Who has primary responsibility for protection against foreign animal diseases in the United States?

The primary responsibility for protection against foreign animal diseases in the United States falls to the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This agency is specifically tasked with safeguarding the health and welfare of American agriculture, which includes monitoring and controlling diseases that could impact livestock and poultry within the country.

USDA-APHIS plays a crucial role in implementing disease surveillance programs, coordinating with other nations to prevent the introduction of harmful pathogens, and providing responses to disease outbreaks. Its extensive network and resources are dedicated to ensuring that both animal health and public health are prioritized, making it the foremost authority in this area.

The roles of other agencies, while significant in their own contexts, do not focus specifically on foreign animal diseases. For example, the Centers for Disease Control primarily deals with human health issues and public health threats rather than agricultural diseases. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on the conservation of wildlife, which does not include livestock management. State Agriculture Departments support local agricultural practices and regulations but operate under the framework and guidance set by USDA-APHIS regarding animal disease control.