Which agency regulates the importation of birds, including poultry and wild birds?

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

Answer: (A)

Regulating the import of birds centers on preventing the introduction of animal diseases and pests into the country. The agency responsible for overseeing the movement of animals, including birds, is USDA APHIS. Its Veterinary Services program sets import requirements, issues permits, requires health certificates, and can enforce quarantines to stop diseases such as Newcastle disease or avian influenza from entering domestic poultry or wild bird populations. While other agencies focus on human health risks (CDC) or on wildlife and endangered species (NOAA, USFWS), the overarching authority for importing birds is APHIS.