many goals one mission

Protecting America’s Agricultural

and Natural Resources
ONE MISSION: Protecting America’s Agricultural and Natural Resources 3

Today, in addition to protecting the health of livestock,

poultry, and crops from foreign diseases and pests,

APHIS helps defend the environment from invasive

species, promote animal welfare, regulate the movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms, ensure commodities

traded internationally are free of animal and plant

pests and diseases, limit agricultural damage caused

by wildlife, and protect natural resources while contributing to efforts to ensure public health and safety.

The name of APHIS may not be well known to many

Americans, but our work is seen and felt, both far

and wide. From air travel kept safe against wildliferelated accidents, to an abundance of healthy

agricultural commodities from around the world,

to our own beautiful tree-lined streets, millions of

Americans benefit from the efforts of APHIS

employees every day.

Even though APHIS’ mission has changed through

the decades, our ultimate goal remains the same.

By protecting America’s agricultural and natural

resources, we protect America. And that will

never change.

3

“By protecting America’s agricultural

and natural resources, we protect

America. And that will never change.”

For nearly 40 years, the central mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

(USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been protecting

America’s agriculture. But as America has changed, that mission has expanded

and evolved.

many goals
APHIS is composed of several different program

units, each focused on its own unique responsibilities

and duties. Together, these programs work as a

dynamic whole—a world-class system designed to

safeguard the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems throughout the United States and foster safe

agricultural trade worldwide.

Agriculture is vital to the health and strength of the

U.S. economy and our citizens. However, globalization and free trade place great pressure on our

safeguarding system. Protecting agriculture requires

special attention from all of us who work in and with

the agriculture sector. We need to respond and work

together on issues that impact the health and safety

of American agriculture.

Our dynamic safeguarding system is built on a

foundation of collaboration and partnership.

At APHIS, we believe in working closely with our

partners and stakeholders, both inside and outside

the agency, to get results. States, tribes, and industry

groups play a big role in helping us manage the

issues that affect agriculture. Our employees work

cooperatively with growers and producers, industry

representatives, State and local governments,

professional organizations, various interest groups,

and scientists and academia throughout the United

States. We also collaborate with internationally

recognized scientists and participate in world animal

and plant health organizations. And as our work

increasingly intersects with human health issues,

we find ourselves reaching out to new partners,

such as public health officials. Without strong

collaboration, APHIS would not be able to accomplish

all that we do.

many units

ONE MISSION: Protecting America’s Agricultural and Natural Resources 5

“APHIS is composed of several different

program units, each focused on its own

unique responsibilities and duties.”
ONE MISSION: Protecting America’s Agricultural and Natural Resources 7

Safeguarding agricultural and natural resources is a

complex task. Our strategy is divided into three

pillars of action: Prevent, Protect, and Respond.

Prevent

Experience shows that the best way to eliminate

pests and diseases is to prevent them from becoming

a threat. To accomplish that goal, APHIS employees:

• Negotiate protocols for the safe import and export

of agricultural commodities,

• Certify the health and safety of animal and plant

products entering and leaving the United States,

• Regulate the field testing and movement of certain

genetically engineered organisms to protect

against risks to plant health, and

• Collaborate with counterparts overseas to combat

foreign threats to agriculture before they reach the

United States.

Protect

When a potential threat to U.S. agriculture enters

the country, APHIS employs a variety of protective

strategies, including:

• Monitoring and surveying throughout the country

for pests and diseases such as avian influenza or

Asian longhorned beetle,

• Inspecting markets and vendors to intercept

prohibited agricultural items that have been

smuggled into the United States,

• Managing endemic diseases such as rabies, and

many tasks

• Mitigating damage to agriculture and threats to

human health caused by wildlife.

In addition to APHIS’ work to protect America’s

agricultural and natural resources, we also enforce

the Federal Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection

Act. These laws provide important protections for

regulated animals by establishing minimum standards of humane care and treatment.

Respond

As an emergency response agency, APHIS is prepared

to respond quickly and efficiently in times of crisis.

Whether it’s a disease or pest emergency or a natural

disaster, APHIS officials are on the ground, ready to

secure the health and safety of our country’s animals,

plants, and food supply. Before and during emergencies, we work with our Federal and State partners to:

• Prepare and implement pest and disease response

plans,

• Combat pests that may attack our Nation’s agricultural and natural resources,

• Provide emergency food, water, and care to

agricultural animals, and

• Ensure the safe evacuation and shelter of pets

during emergencies.

