The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold the Secretary's Advisory Committee's first meeting on Animal Health Jan. 20 and 21. The meeting will be held in the Jamie L. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, in rooms 104-A and 107-A. Tentative discussion topics include:

• Animal disease traceability;

• Aquaculture and animal health;

• Emergency response and management;

• Trade and emerging global animal health issues;

• USDA's role in public health initiatives;

• National disease management programs; and

• Veterinary Services' strategic planning effort.

Additional details on the agenda and meeting can be found on the committee's website. The meeting is open to the public. Attendees are asked to advise APHIS by e-mail on the dates they plan to attend and whether they wish to make an oral statement. Written statements on meeting topics can be filed at the meeting or with the committee before or after the meeting. E-mail can be sent through an access portal on the committee's website or directly to SACAH.Management@aphis.usda.gov. Photo identification is required to enter the Whitten building. Meeting attendees should plan to arrive between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on actions related to prevention, surveillance and the control of animal diseases of national importance. In doing so the committee will consider the implications of public health, conservation of natural resources, and the stability of livestock economies.

For more information contact Michael R. Doerrer, chief operating officer, Veterinary Services, USDA, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 37, Riverdale, Md. 20737; 301/734-5034 or by e-mail at SACAH.Management@aphis.usda.gov