the certified production site.

When all sections of the audit form have been completed, the producer
(or designated representative) will sign the audit form attesting to the
accuracy of audit information and the intent to continue adherence to
the Good Production Practices necessary to maintain trichinae
certification. The Qualified Accredited Veterinarian or Qualified
Veterinary Medical Officer will also sign the audit form and will submit
the signed form to the nearest APHIS Area Office (see list of addresses
in Appendix).

[Review and notification of audit results]{.underline}

Upon receipt of the completed and signed audit form in the APHIS Area
Office, the audit will be reviewed and certification status for the site
will be determined. Sites which meet all Good Production Practice
criteria will be issued the appropriate program stage status at the
appropriate program stage (see Administrative Procedures - Part III).

[Program stages]{.underline}

The date of program entry will be determined from the date the first
audit leading to Stage I status was completed. All subsequent program
dates will be based on this initial date at 6, 9, or 15 month intervals
as appropriate. If a site is de-certified and must be granted stage I
status a new anniversary date will be established.

***Stage I*** - Sites which have the initial audit approved by the APHIS
Administrator will be granted Stage I status. Stage I status indicates
that the site has met all requirements of trichinae Good Production
Practices. During Stage I, swine may not be sold as trichinae certified
product.

The completed and signed audit form should be sent to the appropriate
APHIS Area Office. For new sites, the audit will be reviewed and
determination made whether program status is to be awarded. New sites
which meet all Good Production Practice criteria will be issued Stage I
status within thirty (30) working days (see Administrative Procedures -
Part III) of receipt of the audit form.

***Stage II*** - Sites with Stage I status [may]{.underline} request an
audit for Stage II status no sooner than 5 months and must submit a
completed audit form no later than 7 months after attaining Stage I
status.

The completed and signed audit form from a Stage I site should be sent
to the appropriate APHIS Area Office. For Stage I sites, the audit will
be reviewed and the determination made whether Stage II status is
awarded. Stage I sites which meet all Good Production Practice criteria
will be issued Stage II status and trichinae certification within seven
(7) working days (see Administrative Procedures - Part III) of receipt
of the audit form.

**Sites holding Stage II certification may sell swine as trichinae
certified.**

***Stage III*** - Sites holding Stage II status [may]{.underline}
request an audit for Stage III status after 8 months and must submit a
completed audit form no later than 10 months following the date of Stage
II status.

The completed and signed audit form from a Stage II site should be sent
to the appropriate APHIS Area Office. For Stage II sites, the audit will
be reviewed and determination made whether Stage III status awarded and
certification is continued. Stage II sites which meet all Good
Production Practice criteria will be issued Stage III status and
continuation of trichinae certification within thirty (30) working days
(see Administrative Procedures - Part III) of receipt of the audit form.

***Step III - Maintenance of Stage III Status and Trichinae
Certification***

Sites holding Stage III status [must]{.underline} request a renewal
audit no sooner than 14 months and must submit a completed audit form no
later than 16 months following the most recent date of certification.

The completed and signed audit form from a Stage III site should be sent
to the appropriate APHIS Area Office. For Stage III sites, the audit
will be reviewed and status will be determined. Stage III sites which
meet all Good Production Practice criteria will be issued Stage III
status and continuation of certification within thirty (30) working days
(see Administrative Procedures - Part III) of receipt of the audit form.

***Change of producer identity***

Within sixty (60) days of a change in ownership and/or management of
Stage II or Stage III sites, an audit must be conducted. If this audit
is satisfactory, certification will continue in Stage II status (note,
change in ownership will require new Stage III status). If the audit
results do not meet program requirements, as determined by APHIS, the
site is de-certified and a new audit must be conducted to achieve Stage
I status.

**[Section B - Identification and Transport]{.underline}**

All Stage II and Stage III certified swine sold to other producers, to
buying stations, or to slaughter facilities must be identified or
segregated in such a way that they can be identified with a certified
production site. This must be documented in a generic animal movement
record. Failure to appropriately identify or segregate swine during
transport or sales process will result in loss of program status and
certification of the swine.

**[Section C - Packer Responsibilities]{.underline}**

***Verification of Certification***

It is the responsibility of the slaughter facility receiving swine
originating from certified production sites to verify that certification
is current. This is done by: 1) verifying the producer certification
status by accessing the APHIS trichinae certification web site at
(**[www.usda.aphis.vs/trichinae]{.underline}**), 2) calling the APHIS
Area Office to inquire, or 3) maintaining certification documentation on
file.