“Safeguarding agricultural and natural resources is

a complex task. Our strategy is divided into three

pillars of action: Prevent, Protect, and Respond.”
ONE MISSION: Protecting America’s Agricultural and Natural Resources 9

APHIS employees are located in all 50 States, several

Territories, and 25 countries worldwide. We are on

the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, protecting

America’s agricultural and natural resources.

Experts

APHIS employees are highly qualified experts in

their fields; each is deeply committed to applying

his or her skills to the APHIS mission. In addition to

scientists, veterinarians, entomologists, and biologists, APHIS employs professionals from a wide range

of disciplines, including political science, communications, information technology, finance, emergency

management, biosafety, biosecurity, acquisition,

facilities management, investigative services, and

human resources.

Leaders

Strong leadership and proven technical competence

are the key attributes of APHIS employees. These

are the organizational values that help us accomplish

our mission every day and improve our organizational

performance for the future. Today, as we face new

challenges nationwide in strengthening our safeguarding systems, addressing increased trade

volume, and responding to agricultural emergencies,

APHIS is investing in continued employee training

and development as the key to success in an

evolving world.

Diverse Workforce

From our Administrator’s office to senior leadership,

through the employee ranks to our summer interns,

APHIS is a diverse and dynamic mixture of exceptional individuals. We work hard to foster an environment in which employees feel encouraged to bring

their differences to the table, share them with

colleagues, and build on their own unique experiences by learning about the perspectives of their

co-workers.

APHIS believes that each employee can benefit from

the knowledge and experience of others. That’s why

we have made diversity enhancement a key organizational goal and a central part of our strategic plan.

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce,

creating a positive work environment, and delivering

top-notch services both fairly and impartially to all

of our customers.

many faces

“APHIS employees are on the job 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week, protecting America’s

agricultural and natural resources.”
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NEMISSION:ProtectingAmerica’sAgriculturalandNaturalResources

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Increasesinglobaltrade,theemergenceofzoonotic

diseases,andthethreatofagroterrorismdemanda

comprehensiveapproachtoprotectinganimaland

publichealth.ThroughitsVeterinaryServicesprogram,

APHISbringsawealthofskillsandexpertisetothis

effort—fromglobaldiseasesurveillanceandanimal

healthcertificationtodiseaseeradicationandemergency

preparedness.

MonitoringandSurveyingforDisease

Toprotectanimalandpublichealththroughoutthe

UnitedStates,APHIScontinuouslymonitorstheworld-

wideanimal-healthenvironment,analyzingdataand

trendsastheyarereported.Ourspecialistsidentify

potentialandemerginganimalhealththreatsandtake

actionnotonlytomitigatetheimpactonU.S.agriculture,

butalso—whenthethreatiszoonotic(transmissiblefrom

animalstohumans)—toprotectpublichealth.

SafeguardingAgainstForeignAnimalDiseases

APHISstandsinthefirstlineofdefenseagainstthespread

offoreignanimaldiseases—athreatthatcancostbillions

ofdollarstoeradicateandcausesignificantdamageto

theU.S.economy.Since1972,APHIShassuccessfully

eradicatedseveralforeignanimaldiseasesfromthe

UnitedStates,includingexoticNewcastledisease,classi-

calswinefever,andhighlypathogenicavianinfluenza.

EradicatingDomesticAnimalDiseases

WorkingtogetherwithlocalandStateofficials,APHIS’

incidentcommandteamsprovideon-the-groundsupport

inrespondingtooutbreaksamongU.S.livestockand

poultry.Theseteamshelperadicatedomesticdiseases

suchasbrucellosisincattle,lowpathogenicavianin-

fluenzainpoultry,andscrapieinsheepandgoats.

FacilitatingTradeandOpeningNewMarkets

Throughtheinspectionandcertificationofanimalsand

animalproductsbeingshippedintoandoutofthecoun-

try,APHIShelpsprotectbothAmericanproducersand

consumers.Ourspecialistsworkcloselywithproducers

tocertifytheirexportsaspest-anddisease-free,while

consumerstrustAPHIStoensurethatimportedanimals

andanimalproductsposenothreattotheUnitedStates,

ouragriculture,orourfoodsupply.Atthesametime,

weworktoexpandproduceraccesstoforeignmarketsby

engagingindirecttradenegotiationswithothernations.

ProvidingWorld-ClassAnimalHealthResearch,

Diagnostics,andProductEvaluation

Withextensivenetworksoflaboratoriesandresearch

facilities,APHISisaleaderinanimalhealthscienceand

technology.Fromresearchinganddiagnosingforeign

animaldiseasesandstudyingtheproductionpractices

ofU.S.producerstoensuringthatveterinarybiologics

availableforthediagnosis,prevention,andtreatmentof

animalsarepure,safe,potent,andeffective,ouremploy-

eesdevelopandapplyscientificmethodsthatformthe

foundationoftheNation’sanimalhealthinfrastructure.

