A final rule amending import regulations for animals and animal products with regard to BSE has been published by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The rule describes a new system for classifying regions in other countries as negligible, controlled and undetermined risk for BSE, and revises the conditions for the specific importation of bovine products. The new regulations also prescribe the conditions under which certain commodities may be imported into the U.S. from regions designated as having negligible, controlled or undetermined risk for BSE. The final BSE rule goes into effect March 4th.