Which division is primarily responsible for the health of animals and plants, plus welfare and wildlife programs?

• A. FDA
• B. FSIS
• C. APHIS
• D. CDC

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is which agency combines oversight of animal and plant health with welfare and wildlife programs. That role is filled by APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS is part of the USDA and focuses on preventing and controlling diseases in animals and plants, safeguarding plant health from pests and diseases, enforcing animal welfare standards (including the Animal Welfare Act), and running Wildlife Services to address wildlife-related health and conservation issues. The other agencies have different primary focuses: FDA handles safety of foods, drugs, and cosmetics for humans (and some animal products; but not broad animal or plant health programs), FSIS concentrates on inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products, and CDC centers on human public health and disease control. Because APHIS directly targets animal and plant health, welfare, and wildlife programs, it is the correct choice.