“APHISstandsin

thefirstline

ofdefense

againstthe

spreadof

disease.”

manyexpertskills

VeterinaryServices

Protectsandimprovesthehealth,quality,

andmarketabilityofU.S.animals,animal

products,andveterinarybiologics.

•Coordinatenationalanimalhealth

emergencypreparednessand

management

•Ensurethesafeimportofanimals,

animalproducts,andbiologics

•Diagnoseforeignanddomesticanimal

diseases

•Monitorthehealthstatusoflivestock

andpoultry

•Certifyanimals,animalproducts,and

veterinarybiologicsforexport

•Develop,implement,andenforce

standardsforsafeanimalvaccines

•Providetime-criticalanimalhealth

informationanddatatoaddress

challengesfacedbyanimalproducers

andstakeholders

•Directnationalprogramstoeradicate

certainanimaldiseases

•Manageanationalnetworkoflaboratories

usedfortestingandemergencyresponse

AnimalHealth
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NEMISSION:ProtectingAmerica’sAgriculturalandNaturalResources

13

ThroughitsPlantProtectionandQuarantineprogram,

APHISvigilantlyprotectsagricultureandtheenviron-

mentagainstpestanddiseasethreatstoensurea

diversenaturalecosystemandanabundantandhealthy

foodsupplyforallAmericans.

ProtectingAgricultureandtheEnvironment

FromInvasivePests

Aninvasivepestisanon-nativespecieswhoseintroduc-

tionintothecountrycancausedamagetotheeconomy,

naturalresources,orhumanhealth.Preventingpests

fromenteringthecountryisournumberonepriority.

Atportsofentry,APHISemployeesworkwithDHSto

inspectagriculturalimportsandtreatshipmentsthat

poseariskofpestintroduction.Whenaninvasivepest

ordiseasedoesenterthecountry,earlydetectionisthe

keytopreventingitsestablishmentandspread.APHIS’

scientistsandspecialistsusethebestavailablescience

todevelopnewmethodstoprevent,detect,identify,

manage,and,ifpossible,eradicateinvasivepests,while

protectingU.S.agriculturalresourcesandtheenviron-

mentfromharm.

EstablishingEffectiveRegulationsandPolicies

Bydeterminingwhichplantsandplantproductscanbe

imported—andwhichposeahighriskandshouldbe

excluded—theregulationsandpoliciesestablishedby

APHISprotecttheenvironmentandU.S.agriculture.

Basedonvaryinglevelsofrisk,ourregulationsprovide

multiplelayersofprotection,rangingfromproductbans

tocommoditytreatmentsthatmitigatethedangers

posedbypests.WorkingtogetherwithDHSinspectorsat

portsaroundthecountry,ourexpertsprovideguidance

onrecognizingthreatsandofferscientificadviceand

expertiseonhandlinganypossiblerisktoU.S.agricul-

ture—frompotentiallyinfestedshipmentsofimported

plantandanimalproductstotheproperdisposalof

foreigngarbage.

SafeguardingThroughScience

SafeguardingAmerica’sagricultureandenvironment

requiresacontinuousflowofinformationaboutpests

abroadthatcouldthreatenourplantresourcesandthe

likelypathwaysthroughwhichtheycouldenterandtran-

sittheUnitedStates.APHISscientistsmonitorpestdata

fromaroundtheworldandthroughoutthecountryto

uncoverthosepathwaysanddevelopstrategiestoboth

excludepestsbeforetheyarriveatourshoresandto

stoporlimittheirmovementiftheyenterthecountry.

AssistingU.S.FarmersandExporters

APHISassistsAmericanfarmersandexportersbypro-

vidingplanthealthinspectionandcertificationforplants

andplantproductsbeingshippedtoforeigncountries.

Requiredbyimportingcountries,theseplanthealth

certificatesensurethatproductsarepest-anddisease-

free.Wealsoworktoexpandproduceraccesstoforeign

marketsbyengagingintechnicaltradediscussionswith

othernations.

“Thecontinuous

processof

research,analy-

sis,methods

development,

survey,detection,

andresponseis

centraltothe

successofAPHIS’

safeguarding

activities.”

PlantProtection

andQuarantine

SafeguardsU.S.agriculturalandnatural

resourcesfromrisksassociatedwiththe

entry,establishment,orspreadofagri-

culturalpestsanddiseases,aswellas

invasiveandharmfulweeds.

