USDA AMENDS NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2003--The U.S. Department of Agriculture has amendedthe National Poultry Improvement Plan and its auxiliary provisions by providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for plan participants and participating flocks.

The changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the
National Poultry Improvement Plan's 2002 National Plan Conference. These
changes will keep the provisions of the plan current with changes in the
poultry industry and provide for the use of new sampling and testing
procedures.

This final rule is scheduled for publication in the Nov. 14 Register and
becomes effective on Dec. 15. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.