Which agency oversees imports of livestock?

• A. APHIS
• B. CDC
• C. USFWS
• D. NOAA

Answer: (A)

The key idea is who regulates the entry of animals to protect animal health and prevent disease spread. The agency responsible for overseeing imports of livestock is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS operates under the USDA and focuses on safeguarding animal health by regulating the import and export of animals and animal products, issuing import permits, requiring health certificates, and conducting inspections and quarantines at points of entry. This framework ensures that livestock entering the country meet health standards and that potential animal diseases are detected and contained before they can affect domestic herds.

Other agencies have different primary focuses. The CDC deals with human health and zoonotic disease risk, but it is not the main regulator for livestock imports. The US Fish and Wildlife Service handles wildlife conservation and related issues, not routine livestock import regulation. NOAA focuses on marine resources and atmospheric/oceanic conditions, not terrestrial livestock imports.