Duties and Responsibilities
The originally stated purpose of APHIS is to “protect the animal and plant resources of the nation” and carry out “a poultry and meat inspection program.” A more modern articulation of APHIS’s mission is “protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.”
APHIS aims to protect American animals, plants, and the agricultural industry by offering:
- Protection from invasive non-native plants, animals, insects, and diseases
- Monitoring and management of existing agricultural pests and diseases
- Resolution and management of trade issues related to animal or plant health
- Prevention or cessation of the inhumane treatment (of animals)
The threats and challenges within APHIS' scope include:
- Non-compliant biotech events
- Invasive species
- Agricultural animal/plant health threats
- Agricultural bioterrorism
- Sanitary and phytosanitary trade barriers
- Wildlife conflicts and diseases
- Zoonotic diseases
- Animal welfare issues
Read more about this topic: Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
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