Which USDA division includes Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Wildlife Services, International Services, and Plant Protection & Quarantine?

• A. APHIS
• B. FSIS
• C. ARS
• D. FNS

Answer: (A)

The division that houses Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Wildlife Services, International Services, and Plant Protection & Quarantine is APHIS—the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This USDA agency is organized specifically to protect the health of animals and plants and to help ensure safe international trade. Veterinary Services focuses on animal health, disease surveillance, prevention, and control. Animal Care administers welfare standards and enforces the Animal Welfare Act through inspections and oversight. Wildlife Services handles management of wildlife-related damage and pest control. International Services works on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, export certifications, and trade compliance to facilitate safe cross-border movement of animals and products. Plant Protection & Quarantine protects crops and ecosystems from pests and diseases through inspections, quarantine actions, and rapid responses to threats.

The other listed agencies have different primary missions: FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) is about safety of meat, poultry, and egg products; ARS (Agricultural Research Service) conducts scientific research; FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) runs nutrition assistance programs. None of these encompasses all five areas together like APHIS does.