Legal Definitions - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, commonly known by its acronym APHIS, is a crucial agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its primary responsibility is to protect American agriculture, natural resources, and the economy from the damaging effects of pests and diseases. APHIS achieves this by developing and enforcing regulations that govern the movement of plants, animals, and related agricultural products, both within the United States and when entering the country, to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.

• Example 1: Preventing the Spread of a Plant Disease

  Imagine a highly contagious plant disease, like Huanglongbing (citrus greening), is detected in a commercial orange grove in California. APHIS would swiftly implement a quarantine zone, restricting the movement of citrus trees, fruit, and even certain equipment from the affected area to other parts of the state or country. They might also oversee efforts to remove infected trees and educate growers on best practices to contain the disease. This action directly illustrates APHIS's role in controlling plant diseases by regulating the shipment and movement of agricultural products to prevent wider spread.

• Example 2: Regulating Imported Livestock

  A rancher in Texas wants to import a specific breed of cattle from Argentina to improve their herd's genetics. Before these animals can enter the U.S., APHIS mandates strict health protocols. This would include requiring the cattle to undergo specific veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and a quarantine period in Argentina, followed by further inspections upon arrival at a designated U.S. port. These measures are in place to ensure the imported animals do not carry diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which could devastate the American livestock industry. This demonstrates APHIS's function in regulating the shipment of animals to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases.

• Example 3: Inspecting Imported Produce for Pests

  A large shipment of fresh mangoes arrives at a port in Miami from a Caribbean country. APHIS inspectors would be on-site to meticulously examine samples of the fruit for any signs of invasive fruit flies, larvae, or other agricultural pests that are not native to the U.S. If such pests are found, APHIS has the authority to order the entire shipment to be treated (e.g., fumigated) or even rejected and sent back to its origin, preventing these pests from establishing themselves and harming domestic crops. This exemplifies APHIS's role in controlling pests by regulating the shipment of agricultural products into the country.