Who is primarily responsible for protection against foreign animal diseases in the U.S.?

The primary responsibility for protection against foreign animal diseases in the U.S. falls to the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This agency plays a critical role in safeguarding the agricultural health of the country by monitoring, preventing, and controlling foreign animal diseases that could adversely affect livestock and wildlife populations.

USDA-APHIS implements various disease surveillance programs, response protocols, and regulatory measures to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious animal diseases. This includes coordinating with states, industry, and other federal agencies to ensure effective disease management strategies are in place. By focusing on biosecurity and rapid response action, USDA-APHIS protects both animal health and public health, ultimately supporting the nation's food security and agricultural economy.

The other agencies, while integral to health-related aspects, have different primary responsibilities. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses on human health threats, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is primarily concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats, and the Food and Drug Administration oversees food safety within human consumption standards, but does not primarily focus on foreign animal disease control.