Which agency is responsible for building NBAF?

Which agency is responsible for building NBAF?

• A. USDA
• B. DHS
• C. NIH
• D. EPA

Answer: (B)

NBAF is a national biosecurity facility designed to study foreign animal diseases and strengthen defenses of animal agriculture. Because its primary purpose is homeland security—preventing, detecting, and responding to agro-terrorism and related threats—the lead responsibility for building and operating the facility sits with the Department of Homeland Security. USDA’s role is important and collaborative, given its expertise in animal health policy and research, but it does not head the construction. NIH and EPA focus on human health research and environmental protection, respectively, and are not responsible for this type of national biosecurity infrastructure.

NBAF is a national biosecurity facility designed to study foreign animal diseases and strengthen defenses of animal agriculture. Because its primary purpose is homeland security—preventing, detecting, and responding to agro-terrorism and related threats—the lead responsibility for building and operating the facility sits with the Department of Homeland Security. USDA’s role is important and collaborative, given its expertise in animal health policy and research, but it does not head the construction. NIH and EPA focus on human health research and environmental protection, respectively, and are not responsible for this type of national biosecurity infrastructure.