Change in Disease Status of Northern Ireland and Norway Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations by removing Northern Ireland and Norway from the list of countries that are considered to be free of exotic Newcastle disease. We took this action based on reports we received from the Office International des Epizooties and the Governments of Northern Ireland and Norway that outbreaks of exotic Newcastle disease have occurred in Northern Ireland and Norway. This action restricts the importation of live birds, poultry, and poultry products into the United States from Northern Ireland and Norway.