On 1 June 2006, USDA APHIS proposed changes to the National Veterinary Accreditation Program, a voluntary program that allows veterinarians to become certified to work with Federal veterinarians and State animal health officials. The amendment would replace the existing accreditation category with two new categories: Category I and Category II. The new accreditation Category I would limit accredited veterinarians to companion animals and related activities. These veterinarians would be able to complete certificates for the international movement of companion animals, diagnosis of exotic animal diseases in companion animals, and performance of veterinary tasks during animal disease emergencies. Category II accreditation would be more comprehensive, allowing a veterinarian to work with all animal species and on all accredited activities.

The amendment would also offer accreditation specializations and require supplemental training and periodic renewal of accreditation1. Veterinarians in either accreditation category would be required to renew their accreditation every 3 years and to complete supplemental training courses during each 3-year period.

The purpose of this amendment is to “support the [USDA's] animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent1.” In addition, the proposed rule would “increase the level of training and skill of accredited veterinarians in the areas of disease prevention and preparedness for animal health emergencies in the United States1.”

Comments regarding this proposed rule change can be submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov. USDA APHIS will consider all comments received by 31 July.