APHIS invites input for veterinary biological products meeting

WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requests agenda topics for a meeting on veterinary biological products.

The two-day annual meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. March 28 at the Scheman Building in Ames, Iowa, at Iowa State University's campus. Influenza is the theme.

Current suggested topics include:

• Avian, swine and equine influenza related issues;

• Pandemic influenza preparedness and related issues;

• Conditional licenses for canine influenza vaccines;

• Influenza diagnostics; and

• Veterinary Services and Center for Vet-erinary Biologics related issues.

Parties are asked to present ideas and suggestions concerning the licensing, manufacturing, testing, distribution and regulation of products designed to diagnose, prevent or treat animal diseases.

For information on how to submit agenda topics or request time to make a presentation, contact Byron Rippke, director of Policy, Evaluation and Licensing Center for Veterinary Biologics, Veterinary Services, APHIS; 510 South 17th St., Suite 104, Ames, Iowa, 50010-8197; phone (515) 232-5785; fax (515) 232-7120.

To register, contact Gera Ashton, Center for Veterinary Biologics, Veterinary Services at (515) 232-5785 or e-mail Gera.A.Ashton@aphis.usda.gov.