•Prevent,detect,manage,andif

possible,eradicateforeignpestsand

diseasesintheUnitedStates

•Developscientificallyadvanced,

environmentallysoundmethodsto

respondtoplanthealththreats

•Collectandanalyzepestdata,both

intheUnitedStatesandoverseas,

toidentifyandevaluatepathwaysfor

theintroductionandmovementof

invasiveplantpestsandweeds

•PartnerwiththeU.S.Departmentof

HomelandSecurity(DHS)toprevent

theintroductionofagriculturalpests

anddiseasesatportsofentry

•Developquarantinepoliciesandregu-

latoryrequirementsforagricultural

commoditiesandplantresources

•Establishrequirementsforandfacili-

tatethesafeimportandexportof

agriculturalproducts

PlantHealth

manywatchfuleyes
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Astheworldchangesandtechnologyadvances,so

mustthestrategiesforplantprotection.Fromcornthat

detersinsectpeststopapayasresistanttoviruses,new

GEorganismsarebeingtestedandintroducedevery

day.ThroughitsBiotechnologyRegulatoryServices

program,APHISensuresthatnewlydevelopedGEorgan-

ismsdonotposeafuturerisktoU.S.agricultureand

theenvironment.

EnsuringtheSafetyofGEOrganisms

Throughacomprehensiveprogramofrigorousregulatory

oversight,APHISrequiresthatapplicantswantingto

move,import,orfieldtestaGEorganismsubmitdetailed

informationforthoroughreviewbyourregulatoryscien-

tiststoassesspotentialenvironmentalimpactsorplant

healthrisksbeforetheintroductioncanbeallowed.Upon

completionoffieldtesting,developerscanpetitionAPHIS

tograntnonregulatedstatustoaGEorganismoncethey

havegatheredsufficientinformationtodemonstratethat

thenewGEvarietydoesnotposearisktoplanthealth

andissafetobegrownintheenvironmentwithoutany

regulatoryoversight.BeforeAPHISgrantsaGEplant

nonregulatedstatus,ourscientistsmustdeterminethat

thenewGEvarietyisjustassafeforagricultureandthe

environmentastraditionallybredcropvarieties.

Since1987,whenweapprovedthefirstfieldtrialforGE

plants,APHIShasissuedmorethan27,000fieldtrial

andmovementauthorizationsandderegulatedmore

than75productsforuse—effectivelyestablishingAPHIS

asaleaderinthesaferegulationofGEproducts.

PermittingProgressinBiotechnology

Tofosterpublicconfidence,APHISmaintainsastrong

anddynamicregulatorysystemthatrespondstothe

rapidlyevolvingfieldofbiotechnology.Ourofficials

workcontinuallytoreviewandstrengthenregulations

andpoliciesasneeded,basedonnewtrendsin

biotechnology,changesinthefield,andexperience

gained.APHISmakesitaprioritytoensurethatits

processes,decisions,andactivitiesaretransparentto

thepublicandtoitsstakeholdersandencouragespublic

participationthroughoutthepermitting,petition,and

rulemakingprocesses.

“APHISprovides

oversightof

certainGE

organismsto

protectagainst

plantpestrisks

toU.S.agricul-

tureandthe

environment.”

manysafeguards

Biotechnology

Regulatory

Services

Protectsagainstriskstoplanthealthby

facilitatingthesafeimportation,interstate

movement,andenvironmentalrelease

ofcertaingeneticallyengineered(GE)

organisms.

•Establishrequirementsforthesafe

importation,interstatemovement,and

fieldtestingofcertainGEorganisms

•Evaluatepotentialplanthealthrisks

associatedwithGEorganisms

•Enforceregulatoryrequirements

throughhighqualityinspections

•RemovefromoversightGEplant

varietiesthatdonotposeariskto

planthealth

•WorkinpartnershipwiththeU.S.Food

andDrugAdministrationandtheU.S.

EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyto

ensurethatthedevelopment,testing,

anduseofbiotechnologyproducts

occursinamannerthatissafeforplant

andanimalhealth,humanhealth,and

theenvironment

Biotechnology
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Morethanever,weliveinatrulyinterconnected,global

economy.That’swhy,asrecognizedexpertsinthe

assessmentandregulationofrisksassociatedwithagri-

culturalimports,APHIS’InternationalServicesprogram

sharesitsknowledgeandskillswithforeignofficials

aroundtheworld.Becausethestrongerthosecountries’

agriculturalhealthinfrastructuresare,thesaferour

animalandplantimportswillbe.

