The Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program of the Communicable Disease Service of the Division of Epidemiology and Environmental and Occupational Health of the Public Health Services Branch of the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) proposes to readopt with amendments N.J.A.C. 8:23, the rules governing importation of dogs, reporting of rabies in animals, control of avian chlamydiosis in pet birds, sales and distribution of turtles and turtle eggs, and transportation by animal control officers.  The notice of proposal appears in the April 18, 2011 issue of the New Jersey Register.

The Department anticipates reviewing N.J.A.C. 8:23 with a view toward the development of future rulemaking with respect to the authority of health officers to receive and investigate reports from veterinarians, managers of licensed animal facilities, and certified animal control officers, and to order pet birds confined due to infection by, or exposure to, avian chlamydiosis (Chlamydophila psittaci).  Pending this anticipated analysis, the Department proposes to readopt N.J.A.C. 8:23 without change, except for technical amendments.

The public has until June 17, 2011, to comment on the proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing by regular mail to Devon L. Graf, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Office of the Commissioner, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360.  Written comments must be postmarked on or before June 17, 2011, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.  The Department will not accept telefacsimiles or electronic mail messages as official comments on the notice of proposal.

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