The Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has announced a public comment period for an essential information collection requirement. This notice, published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2026, pertains to the Emergency Management Response System (EMRS). The EMRS is a critical web-based database designed for surveillance and response to foreign animal diseases (FAD). The agency is seeking input on the continued collection of data under OMB Control Number 0579-0071, with comments due by October 19, 2026. This review process ensures that the system remains effective and minimally burdensome for those providing information.
Legal Framework and Program Overview
The foundation for the EMRS lies in the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 2002. This federal law empowers the Secretary of Agriculture with broad authority to detect, control, and eradicate pests or diseases affecting livestock or poultry. It also allows the Secretary to restrict animal and related material imports or exports if necessary to prevent disease spread. APHIS leverages this authority through its Foreign Animal Disease Surveillance Program, which relies on the EMRS to compile crucial epidemiological and diagnostic data. This data helps define FADs and identify their risk factors, forming the backbone of the nation's defense against animal health threats.
The Emergency Management Response System
The EMRS functions as a centralized repository for data gathered during investigations of suspected FAD occurrences. It is a critical tool for APHIS Veterinary Services. When diagnosticians visit a site, they collect a comprehensive range of information. This includes the purpose of their visit, the name and address of the owner or manager, and the type of operation under investigation. They also record the number and type of animals present, vaccination information for the herd or flock, and biosecurity practices implemented at the site. Data on animal movement, including whether animals have been moved to or from the premises and when such movement occurred, is also collected. Furthermore, investigators document the number of sick or dead animals, the results of physical and postmortem examinations, the types and quantities of samples taken, and the name of any suspected disease. This detailed information paints a complete picture of potential disease events.
Utility and Stakeholders
APHIS uses the collected information directly to prevent FAD occurrences and safeguard the health of animals in the United States. The agency explicitly states that without this information, it would be unable to detect and monitor FAD outbreaks effectively. The respondents to this information collection include businesses, as well as State, Local, and Tribal Governments. There are an estimated 158 respondents who provide information on an occasional basis. The total estimated burden hours for these respondents amount to 24,703. This indicates a significant but necessary commitment from various sectors to support national animal health security.
Public Comment Opportunity
The public comment period provides an important opportunity for interested parties to offer feedback on several aspects of the information collection. APHIS is specifically soliciting comments on whether the collection is necessary for its functions and has practical utility. The agency also seeks input on the accuracy of its burden estimate, including the validity of its methodology and assumptions. Furthermore, APHIS welcomes suggestions on ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information. Finally, respondents can propose methods to minimize the burden of collection, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques. Comments should be submitted via the www.reginfo.gov website. They must be submitted within 30 days of the September 18, 2026 publication date, with a general deadline of October 19, 2026.
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