Which agency is responsible for controlling the interstate movement of livestock in the United States?

Which agency is responsible for controlling the interstate movement of livestock in the United States?

• A. Veterinary service of State Department of Agriculture
• B. Packers and Stockyards Administration
• C. U.S. Department of Commerce
• D. USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service Veterinary Services

Answer: (D)

Controlling interstate movement of livestock centers on preventing the spread of animal diseases across state lines. The federal authority responsible for this is the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services. This unit sets and enforces the health requirements for moving animals between states, issues health certificates and permits as needed, and coordinates with state animal health officials to ensure movements don’t introduce or spread diseases. The goal is to protect animal health nationwide while enabling legitimate trade and movement. The other options don’t fit this role. The Packers and Stockyards Administration handles livestock marketing, competition, and industry practices, not disease control. The U.S. Department of Commerce focuses on trade and economic matters rather than animal health. A state-level veterinary service would regulate movements within a single state, not across state lines. Therefore, the federal APHIS Veterinary Services is the appropriate agency for interstate livestock movement control.

Controlling interstate movement of livestock centers on preventing the spread of animal diseases across state lines. The federal authority responsible for this is the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services. This unit sets and enforces the health requirements for moving animals between states, issues health certificates and permits as needed, and coordinates with state animal health officials to ensure movements don’t introduce or spread diseases. The goal is to protect animal health nationwide while enabling legitimate trade and movement.

The other options don’t fit this role. The Packers and Stockyards Administration handles livestock marketing, competition, and industry practices, not disease control. The U.S. Department of Commerce focuses on trade and economic matters rather than animal health. A state-level veterinary service would regulate movements within a single state, not across state lines. Therefore, the federal APHIS Veterinary Services is the appropriate agency for interstate livestock movement control.