Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Which entity oversees the reporting of foreign animal diseases in the U.S.?

1. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

2. World Health Organization (WHO)

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

4. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The correct answer is: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary entity responsible for overseeing the reporting of foreign animal diseases in the U.S. This responsibility falls under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the USDA, which plays a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and preventing animal diseases that may be introduced from abroad. The USDA ensures that the U.S. is prepared to respond to potential outbreaks, conducts surveillance, and coordinates with international organizations to manage animal health issues. While other organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) focus on human health and disease, the EPA deals with environmental concerns rather than animal disease reporting. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily focuses on medical and health research, particularly concerning human diseases. Therefore, the USDA is distinctly positioned as the key agency for handling such matters related to animal diseases within the United States.