Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the public comment period for a proposed contingency planning rule for animal research facilities. The rule would require licensees and registrants under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to create emergency response plans detailing power, water, and HVAC backup operations; response and recovery chain of command; evacuation or shelter-in-place strategies; and sanitation, bedding, feeding, and veterinary services. APHIS may also develop a contingency planning guidance document for animal facilities. Comments may be submitted until Feb. 20, 2009 at www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2006-0159.