BuildingHealthCapacityOverseas

WithinthelargermissionofAPHIS,onekeygoalisto

enhancetheabilitiesofforeignofficialstoaddressthe

verytypesofanimalandplanthealthissuesAPHISworks

topreventhereintheUnitedStates.Bypartneringwith

othercountriestocontrolanimalandplantpestsand

diseases,wesignificantlyreducetheriskofthempassing

throughourborders.

Anareaofprimaryfocusistheco-sponsoringof

cooperativeforeignpestanddiseaseoperationprograms

topreventthespreadoverseas—andreintroduction

domestically—ofthreatsalreadyeliminatedinthe

UnitedStates.

MinimizingPestRisksOffshore

APHISconductspestsurveillanceandriskmitigation

outsidetheUnitedStatestoaddressthechallenges

posedbyrapidlyacceleratedtravelandtrade.Inaneffort

tomitigatetherisksofexoticpestswheretheyoriginate,

ratherthanaftertheyreachtheUnitedStates,oursafe-

guardingofficersstationedaroundtheworldmonitor

changesininternationalproduction,processing,and

shippingpractices.

FacilitatingSafeAgriculturalTrade

Underthetermsofprevailinginternationaltradeagree-

ments,APHISisrecognizedastheprimaryU.S.agencyin

chargeofanimalandplanthealthissuesassociatedwith

agriculturaltrade.Inthatcapacity,theagencyfacilitates

tradebyissuingcertificatesattestingtothehealthstatus

ofU.S.productsbeingexportedandnegotiatingscientifi-

callybasedtradeagreementswithforeigncountries.

APHISplaysamajorroleinbuildingandmaintaining

strongagriculturaltraderelationsbetweentheUnited

Statesandothercountries.Throughourcloseworkwith

foreigngovernments,APHISemployeesstationedabroad

areinstrumentalinprotectingexistingmarketsand

openingupnewmarketsfortradeworldwide.Providing

assistanceandinformationasneeded,ourofficialsalso

becomeinvolvedwhenashipmentisdetainedataforeign

portduetohealthdocumentationorpest/diseaseinter-

ceptionproblems.Additionally,APHISworkshardto

ensurethatanytraderestrictionsplacedonU.S.exports

arebasedonsoundscience.

DevelopingInternationalStandards

ThroughourworkwiththeWorldOrganizationforAnimal

Health,theInternationalPlantProtectionConvention,

andtheJointCodexAlimentariusCommission,APHIS

veterinaryandplanthealthscientists,alongwithofficials

fromaroundtheworld,playacrucialroleinsettinginter-

nationalstandardsforanimalandplanthealthandfood

safety.Thesescience-basedstandardsaredesignedto

protectthehealthofconsumers,animals,andplants

againstpestsanddiseaseswhileincreasingtradeoppor-

tunitiesworldwide.

“Workingwith

scientistsand

officialsaround

theworld,

westriveto

makeglobal

agricultural

tradesafe,

predictable,

andfair.”

manyfrontiers

Providesanimalandplanthealthexpertise

toprotectAmericanagricultureand

facilitatesafeagriculturaltradearound

theworld.

•Managecooperativeagriculturalhealth

programsinothercountriestoaddress

priorityforeigndiseasesandpests

suchasscrewwormandMediterranean

fruitfly

•Providetrainingandtechnicalsupport

tobuildanimalandplanthealthinfra-

structuresindevelopingcountries

•Helpestablishandpromotetheuseof

internationalanimalandplanthealth

standardstopreventthespreadof

pestsanddiseases

•Monitorsignificantanimalandplant

pestsanddiseasesworldwide

•Inspectagriculturalcommoditiesprior

toshipmenttotheUnitedStatesto

minimizerisktoU.S.agriculture

•FacilitatetheentryofU.S.agricultural

andfoodshipmentsatforeignports

ofentry

•Negotiateagriculturalimportand

exportprotocolstoexpandtrade

opportunitiesforU.S.exportersand

provideadiverserangeofagricultural

productsyearroundforAmerican

consumers

International

Services
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Fornearly40years,CongresshasentrustedUSDA

andAPHISwiththestewardshipofanimalsbredfor

commerce,exhibitedtothepublic,orusedinresearch

throughitslandmarkAnimalWelfareandHorseProtec-

tionActs.Today,throughitsAnimalCareprogram,APHIS

continuestoupholdthattrust,givingprotectionto

millionsofanimalseachyear,nationwide.

