Which division of USDA protects and improves health, quality, and marketability of animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics?

• A. Food Safety and Inspection Service
• B. National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• C. Agricultural Research Service
• D. Veterinary Services

Answer: (B)

The division focused on maintaining animal health and ensuring the marketability of animals and animal products is Veterinary Services. This part of USDA’s APHIS is responsible for protecting animal health through disease surveillance, outbreak response, and preventing the spread of diseases, which keeps animal populations healthy and gives confidence to buyers and international markets. It also oversees the regulation of veterinary biologics—vaccines and similar products used in animals—ensuring their safety, efficacy, and quality so that animal health products can be trusted in trade and production. In contrast, other USDA divisions shown here focus on different priorities: Food Safety and Inspection Service handles safety of meat, poultry, and eggs; National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Agricultural Research Service concentrate on research and education. The division that directly links animal health protection with maintaining the marketability of animal products is Veterinary Services.