Specifically Approved States Authorized To Receive Mares and Stallions Imported From Countries Where CEM Exists

We are amending the animal importation regulations by adding Alabama and North Carolina to the list of States approved to receive certain mares imported into the United States from countries affected with contagious equine metritis (CEM). We are also adding Alabama to the list of States approved to receive certain stallions imported into the United States from countries affected with CEM. We are taking this action because Alabama and North Carolina have entered into an agreement with the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to enforce their State laws and regulations to control CEM and to require inspection, treatment, and testing of horses, as required by Federal regulations, to further ensure the horses' freedom from CEM. This action relieves unnecessary restrictions on importers of mares and stallions from countries where CEM exists.