EnsuringHumaneTreatment

Overtheyears,APHIShasworkedtirelesslyto

strengthenanimalwelfareregulations—fromestablish-

ingexerciserequirementsfordogstoensuringthe

psychologicalwell-beingofnonhumanprimatesto

requiringalternativestopotentiallypainfulordistressful

proceduresinanimalresearch.APHISalsoprohibits

“soring,”thepracticeofapplyingirritantstoahorse’s

forelegstoenhanceitsgait—acruelshortcuttoproper

training.Weworkactivelywiththehorseindustrytopro-

tectagainstsuchabuseandensurethatonlysoundand

healthyhorsesparticipateinshows.

APHISinspectorsconductunannouncedinspectionsat

zoos,circuses,marinemammalfacilities,researchfacili-

ties,exhibitions,horseshowsandsales,andcommercial

airportstoachievecomplianceandensurethatanimals

receivehumanecareandtreatment.

NotJustMeeting,ButExceedingtheStandards

ofCareandTreatment

APHIS’veterinarymedicalofficersandanimalcarein-

spectorsarecommittedtohelpinglicensedandregis-

teredentitiesnotjustmeet,butexceedtherequirements

oftheAnimalWelfareandHorseProtectionActs.Our

personnelareexpertsinthecareofvariousspeciesand

intheareasofnutrition,research,andtransportation.

Wealsohaveextensiveexperienceinthecareandhan-

dlingofanimals.Eachyear,weofferamultitudeoftrain-

ingopportunitiesandinformativeworkshopstolicensees

onvariousanimalwelfaretopicsinanefforttoachieve

compliancethrougheducationandcooperation.

SavingPetstoSaveLives

Intheeventofadisaster,thesafemovement,housing,

husbandry,andreunificationofhouseholdpetswiththeir

ownersrequireauniquecombinationofexpertise—one

bothlogisticalandveterinary.That’swhyAPHISiswork-

ingcloselywithothergovernmentorganizationsunder

theFederalEmergencyManagementAgency’s(FEMA)

NationalResponseFrameworktodevelopanintegrated

approachtodisasterreliefforpets.Providingtechnical

expertiseaswellasplanningandcoordinationsupport,

ouranimalwelfareexpertsarehelpingStatesandlocali-

tiespreparetoprovideforthesafetyandwell-beingof

petsduringdisasters.Weserveasapowerfulplanning

resourcethatStateandlocalofficialscanturntoinad-

vanceofadisaster.Duringaresponse,wecanoftenpro-

videacriticalinjectionofmanpowerandexpertisewhere

it’sneededmost.

“APHISgives

protectionto

millionsof

animals

eachyear,

nationwide.”

manycaringhands

AnimalCare

Protectandpromotethewelfareofanimals

bredforcommercialsale,usedinresearch,

transportedcommercially,orexhibitedto

thepublic.

•Developacceptablestandardsof

humanecareandtreatment

•Activelyworktoeliminatethesoring

ofhorses

•Monitoranimalcarepracticesand

achievecompliancethroughinspections,

education,andcooperativeefforts

•Providenationalleadershiponthe

safetyandwell-beingofhousehold

petsduringdisasters

Animal

Welfare
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Wildlifeisanimportantpublicresourcehighlyvalued

bytheAmericanpeople.Byitsverynature,however,

wildlifeisdynamicandmobile—andcandamage

agriculturalandenvironmentalresourcesandposerisks

tohumansafetyandhealth.APHIS’WildlifeServices

programprovidesleadershipincreatingabalancethat

allowspeopleandwildlifetocoexist.APHIS’wildlife

managersmustthoughtfullyconsidernotonlytheneeds

ofthosedirectlyaffectedbywildlifedamage,butalsoa

rangeofenvironmental,sociocultural,andeconomic

factors.Ourwildlifebiologistsandtechniciansprovide

biologicallysound,environmentallysafe,sociallyaccept-

able,and—wheneverpossible—non-lethalresponsesto

wildlifeconflicts.

ProtectingAgriculturalResources

Despiteproducers’besteffortstoprotecttheirlivestock

andcrops,millionsofdollarsofdamagearecausedeach

yearbywildlife.APHISworkstoreducethisdamageby

providingproducerswithbothtechnicalanddirectman-

agementassistancetoresolvewildlifeconflicts.From

recommendationsonhabitatmodificationorhusbandry

practicestoreducethelikelihoodofwildlifedamageto

capturingandrelocatingpredatorsthatarepreyingon

livestock,APHISactsasaprotectivebufferbetween

wildlifeandagriculture.

MonitoringforWildlifeDisease

ThroughouttheUnitedStates,APHISisresponsible

forthemonitoringandsurveillanceofwildlifediseases

suchashighlypathogenicavianinfluenza,WestNile

virus,chronicwastingdisease,foot-and-mouthdisease,

andLymedisease.Throughtheseefforts,weincrease

ourunderstandingofthesediseasesandenhanceour

abilitytorespondtooutbreaksinwildlifeanddomestic

animals,aswellastopreventdiseasethreatstohumans.

