Recommendation for disposition of animal by-products at U.S. Ports of Entry is the responsibility of which agency?

• A. U.S. Customs Service
• B. USDA APHIS- Veterinary Services
• C. USDA APHIS- Plant Protection and Quarantine
• D. Foreign Agriculture Service

Answer: (B)

Disposal decisions for animal by-products at U.S. Ports of Entry are handled by the veterinary health authority within USDA APHIS, specifically Veterinary Services. This is because APHIS VS is responsible for animal health at import, including inspecting shipments, enforcing import health requirements, and authorizing treatment, detention, or destruction of animal-derived materials to prevent the introduction or spread of animal diseases. Customs may enforce entry procedures, but the authority to determine and execute disposition rests with APHIS VS. The other agencies focus on plants or trade policy, not on veterinary disposition at the border.