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Animal Care (AC) (go to AC Homepage) Animal Care administers the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The Animal Welfare Act helps ensure the humane care and use of animals used in research, exhibition, wholesale breeders, dealers, and in transportation. The Horse Protection Act ensures that trainers of horses, such as Tennessee Walking Horses, do not use painful and cruel methods, called soring, to condition the horse to walk in the "walking horse" accentuated gait. Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) (go to BRD Homepage) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) program regulates the field testing, movement, and importation of genetically engineered (GE) organisms that are known to be, or could be plant pests. BRS also evaluates petitions for deregulation to ensure that products being considered for removal from regulation do not pose a threat to U.S. agricultural or environmental health. International Services (IS) (go to IS Homepage) International Services works outside the United States to protect U.S. Agriculture and enhance agricultural trade. IS maintains a comprehensive information network, exchanges technical information, and provides expertise to foreign governments and international groups. IS also negotiates with foreign agricultural officials concerning entry requirements for U.S. Agricultural products; conducts cooperative agricultural pest and disease programs in foreign locations; and manages preclearance programs for agricultural products shipped to the United States. Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ) (go to PPQ Homepage) Plant Protection & Quarantine protects the Nation's agricultural resources from the international spread of plant and animal pests and diseases. PPQ inspectors at international airport terminals, seaports, and border stations check passengers and baggage for products that could harbor pests or diseases. PPQ also checks ship cargoes, rail and truck freight and mail from foreign countries; certifies U.S. Agricultural products for export; and helps combat plant pests within the United States. PPQ's National Biological Control Institute provides leadership for biocontrol programs. PPQ also coordinates the development and execution of biotechnology regulatory policy for APHIS and other USDA agencies and issues permits for the movement and release of genetically engineered plants and organisms. Another part of PPQ is involved with environmental monitoring and residue analysis Veterinary Services (VS) (go to VS Homepage) Veterinary Services protects the health of the Nation's livestock and poultry resources by regulating the entry of imported animals and animal products. VS is prepared to take emergency action against foreign diseases and, with the States, operates eradication programs for domestic animal diseases. VS provides health certification for exported animals and animal products. VS also conducts diagnostic tests and issues licenses for veterinary biological products and manufacturers. Wildlife Services (WS) (go to WS Homepage) Wildlife Services works to reduce wildlife damage to agriculture and natural resources, minimizes potential wildlife threats to human health and safety, and protect threatened and endangered species. WS cooperates with foreign governments, international organizations, and other government and private organizations with respect to animal and bird damage and nuisance control. Other APHIS Programs (go to APHIS Homepage) The APHIS Homepage presents a comprehensive overview of APHIS and APHIS programs. To see just the programs and their major functions, click on organization . All USDA Programs (go to USDA Homepage) The USDA Homepage presents a comprehensive overview of the USDA department and all agencies under the department. APHIS is one of about 30 agencies within USDA.
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