ProtectingPublicHealthandSafety

Unfortunately,wildlifecanposesignificantthreatsto

publichealthandsafety—fromwildlifediseasesthat

canaffectdomesticanimalsandhumanstobirdsand

animalsthatcollidewithaircraftduringtakeoffandland-

ing.Since1995,APHIShasbeenworkingcooperatively

withlocal,State,andFederalgovernment,universities,

andotherpartnerstopreventthefurtherspreadof

wildliferabiesandeventuallyeliminatethediseaseinthe

UnitedStagesthroughanintegratedprogramthatin-

volvestheuseoforalrabiesvaccinationtargetedtowild

animals.Andtohelppreventthesepotentiallydangerous

interactionsbetweenwildlifeandaircraft,APHISbiolo-

gistsprovideairportoperatorsacrosstheNationwithad-

viceandrecommendationsonhowtokeeprunwaysand

flightpathsclearofwildlife.

SafeguardingNaturalResources

APHISworksineveryStateandseveralU.S.Territoriesto

protectandpreservenaturalresources,suchaswetland

habitats,forests,andthreatenedandendangeredspecies

thatarevitalpartsofAmerica’suniquelandscape.Our

scientistsandwildlifebiologists,partneringwiththeU.S.

DepartmentoftheInterior’s(DOI)FishandWildlifeServ-

ice(FWS),Statewildlifemanagementagencies,landown-

ers,andothers,helpprotectmorethan100threatened

andendangeredplants,birds,mammals,reptiles,

amphibians,fish,andinsects.

“APHISactsas

aprotective

bufferbetween

wildlifeand

people.”

WildlifeServices

ProvidesFederalleadershiptoresolve

conflictsbetweenpeopleandwildlifeand

createabalanceallowingpeopleand

wildlifetocoexistpeacefully.

•Manageconflictsbetweenpeople

andwildlife

•Protectagriculture

•Protectnaturalresources,including

threatenedandendangeredspecies

•Protectproperty

•Protectpublichealthandsafety

•Monitorforwildlifedisease

WildlifeDamage

Management

manysolutions
O

NEMISSION:ProtectingAmerica’sAgriculturalandNaturalResources

23

Whenadisasterstrikes,APHISispreparedtorespond.

Fromagriculturalpestanddiseaseoutbreakstonatural

disasterslikehurricanesandfloodstothreatsofagro-

terrorism,APHIShastheexpertiseandtheinfrastructure

necessarytoprotectanimals,plants,naturalresources,

andpeople.

CombatingPestsandDiseases

Astheleadnationalagencyforanimalandplant

emergencies,APHIShasdevelopedandimplementeda

science-basedframeworkdesignedtoprovideoptimum

protectionagainstpestsanddiseases.BasedonFEMA’s

NationalResponseFramework,ouractivitiesareorgan-

izedaroundtheprinciplesofprevention,preparedness,

response,andrecovery.Beforeanemergency,wework

tirelesslytoensurethatouremergencymanagement

plans,procedures,andtrainingarecurrentwiththe

highestnationalandinternationalstandards.Duringan

emergency,wecoordinateactionswithotherFederal,

State,andlocalentitiestocontain,control,oreradicate

thepestordisease.Andfollowinganemergency,we

providelong-termstabilityandprotectionfrompestor

diseaserecurrencethroughtheimplementationof

Coordinatesemergencyresponseefforts

thatprotectthehealthandvalueofU.S.

agricultural,natural,andotherresources.

•Operateandmaintainthestate-of-the-

artAPHISEmergencyOperationsCenter

•MonitorthreatstoU.S.agriculture

andfoodsectors

•CoordinatewithDHSandotherFederal

andStateemergencymanagement

entities

•Collectanddisseminateagricultural

information,technology,andexpertise

relatingtoterrorismandhomeland

security

•Developstrategiesandpoliciesfor

effectiveincidentmanagement

•Coordinateanddirectanimalandplant

healthemergencyincident

responseefforts

•Providesupportduringall-hazards

emergencies

•Conducttrainingexercisestoensure

personnelarereadyforemergency

responsework

Emergency

Response

regulations,educationaboutbestmanagementand

biosecuritypractices,andsupportforrestoration.

