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

Who is primarily responsible for protecting against foreign animal diseases in the U.S.?

1. World Organization for Animal Health

2. Individual state agencies

3. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

4. National Veterinary Services Laboratories

The correct answer is: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the primary agency responsible for protecting the U.S. against foreign animal diseases. Its responsibilities include surveillance for animal disease outbreaks, implementing control measures, and conducting research. APHIS plays a crucial role in ensuring that foreign animal diseases do not enter the country and establishing protocols for rapid response in the event of an outbreak. This involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including state agencies, veterinarians, and other federal organizations, to maintain biosecurity and safeguard animal health. The World Organization for Animal Health provides international standards and guidelines for animal health practices, but its role is more about global cooperation rather than direct enforcement or response within the U.S. Individual state agencies work in conjunction with APHIS, focusing on local disease monitoring and control; however, they operate under the overarching policies and programs implemented by APHIS. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories primarily focus on diagnostic testing and research rather than directly managing disease prevention strategies.