What is the primary responsibility of USDA APHIS Veterinary Services?

• A. Regulating dairy products
• B. Inspecting meat markets
• C. Disease outbreaks involving domestic livestock or poultry
• D. Managing plant pests

Answer: (C)

The main idea behind this question is understanding what APHIS Veterinary Services does for animal health. Veterinary Services is the part of USDA that leads efforts to protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry by preventing, detecting, and controlling animal diseases. When a disease outbreak occurs among domestic animals, VS takes the lead in investigations, coordinates with state animal health officials and industry, implements containment and control measures, and works toward eradication or mitigation to protect animal health, production, and trade. This focus on outbreaks in livestock and poultry is what sets VS apart from other agencies or programs that handle dairy product regulation or meat inspection, or that deal with plant pests.