The Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR 73, 7 CFR 331, 9 CFR 121) is designed to minimize the potential illegitimate use of certain biological agents/toxins whose inadvertent or deliberate release may have severe and adverse public health or animal and plant health consequences.

The purpose of these regulations is

• to collect and provide information concerning the usage of potentially hazardous agents/toxins,
• to track the acquisition and transfer of these specific agents and toxins, and
• to establish a process for alerting appropriate authorities if an unauthorized attempt is made to acquire these agents/toxins.

The University of New Mexico is required to register and track the use of these agents in order to meet the CDC and USDA regulations promulgated in the CFR.

Failure to account for agent and toxin usage will jeopardize UNM's research privileges to use these materials.  Civil money penalties can be imposed against any individuals or entity in accordance with regulations in 42 CFR part 1003, as authorized by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.