National Animal Health Emergency Response 

Corps (NAHERC) volunteers:

ß Protect U.S. agriculture

ß Help animals in need

ß Expand their career options

ß Network within the veterinary community

ß Learn emergency response procedures

Contact Us

http://naherc.aphis.usda.gov 

NAHERC@aphis.usda.gov 

(301) 851–3595

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination 

in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national 

origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, 

familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic 

information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an 

individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. 

(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of 

program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should 

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office 

of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 

20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 

(TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Photo credits: The group shots of swine and cattle came from the 

USDA–Agricultural Research Service collection. USDA employees took 

the horse photo (Tim McCabe), the chicken photo (Woody Machalek), 

and the fish photo (Ken Hammond). The images of Dr. Jane Ridky 

were taken by APHIS veterinarian Dr. Chip Ridky. The picture of the 

single cow came from the Professional Photography Library and was 

digitally enhanced to add the identification tags. The image of a 

veterinarian examining a sheep came from the APHIS photo library.

This publication supersedes Program Aid No. 1748, “National Animal 

Health Emergency Response Corps: You Can Make a Difference,” 

which was published in July 2003.

Issued July 2007

Slightly revised February 2010

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

When an animal health emergency occurs, 

an immediate response is necessary to protect 

both animals and people. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will 

look to many sources to obtain veterinary 

personnel to help meet critical staffing needs 

during such an emergency.

In 2001, APHIS established the National 

Animal Health Emergency Response Corps 

(NAHERC) to respond to exotic disease outbreaks and other disasters that affect livestock, 

poultry, companion animals, and wildlife. 

More veterinarians are urgently needed to 

assure a decisive response to any potential 

animal health crises.

Our communities Our animals

National Animal Health 

Emergency Response Corps

Ordinary

Outside

the

Join | Travel | Explore 

United States Department of Agriculture Program Aid No. 1940–1

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Make a difference. 

Become a NAHERC volunteer today!

Over the past several years, NAHERC 

volunteers have assisted with the foot-andmouth disease eradication effort in the United 

Kingdom, the outbreak of low-pathogenic 

avian influenza in the Shenandoah Valley of 

Virginia, and the exotic Newcastle disease 

response in southern California. As a NAHERC 

volunteer, you’ll experience the rewards of 

serving your country by helping protect our 

communities and the U.S. food supply.

Step Into a

 World of 

Adventure, Challenge, and Service

Q. How many days per year 

can I serve as a volunteer?

A. Veterinarians can serve multiple tours up to 

a full year. AHTs can serve multiple tours up 

to 221 days per year.

Q. How do I apply?

A. Go to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov and, 

under “Search Jobs,” enter the keyword 

“NAHERC.” Select either the Veterinarian 

or AHT job announcement.

 Follow instructions and enter a short résumé. 

To get help with this process, you will find 

contact information at the end of the job 

announcement.

 Fax or mail a copy of your veterinary 

credentials to the address provided. For 

more details or assistance, contact the 

NAHERC Program Coordinator at 

<NAHERC@aphis.usda.gov>.

Q. What if I have 

more questions? 

A. Call the NAHERC Program Coordinator at 

(301) 851–3595 or send an e-mail to 

<NAHERC@aphis.usda.gov>.

“ NAHERC provides great 

opportunities to do things 

you don’t normally do as a 

vet...to travel...and act as 

liaison between USDA and 

farm owners.” 

“You are really able to put your skills to the 

test to help control potentially devastating 

diseases...the kind of outbreaks you read 

about in history books.”

NAHERC volunteer Dr. Jane Ridky 

worked in APHIS’ cooperative effort 

to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease 

in the United Kingdom and again in 

the agency’s effort to control exotic 

Newcastle disease in California.

Rewarding

Q. Who is eligible?

A. Veterinarians with a valid U.S. veterinary 

diploma from an accredited program.

A. Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) and 

Veterinary Technicians with a diploma and/

or equivalent experience.

A. Eligibility of other veterinary and laboratory 

personnel will be determined on a case-bycase basis.

A. All selectees must be U.S. citizens.

Q. How long are tours?

A. Generally between 21 and 30 days.

Q. Will I be paid?

A. Yes, you will become a temporary USDA–

APHIS employee. You also have the right to 

refuse assignments. Travel and lodging costs 

are reimbursed; overtime pay is guaranteed, 

and workman’s compensation is provided.

Federal salaries are determined annually 

in a system called the General Schedule 

(GS). NAHERC veterinarians receive the 

salary rate of GS 11, step 1, employees in 

the Federal civil service. AHTs qualified at 

the highest level are paid at the GS 7, step 1, 

salary rate.

For more salary details, visit http://www.opm.gov 

and click on “View Salaries and Wages.”

—Dr. Jane Ridky

U.S. National Guard veterinary homeland 

defense officer and NAHERC volunteer