***Segregation of Swine and Pork Products from Certified Sites***

For swine originating from a Stage II or Stage III certified site to be
sold into commerce as certified pork, the packer/collection point must
have in place a procedure by which swine from certified sites, and
edible pork products from certified swine, are segregated from swine and
edible pork products from non-certified sites.

***Validation of the Certification Program by Testing Slaughter Swine***

Slaughter facilities processing swine from Stage II or Stage III
trichinae certified sites are responsible for conducting testing to
determine *Trichinella spiralis* infection status of incoming certified
swine as required by USDA, FSIS. Process verification testing will be
performed by accepted tissue or blood-based postmortem tests. Testing
will be the responsibility of plant personnel using USDA approved
methodologies under the oversight of the Food Safety and Inspection
Service. Testing may be conducted on site using an official test; or, as
an alternative, blood, serum or tissue samples can be collected at
slaughter and tested by a USDA approved laboratory. Any test used must
be an official test.

Testing must be conducted to meet the following minimum sampling
requirements:

1.  Plant officials shall determine the yearly processing capacity of
    the plant for the next 12 months. Officials may use the processing
    capacity during the past 12 months if the past

12 months represented a typical year.

2\. Plant officials shall estimate the percentage of swine processed
that will likely originate from Certified Production Sites considering
all swine expected to be processed during the year. Swine originating
from Certified Production Sites (Certified Swine) are considered the
eligible population to be sampled.

3\. Use the Trichinae Certification In-plant Sample Size Determination
Table to find the number of samples to collect from Certified Swine. If
the eligible population is not listed, round up to the next larger
number. Select the number of samples to collect from the column
reflecting a 99% confidence level. The number selected from this table
will be the total number of samples that plant officials must collect
and test during the next 12 months.

**Trichinae Certification In-plant Sample Size Determination**

  ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
  Population   Samples to     Samples to     Samples to      Samples to
  of Swine     Collect from   Collect from   Collect from    Collect from
  from         the Population the Population the Population  the Population
  Certified    per Year at a  per Year at a  per Month at a  per Month at a
  Sites        95% Confidence 99% Confidence 95% Confidence  99% Confidence
  Processed    Level          Level          Level           level
  per Plant                                                  
  per Year                                                   

  1,000        1,000          1,000          84              84

  5,000        4,950          4,996          413             417

  25,000       15,054         18,938         1,255           1,578

  100,000      20,580         29,828         1,715           2,486

  200,000      21,765         32,462         1,813           2,705

  400,000      22,391         33,899         1,866           2,825

  1,000,000    22,779         34,802         1,898           2,900

  2,000,000    22,910         35,110         1,909           2,926

  4,000,000    22,976         35,266         1,915           2,939

  5,000,000    22,990         35,297         1,916           2,942

                                                             
  ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------

4\. Divide this number by 12. This result represents the number of
samples to collect from Certified Swine each month.

5\. In order to select samples at random from the eligible population,
it is recommended to determine the number of samples to collect each day
the plant is operational. Divide the total number of Certified Swine to
be processed each day by the number of samples to be collected each day.
This number will determine the frequency of sampling. The first sample
should be collected from an eligible carcass selected at random.
Maintain the sampling frequency from this point until the required
number of samples have been collected for the day. To ensure selection
is random, the sampling procedure is complex. Therefore it is
recommended, Certified Swine be maintained in lots and processed in
groups either at the beginning or at the end of the day.

6\. For each sample collected, plant officials shall maintain identity
of the sample back through the Trichinae Identification Number to the
owner from which the carcass originated.

7\. FSIS officials at the plant will review and confirm an adequate
number of samples are collected and proper frequency of collection is
maintained. FSIS officials should review and confirm sample handling,
sample identification, and if tested at the plant, sample assay methods
do meet the standards outlined in the respective plant's standard
operating procedures for sample processing and testing. FSIS shall
report each month to APHIS the total number of samples collected and the
results of the testing. If a positive test result occurs, FSIS shall
contact plant officials and determine the Trichinae Identification
Number and report this information to the respective USDA, APHIS Area
Office.

The APHIS Administrator may periodically request that testing be
conducted on swine originating from a specific certified production
site. Requests for testing of specific groups of swine will be counted
toward the plants total monthly testing requirement of certified pigs.

This verification phase is not expected to continue for an extended
period of years.

***Results of testing***

A positive test will result in the following:

1\. If a sample is found positive by digestion methods, the production
site of origin is

de-certified and removed from the program.

2.  If a serologic positive sample is confirmed positive by digestion
    methods, the production site of origin is de-certified and removed
    from the program.

