Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996

Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more adequate and well controlled investigations from which experts could fairly and reasonably conclude that the drug will have the intended effect. Sets forth requirements regarding approval of a new animal drug containing more than one active ingredient or having labeling suggesting use of the drug in combination with another animal drug. Entitles any person intending to apply for an investigational exemption to one or more conferences prior to applying. Mandates implementing regulations that: (1) further define "adequate and well controlled" and "substantial evidence"; and (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute. Provides for the approval of animal drugs intended for minor species and minor uses. (Sec. 3) Modifies tolerance provisions to require application disapproval if the labeling's prescribed, recommended, or suggested use will result in a residue in excess of a safe tolerance. (Sec. 4) Prohibits deeming a new animal drug use unsafe if any edible portion of any animal imported into the United States does not contain residues exceeding an established tolerance. Provides for tolerance establishment. (Sec. 5) Regulates animal feed drugs that are limited by approved applications to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (veterinary feed directive drugs). (Sec. 6) Modifies: (1) the circumstances in which a new animal drug must be considered unsafe; and (2) requirements regarding licenses to manufacture animal feeds bearing or containing new animal drugs.

Animal Drug Availability Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more scientifically sound studies including, as appropriate, in vitro studies, studies in laboratory animals, bioequivalence studies, and any studies voluntarily undertaken by or for the applicant that provide some assurance that the drug will have the intended effect. Excludes a claim for the use of a drug in a minor species or a minor use of a drug from disapproval, if there is an application filed for the drug which is approved prior to the submission of the claim. Allows consideration, when a new animal drug contains more than one active ingredient or its labeling suggests use of the drug in combination with another animal drug, only of whether any of the active ingredients or any of the drugs in the combination, at the longest withdrawal time of any of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination, exceeds its established tolerance or interferes with the methods of analysis for another of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination. Requires the Secretary to issue proposed regulations implementing the provisions of this section which: (1) further define "substantial evidence;" (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute; and (3) provide for the opportunity for a conference to make a decision establishing a submission or an investigational requirement. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within 90 (currently 180) days of receipt of the application. (Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the Secretary to refer disputed issues received in writing from an applicant to an advisory committee or to a special Government employee; and (2) the committee or employee to submit a report containing recommendations regarding the matter. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to refuse approval of an application if information submitted with respect to the drug indicates that any use suggested in labeling proposed for that drug will result in a unsafe amount of residue. (Sec. 7) Permits the export of an unsafe (as defined in the Act) new animal drug, if it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is exported. (Currently, such export is prohibited.)