What activity is performed exclusively by accredited veterinarians?

Conducting certain tests on animals for USDA-APHIS is an activity that is reserved for accredited veterinarians due to the specific regulations and standards set forth by the USDA. These tests often relate to animal health and disease surveillance, which directly impact public health and animal trade. Accredited veterinarians possess the necessary certification and training to perform these tasks, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and the safeguarding of animal health.

While administering vaccinations, performing surgeries, and providing general health assessments are important functions in veterinary practice, they can also be performed by non-accredited individuals, depending on the regulations of specific states or facilities. In contrast, the tests conducted for USDA-APHIS require formal accreditation because inaccurate results can have significant consequences for animal populations and public health. This specificity highlights the crucial role accredited veterinarians play in regulatory oversight and animal health management.