American Cervid Alliance

USDA to Delay Advancement of CWD Program Standards

October 23, 2013

Dr John Clifford to Give Personal Review of Standards Document

 

SAN DIEGO- This week, during the United States Animal Health Association annual conference, USDA’s Dr John Clifford announced he would hold the Chronic Wasting Disease Program Standards and offer a personal review of the document prior to releasing them for public comment. The announcement came in a regional meeting of the North Central District after several cervid industry leaders expressed numerous concerns with the document.  Dr. Clifford will compare CWD Standards Document 23, which is currently being cleared by USDA for the 90 day public comment period, with an earlier version submitted by cervid industry stakeholders, known as Version 18.  

 

The resolution to urge the USDA to withdraw the Chronic Wasting Disease Program Standards, which was approved by the ACA council, was not offered at the conference because of Dr. Clifford's offer to hold and review them at this time.

 

During subsequent presentations at the conference updating CWD policy, USDA officials updated and verified their intent to wait until after Dr. Clifford's review before offering the document for public comment. As soon as the review is complete and the document is submitted by USDA for public comment the ACA will meet and discuss the proposed Program Standards and industry's response.  "We are thankful for this opportunity and sincerely appreciate Dr. Clifford offering to personally review the document", says Charly Seale, an ACA council member.

 


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