Approved Tests for Bovine Tuberculosis in Cervids

We are amending the regulations regarding official tuberculosis tests for captive cervids to remove the CervidTB Stat- Pak[supreg] as an official bovine tuberculosis test for the following species of captive cervids: Elk, red deer, white-tailed deer, fallow deer, and reindeer. We are also amending the regulations to specify that the Dual Path Platform (DPP)[supreg] test, which was previously a supplemental test to be used in conjunction with the CervidTB Stat- Pak[supreg], is now considered a primary test, as well. We are taking this action because the CervidTB Stat-Pak[supreg] is no longer being produced, and because we have determined that the DPP[supreg] test can reliably be used as a primary test for bovine tuberculosis in certain species of captive cervids. This action is necessary on an immediate basis so that the regulations do not continue to authorize usage of a discontinued test, yet still provide regulated entities with options in order to meet the testing requirements for captive cervids within the regulations.