WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2007- Nominations have opened for two-year membership appointments to the committee that advises the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on actions necessary to prevent the introduction of foreign livestock and poultry diseases into the United States.

The committee also advises the Secretary about contingency planning and maintaining a state of preparedness to deal with any introduced diseases.

Members for this committee will be selected so that the broadest representation is possible. The notice seeking nominations for membership is scheduled for publication in the Nov. 21 Federal Register.

Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all committee appointments. Once the committee has been formed, members will elect a chairperson and vice chairperson.

Consideration will be given to nominations received on or before Jan. 7, 2008. Nominations can be sent to Mark Teachman, acting director of interagency coordination, national center for animal health emergency management, veterinary services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4700 River Road, Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231.