APHIS Provides Strategic Direction to Detect and Respond to Emerging Animal Diseases

The purpose of this plan is to provide strategic direction for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) to detect and respond to emerging animal diseases and define the processes by which VS will identify, evaluate, and respond to emerging diseases in animal populations. Rapid detection and response to emerging diseases are critical to animal agriculture because these diseases can threaten the livelihood of producers and limit their access to important markets. Rapid and effective response can also prevent or limit negative impacts on animal health, the economy, food security, and public health. In 2014, the framework for this plan was outlined in the APHIS concept paper, “VS Proposed Framework for Response to Emerging Animal Diseases in the United States.” Read more