Supporting“AllHazards”Emergencies

UnderEmergencySupportFunction#11ofFEMA’s

NationalResponseFramework,APHIShasbeentasked

withakeyroleinrespondingtoemergencyincidents—

including“allhazards”emergenciesthatmaybeunre-

latedtooutbreaksofanimalandplantpestsanddis-

eases.TheuniqueskillsofAPHISemployees,coupled

withourvastnetworksofdiagnosticandresearchlabo-

ratories,veterinarystockpiles,andotherassets,make

usvaluablepartnersinrespondingtoawiderangeof

emergencies—fromrecoveringandprotectingwildlife

impactedbyanenvironmentaldisaster,suchasanoil

spill,toprovidingfoodtoanimalsstrandedbyblizzards,

hurricanesorothernaturaldisasters,toassistingStates

andlocalitieswiththeevacuationofpets—andtherefore

residents—indisaster-strickenareas.

PartneringforSuccess

Thekeytoeffectiveemergencyresponseisastrong

networkofpeopletrainedandpreparedtorespond.

Weworkinclosepartnershipwithnationalandinterna-

tionalanimalandplanthealthprotectionorganizations;

Federal,State,tribal,andlocalgovernments;universi-

ties;industries;andprivateentitiestodevelopstrategies

andpoliciesforeffectiveincidentmanagementandto

coordinateincidentresponses.

“Whenadisaster

strikes,APHIS

isprepared

torespond.”

manyresponsibilities
With an extensive network of laboratories and

research facilities, APHIS draws from among the most

advanced and specialized scientific resources available

today.

Advancing the Science of Safeguarding

APHIS relies on the unique skills of its highly trained

staff—as well as its unmatched access to the most

advanced technical resources—for the benefit of U.S.

agriculture and producers. From our work on biocontrol

techniques to wildlife fertility management and molecular diagnostics, APHIS keeps America on the cutting

edge of agricultural science.

APHIS’ scientific facilities include the:

• Center for Plant Health Science and Technology,

where scientists identify and evaluate pathways for

the introduction of invasive plant pests and weeds;

• Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health,

where multidisciplinary specialists track emerging

animal health threats, monitor U.S. livestock

management and production, and design comprehensive animal health surveillance programs;

• National Wildlife Research Center, the world’s only

research center devoted entirely to the development of

methods for effective wildlife damage management;

• National Veterinary Services Laboratories, the

Nation’s premier animal health diagnostic laboratory

and a World Animal Health Organization reference

laboratory for animal diseases of importance to the

Americas;

• National Animal Health Laboratory Network,

an extensive and integrated system of Federal, State,

and university laboratories that provide animal

disease diagnostic services in both routine and

emergency situations, including bioterrorism events;

• Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory,

a high-security facility where experts conduct

research into both new and known high-consequence

animal diseases as well as potential bioterrorist

releases; and

• The Center for Veterinary Biologics, the Nation’s

sole laboratory involved in the testing and regulation

of commercial veterinary biologics (vaccines and diagnostic kits) in the United States.

“APHIS keeps

America on

the cutting

edge of

agricultural

science.”

many advanced facilities

Developing and applying scientific methods

to benefit agricultural producers and

consumers, protect the health of domestic

animal and plant resources, and sustain

agricultural ecosystems.

• Identify and analyze pest and

disease pathways

• Conduct diagnostic testing

• Develop and adapt technologies

• Conduct risk assessments

Sound Science

ONE MISSION: Protecting America’s Agricultural and Natural Resources 25
Many goals. One mission. Even as the challenges

and responsibilities have grown for APHIS and its

employees, our mission has not changed—it’s only

become more important.

Today, protecting America’s agricultural and natural resources means

many things. It means ensuring the health of our animal and plant

resources both at home and as they move through the global marketplace. Guarding against the introduction or re-emergence of animal and

plant pests and diseases that could limit agricultural production and

damage export markets. Monitoring and responding to potential acts

of agricultural bioterrorism, as well as to invasive species, disease outbreaks, and conflicts between humans and wildlife. It means eliminating

trade barriers and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. And it

means making sure that biotechnology-derived agricultural products

are safe for release into the environment.

Those are just a few of the ways in which APHIS helps support USDA in

its overall mission to protect and promote food, agriculture, and natural

resources. But it’s just the beginning. As America’s agricultural needs

and complexities multiply in the years and decades ahead, it’s the goal of

APHIS to adapt proactively as new challenges occur. Our experienced

cadre of scientists, veterinarians, biologists, and other professionals are

better prepared than ever to protect America’s agricultural and natural

resources well into the 21st century and beyond.

many oppo

That’s our goal, our mission...and our promise.

rtunities ahead
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.

Issued June 2009 Program Aid No. 2022

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

www.aphis.usda.gov