901:1-17-14 Fish testing and inspection requirements.

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing for the purpose of accepting testimony on the proposed amendments made to rules 901:1-17-13 and 14 of the Administrative Code. The rules in this package govern the importation of fish into the state of Ohio. The rules specifically outline the importation requirements for fish which include disease testing and protocols.

 

Pursuant to Chapter 941 of the Revised Code the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is responsible for governing the importation and movement of animals into the state of Ohio. Specifically, according to ORC § 941.03, the Department shall promote and protect the livestock, poultry, and other animal interests of the state, prevent the spread of dangerously contagious or infectious disease, provide for the control and eradication of such disease, and cooperate with the United States department of agriculture in such work.

 

Rule 901:1-17-13 is being amended to add import requirements to species which are susceptible to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). VHS is a deadly infectious fish disease which is a major concern in the Great Lakes. It is very contagious amongst several species of fish and has the potential to seriously affect the aquaculture industry in the state. VHS has been designated in in rule 901:1-21-02 of the Ohio Administrative Code as a dangerously contagious or infectious disease. The amendments create a prohibition on the importation of VHS susceptible fish unless they are accompanied by a permit issued by the Department. Additionally, the fish must be accompanied by a fish health inspection and testing report which indicates that the fish are free of VHS. This prohibition extends to fish, viable eggs, and sperm.

 

Rule 901:1-17-14 outlines the fish testing and inspection requirements. This rule outlines the types of acceptable tests as well as the timeframes required for those tests. The rule is being amended to clarify what tests are accepted as well as to make a paragraph reference change.

 

The hearing will be held on:

 

February 23, 2016 at 9:00 A.M.

 

Ohio Department of Agriculture Bromfield Administration Building Hearing Room 129 (Seminar "A") 8995 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, Ohio  43068-3399.

 

 

The hearing will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Revised Code. Any person affected by the no change rule package may appear and be heard in person, by his attorney, or

 

 

 

both, may present his position, arguments, or contentions, orally or in writing, offer and examine witnesses, and present evidence tending to show that the no change rule package, if adopted or effectuated, will be unreasonable or unlawful.

To obtain copies of these rules, please visit the Register of Ohio at  www.registerofohio.state.oh.us.

Any person who wishes to present his position, arguments, or contentions in writing, other than at the public hearing, may do so by either mailing his or her written comments to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, c/o Legal Section, 8995 East Main Street,  Reynoldsburg,  Ohio 43068; by email at [e-mail], or by transmitting by facsimile at (614) 995- 4585. Written comments sent by mail shall be postmarked no later than the day of the hearing. Written comments transmitted by facsimile shall be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing.