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Definition
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a federal agency within the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) which is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.
What is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service?
APHIS mission is to safeguard the health, welfare, and value of American agriculture and natural resources. It works to prevent, control, and wipe out animal diseases to protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry.
The agency safeguards U.S. agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases. APHIS inspects imports, conducts pest surveys, and implements elimination and control programs for any threats.
Furthermore, APHIS provides leadership and expertise to resolve human-wildlife conflicts and protect agricultural resources. This includes managing wildlife damage to crops, livestock, and property, as well as controlling wildlife diseases that can affect humans and animals.
The agency also enforces the Animal Welfare Act, which sets standards for the humane care and treatment of animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. APHIS conducts inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.
Lastly, APHIS prepares for and responds to agricultural emergencies, such as outbreaks of plant and animal diseases or infestations of pests. The agency coordinates with other federal, state, and local agencies to implement response plans and reduce impacts.
Example of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Let’s say the APHIS discovered a new plant disease threatening California’s vineyards. The agency quickly established a task force to study the disease, imposed a temporary ban on the movement of grapevines from the affected region, and worked with farmers to apply targeted treatments. Thanks to these efforts, the spread of the disease was contained, preserving the health and productivity of the state’s wine industry.
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