3\. If a serologic positive sample can not be confirmed by digestion
testing, the production site of origin must be investigated by APHIS
personnel and additional testing of animals conducted. An assessment of
trichinae risk will be determined based on these investigations. During
this investigation period, site certification is suspended. The
Administrator will determine the status of the site within 30 days of
the suspension initiation. A finding of risk, based on factors addressed
in the trichinae audit or finding of additional positive animals by
either serologic or digestion testing will be grounds for
de-certification.

***Record Keeping***

All packers receiving swine from certified production sites must
maintain the records for numbers of swine processed, source of swine,
TIN of tested swine and test results.

**[Part III - Administrative Procedures]{.underline}**

***[Certification Processes]{.underline}***

[Obtaining official audit materials]{.underline} - Producers, or their
designated representatives, must request an official audit through a
Qualified Accredited Veterinarian. QAV's obtain official audit forms
from their APHIS Area office. These forms are numbered and can not be
duplicated locally.

The Producer and QAV arrange for a time to conduct the audit. The audit
form must be completed by the Auditor, and signed by both Auditor and
Producer.

If a QAV is not available to conduct an audit for a specific site, the
Producer may request an audit through the APHIS Area office. In this
case, a Qualified VMO will be asigned to conduct the audit. The QVMO and
Producer will arrange a time for the audit to be conducted. The audit
form will be completed by the Auditor and signed by the Auditor and the
Producer.

[Filing and processing of audit]{.underline} - Following completion of
an initial audit, or audit of a Stage II or III site (Part II, Section
A), the signed report is submitted with the non-refundable
administrative fee (see appendix for schedule) to the APHIS
Administrator and, upon receipt, will be processed within thirty (30)
days working days. Audits from sites which hold Stage I status, and are
awaiting certification, will be processed within seven (7) working days.
For the purpose of determining when program audits are required, program
entry date will be calculated as the date of the initial audit.

[Continuation of certification]{.underline} - Two months prior to the
program status expiration date, the APHIS Administrator will notify the
producer by mail, of the certification renewal date. The producer will
arrange for a Qualified Accredited Veterinarian to conduct the audit
within 30 days either side of the program status expiration date and the
completed audit will be sent along with the registration fee to the
APHIS Area Office.

If a renewal application is not received in the APHIS Area Office within
30 days after the program status expiration date, the site will be
de-certified. Reentry of de-certified sites will follow the procedures
required for receiving Stage I status. If certification status is lost,
either due to failure to adhere to program standards or failure to
adhere to the audit schedule, producers are responsible for alerting
packers as to the change in status.

[Program records]{.underline} - Records of audits and certification will
be maintained by the APHIS Administrator and will be considered a
confidential business record. The following information will be
distributed or otherwise available:

> Result of site audit: Mailed to Producer and Qualified Accredited
> Veterinarian or the Federal or State VMO who performed the audit
>
> Notice of program status: Mailed to Producer
>
> List of certified sites: Available electronically to slaughter
> facilities and program officials via the internet, or by mail from the
> APHIS Administrator
>
> List of Qualified Accredited: Available electronically via the
> internet at program
>
> Veterinarians web site, or by mail from the APHIS Administrator.

[Spot audits]{.underline} - Certified sites will be subject to spot
audits conducted by Qualified APHIS VMOs. Sites to be spot audited are
selected by the APHIS Administrator. Spot audits are intended to confirm
the results of regular audits, to verify that Good Production Practices
are being maintained between audits, to traceback and investigate
positive slaughter test results, and to assure that the audit process is
conducted in a consistent manner across the program. Spot audits are
provided as a government service by APHIS and do not incur a cost to the
producer.

[Web-site access]{.underline} - Access to the program web site is
through (**[www.usda.aphis.vs/trichinae]{.underline}**).

**Part IV - Training for Qualified Accredited Veterinarians**

Veterinarians wishing to participate as Auditors in the Trichinae Herd
Certification program must be trained by APHIS or designee(s).
Accreditation by the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is
a prerequisite for acquiring Qualified Accredited Veterinarian status.
Only Qualified Accredited Veterinarians or qualified VMOs may conduct
audits and submit completed audit forms for APHIS certification review.

Accredited veterinarians interested in becoming Qualified Accredited
Veterinarians can obtain information from the following sources: APHIS
Area office or program website
(**[www.usda.aphis.vs/trichinae]{.underline}**), the American
Association of Swine Practitioners, the National Pork Producers Council,
and state veterinarians. Veterinarians wishing to become accredited so
that they may pursue the qualification status, should contact the APHIS
Area (for their state) Office.

