Salmonella Enteritidis Phage-Type 4; Remove Import Restrictions and Salmonella Enteritidis Serotype Enteritidis; Remove Regulations

We are amending the regulations to remove import restrictions on eggs (other than hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, and other birds from regions where Salmonella Enteritidis phage-type 4 exists. Previously, Salmonella Enteritidis phage-type 4 had not been isolated in the United States; therefore, those import restrictions were necessary to help prevent Salmonella Enteritidis phage-type 4 from being introduced into this country. However, Salmonella Enteritidis phage-type 4 is now known to be present in the United States. This action eliminates restrictions on the importation of eggs from regions where Salmonella Enteritidis phage-type 4 exists. We are also removing our regulations regarding poultry disease caused by Salmonella Enteritidis serotype enteritidis. These regulations are no longer enforced, and it is necessary to remove them to make our regulations consistent with our enforcement.