Which organization is primarily responsible for animal health inspections in the U.S.?

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is the primary federal agency responsible for safeguarding animal health in the United States. This includes monitoring and preventing the spread of animal diseases that could affect livestock and wildlife populations. APHIS works to ensure the health of domestic animals through inspections, disease surveillance, and regulation of animal imports and exports.

USDA-APHIS has a critical role in enforcing standards for animal health, inspecting farms and facilities, and coordinating responses to outbreaks of animal diseases. This work is vital for protecting not only animal health but also public health, as some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The other organizations mentioned serve different purposes. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focuses on international efforts related to food security and agricultural practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily deals with public health and disease prevention in humans, while the World Health Organization (WHO) addresses global health issues but is not directly involved in animal health inspections in the U.S.

Thus, the choice of USDA-APHIS clearly aligns with the specific responsibilities of animal health inspections in the United States.