For the purposes of this program, Qualified Accredited Veterinarian
status will be issued for a two year period subject to renewal.

**Part V - Documentation**

## ***Program Status***

## 

## When a site is audited and found to meet the requirements of the program, the producer will receive written notification and of program status. If an audit is performed on a Stage I site, the producer will receive additional documentation from APHIS indicating that the pork produced at the audited production site is certified as trichinae-safe. If results of the audit do not meet program standards, similar notification will be provided, along with written documentation of deficiencies. The producer should subsequently contact their veterinarian to begin efforts to correct any deficiencies that prevented attaining program status.

## 

## Certificates for Stage II or Stage III status in the program must be filed at the site and available for inspection during normal business hours. Copies of program certification should also be kept on file at the slaughter facility.

## 

## **Part VI - Flow of Events in Certification**

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ## Producer request   | ##                    | ## Accredited veter   |
| s program Information |                       | inarian requests qual |
|                       |                       | ification information |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                   | ##                    | ##                   |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ## Producer as        | ##                    | ## Vet                |
| sesses good managemen |                       | erinarian receives tr |
| t practices and makes |                       | aining and is awarded |
|  changes as necessary |                       |  Qualification status |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | ##                   | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | ## Producer           | ##                    |
|                       |  requests program app |                       |
|                       | lication through Qual |                       |
|                       | ified Accredited Vete |                       |
|                       | rinarian or APHIS VMO |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    |                      | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | Audit is conducted    | ##                    |
|                       | and application filed |                       |
|                       | with appropriate fee  |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    |                      | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | Program status        | ##                    |
|                       | decision made by      |                       |
|                       | APHIS Administrator   |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | ##                   |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ## Program statu      | ##                    | Program status denied |
| s granted (by APHIS); |                       |                       |
|  and production site  |                       |                       |
| can market animals as |                       |                       |
|  trichinae certified  |                       |                       |
| if in Stage II or III |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                   | ##                    |                      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ## Certifi            | ##                    | Producer works with   |
| ed animals (Stage II  |                       | their herd            |
| or III program status |                       | veterinarian or the   |
| ) enter marketing cha |                       | Qualified Accredited  |
| nnels with TIN number |                       | Veterinarian to       |
| ; animals are identif |                       | implement Good        |
| ied through sale and  |                       | Production Practices  |
| slaughter by identifi |                       | necessary to achieve  |
| cation or segregation |                       | program status        |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                      | ##                    | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Packer verifies the   | ##                    | ##                    |
| TIN number when       |                       |                       |
| receiving animals for |                       |                       |
| processing; carcasses |                       |                       |
| are tracked through   |                       |                       |
| the slaughter and     |                       |                       |
| fabrication           |                       |                       |
| processes; FSIS       |                       |                       |
| monitors packer       |                       |                       |
| records of certified  |                       |                       |
| animals               |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                      | ##                    | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Blood or tissue       | ##                    | ##                    |
| samples are collected |                       |                       |
| from a subset of      |                       |                       |
| certified animals for |                       |                       |
| testing by digestion  |                       |                       |
| or ELISA by plant     |                       |                       |
| personnel on a        |                       |                       |
| monthly basis         |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                   | ##                    | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ## FS                 | ##                    | ##                    |
| IS monitors results o |                       |                       |
| f testing and reports |                       |                       |
|  any positive results |                       |                       |
|  with site trace back |                       |                       |
|  information to APHIS |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                      | ##                    | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Loss of program       | ##                    | ##                    |
| status by any         |                       |                       |
| production site is    |                       |                       |
| immediately           |                       |                       |
| communicated to       |                       |                       |
| producers (by APHIS)  |                       |                       |
| and to the packer (by |                       |                       |
| the producer), and    |                       |                       |
| entered into the      |                       |                       |
| trichinae             |                       |                       |
| certification status  |                       |                       |
| database accessible   |                       |                       |
| via the internet      |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    |                      | ##                    |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ##                    | Periodic auditing of  | ##                    |
|                       | certified production  |                       |
|                       | sites and spot audits |                       |
|                       | assure maintenance of |                       |
|                       | good production       |                       |
|                       | practices (APHIS),    |                       |
|                       | audit integrity, and  |                       |
|                       | program consistency   |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

**Part VII - Appendices**

Feed production log

Feed storage log

Rodent control or PCO log

Disposal plan and log

Fee schedule

Contact information

Animal movement record base criteria

Waste feeding log base criteria

**Part VII - References**