[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 5]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR331.9]

[Page 424]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
 CHAPTER III--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 331_POSSESSION, USE, AND TRANSFER OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS
--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 331.9  Responsibilities of the responsible official.

    (a) The responsible official is responsible for ensuring compliance 
with the regulations, including:
    (1) Developing and implementing a Biocontainment and Security Plan 
in accordance with Sec. 331.11;
    (2) Allowing only approved individuals within the entity to have 
access to any agents or toxins listed in Sec. 331.3 in accordance with 
Sec. 331.10;
    (3) Providing appropriate training in containment and security 
procedures for all personnel in accordance with Sec. 331.12;
    (4) Transferring agents or toxins only to registered individuals or 
entities in accordance with Sec. 331.13;
    (5) Ensuring that all visitors are informed of and follow the 
entity's security requirements and procedures;
    (6) Notifying APHIS of changes in circumstances in accordance with 
Sec. 331.6;
    (7) Providing timely notice of any theft, loss, or release of a 
biological agent or toxin in accordance with Sec. 331.16;
    (8) Maintaining detailed records of information necessary to give a 
complete accounting of all of the activities related to agents or toxins 
listed in Sec. 331.3 in accordance with Sec. 331.14.
    (b) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the responsible official for a diagnostic laboratory or other 
entity possessing, using, or transferring agents or toxins listed in 
Sec. 331.3 that are contained in specimens presented for diagnosis must 
immediately report the identification of such agents or toxins to the 
Administrator and to other appropriate authorities when required by 
Federal, State, or local law.\7\ During agricultural emergencies or 
outbreaks, or in endemic areas, the Administrator may require less 
frequent reporting.
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    \7\ A diagnostic laboratory or other person must immediately notify 
APHIS by calling (301) 734-5519.
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