We are working to establish effective treatment and biosecurity protocols for tortoises and other reptiles. Effective treatment and biosecurity protocols will allow us to ensure that all tortoises and other reptiles entering the United States, as well as tortoises and other reptiles already in the United States, can be effectively treated for exotic ticks and that all exotic ticks can be eradicated from infested premises. When we have established such protocols, and when tortoises and other reptiles already in the United States have been effectively treated for exotic ticks and all exotic ticks eradicated from infested premises, the ban on importation of these tortoises from Africa, as well as the ban on interstate movement of these tortoises, will be lifted. Until that time, however, these actions will provide protection against an outbreak of heartwater disease in domestic and wild populations of ruminants in the United States. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an emergency exists that warrants publication of this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment.
Immediate action is necessary to prevent an outbreak of heartwater disease in the United States.
Because prior notice and other public procedures with respect to this action are impracticable and contrary to the public interest under these conditions, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553 to make this action effective less than 30 days after publication. We will consider comments that are received within 60 days of publication of this rule in the Federal Register. After the comment period closes, we will publish another document in the Federal Register. The document will include a discussion of any comments we receive and any amendments we are making to the rule as a result of the comments. This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866.