Karnal Bunt; Revision of Domestic Regulations

We are amending our Karnal bunt regulations to incorporate updates and improvements identified as a result of our review of their provisions. The changes include clarifying our method for determining Karnal bunt infestation and the circumstances under which a field or area is classified as a regulated area, as well as adding provisions and criteria for the release of fields or areas from regulation; modifying the restrictions that apply to the planting of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale seed originating in regulated areas; and modifying cleaning and disinfection requirements for certain equipment and storage facilities involved in the harvesting, planting, or storage of Karnal bunt-positive host crops or seeds, as well as providing for the disposal of chemically treated, spore-positive seed. These changes are intended to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the regulations, thus helping to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt within the United States.