What is the role of the USDA with respect to reportable diseases?

The role of the USDA in establishing the National List of Reportable Diseases is crucial for public health and animal health monitoring. This list is essential because it identifies the diseases that must be reported to federal and state authorities, allowing for timely response and management of disease outbreaks. By specifying which diseases are reportable, the USDA helps ensure that data on disease prevalence and distribution can be compiled, analyzed, and acted upon to protect both animal and human health.

This function of establishing the National List of Reportable Diseases is fundamental in guiding surveillance efforts and informing stakeholders about the most significant threats to agricultural and public health. It provides a framework for communication among veterinarians, producers, and public health officials.

In contrast, while the USDA does engage in various activities related to disease management, they do not develop vaccines for all listed diseases, conduct all disease testing in the country, or manage international disease outbreaks as their primary role regarding reportable diseases. These activities often involve collaboration with other organizations and agencies at both national and international levels.