In the USDA, foreign animal diseases, animal identification, BSE, brucellosis, scrapie, tuberculosis, import inspection, veterinary biologics, and food security verification testing fall under which agency's responsibilities?

• A. FSIS
• B. APHIS
• C. FDA
• D. CDC

Answer: (A)

Animal health protection and regulation at the federal level is coordinated by APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This USDA agency is responsible for preventing and controlling animal diseases, tracing outbreaks through animal identification systems, and overseeing programs for diseases such as BSE, brucellosis, scrapie, and tuberculosis, as well as handling import inspections to ensure health standards are met for animals and animal products. APHIS also licenses and regulates veterinary biologics (like vaccines and diagnostic products) through its Center for Veterinary Biologics and conducts activities related to food security verification testing to maintain confidence in the safety of animal-origin foods.

FSIS focuses on meat, poultry, and processed egg product safety; FDA oversees most foods and human drugs; CDC handles public health surveillance.