Us Airports With Usda Aphis Offices: Where Are They?

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that protects American agriculture and natural resources. APHIS has offices and staff in nearly 30 countries worldwide and animal health officials available across the United States. APHIS also works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address wildlife hazards at airports. While it is unclear which airports have a USDA APHIS office, APHIS does have a presence at ports throughout the United States.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based in Riverdale, Maryland. APHIS was created in 1972 by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1769, although its origins predate the creation of the USDA, going back to 1854 with the creation of the Office of Entomologist, Agricultural Section, U.S. Patent Office.

APHIS has a broad scope of responsibilities, including protecting animal health, animal welfare, and plant health. It is the lead agency in charge of collaborating with other agencies to protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and diseases. APHIS's Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division is the National Plant Protection Organization for the U.S. and plays a crucial role in safeguarding agriculture and natural resources from the risks associated with the entry, establishment, or spread of pests, noxious weeds, and diseases.

APHIS has a large workforce, with an annual budget of approximately $800 million and about 7,000 employees, 5,000 of whom are inspectors deployed at ports, borders, and farms. These inspectors play a vital role in safeguarding American agriculture by inspecting animals, plants, and their products at ports of entry. APHIS's Veterinary Services (VS) division is particularly important in this regard, as it ensures the health, quality, and marketability of animals and animal products by preventing and controlling animal diseases.

In addition to its domestic operations, APHIS International Services maintains several overseas offices, including veterinary and plant health attachés in U.S. diplomatic missions. These overseas offices are crucial for carrying out disease and pest eradication and control programs, as well as providing international expertise to safeguard American agricultural health and promote U.S. agricultural trade. APHIS also has Foreign Service Officers and staff in nearly 30 countries, who can be contacted for questions about available animal and plant health inspection services in their respective countries.

APHIS provides a range of services and supports various programs related to animal and plant health. For example, it helps ensure the safe import of animal trophies, hides, and feathers through its Approved Establishment program. It also regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and manages wildlife damage. APHIS is responsible for responding to animal and plant disease and pest emergencies, as outlined in the National Response Plan (NRP).

Import and export inspections

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plays a vital role in ensuring the free flow of agricultural trade. APHIS has a presence in nearly 30 countries overseas, with Foreign Service Officers and staff. They are responsible for protecting the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources.

APHIS has a broad range of responsibilities, including the inspection of plants and animals, as well as their products, to ensure the exclusion of pests and diseases from agricultural imports. Most imported plant material intended for propagation must transit through a USDA Plant Inspection Station. APHIS also oversees animal inspection and quarantine activities at ports throughout the United States. APHIS' Veterinary Services (VS) has offices nationwide, providing expertise on export requirements for animals.

For those importing or exporting animals, there are several considerations. Firstly, importers and exporters should contact their nearest Port Services office for questions about import inspections, quarantine requirements, and scheduling inspections for animal exports. Secondly, for animal product export facility inspections, select your State or Territory to email the appropriate office, including "Facility Inspection" in the subject line. Thirdly, for animal product export certificate endorsement, select your State or Territory and email the relevant office, including "Animal products: endorsement or question" in the subject line.

For plant imports and exports, there are also several considerations. Firstly, importers may contact APHIS' Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program for questions about the status of a product at their facilities. Secondly, APHIS has Certification Specialists in each State who can advise on export programs for plants and plant products. Thirdly, for questions about import or transit permits and requirements for plants, plant products, or related materials, contact your nearest USDA Plant Inspection Station.

Pet travel requirements

When travelling with pets, it is important to understand the requirements and regulations of your destination country. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides a comprehensive website with information on the requirements for over 130 countries. Here are some key points to consider when planning to travel with your pet:

Health Certificate:

A health certificate is typically required by most countries. This certificate must be issued, completed, signed, and dated by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within a certain number of days before your departure. The certificate confirms that your pet is healthy and able to travel. After obtaining the health certificate, it needs to be endorsed (signed and stamped) by your local APHIS office, either by mail or in person. Endorsement fees start at $38, but may cost more if the destination country requires a Federal review of test results.

Microchips:

If you are travelling to an EU or non-EU country that requires an ISO microchip, ensure your pet has one that complies with ISO microchip standards 11784 and 11785. EU transponders do not read non-ISO microchips. It is recommended to have the microchip implanted before administering any required rabies booster shots.

Rabies Titer Tests:

If you are travelling to certain EU countries, your pet may need a rabies titer blood test (rabies antibody titration test). Check the European Union website for a list of countries that do not require this test.

Airline Requirements:

Different airlines may have specific requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline carrier to ensure you meet their standards. Additionally, some countries may not require pet certification, but your chosen airline might.

Returning to the United States:

When returning to the U.S. with your pet, remember that various U.S. agencies regulate the entry of animals. Plan ahead and check the requirements on the APHIS website or contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center at 844-820-2234 for more information.

Wildlife hazards

Wildlife strikes, or bird strikes, pose a serious threat to aviation safety and cost the U.S. civil and military aviation industry around $1 billion annually. Bird strikes occur when birds or other animals collide with an aircraft during takeoff, landing, or while it is in the air. The increase in wildlife strikes over the past 30 years is due to the growing populations of hazardous wildlife species and the increase in aircraft movements. Birds account for 97% of reported strikes, while mammals make up 3% and reptiles less than 1%. Mammal strikes, especially with large ungulates like deer, can be extremely dangerous.

To mitigate wildlife hazards, airports are encouraged to employ professional biologists trained in wildlife hazard management. These biologists assess hazards, provide training, and assist in the development and implementation of wildlife hazard management plans. Additionally, proper planning of airport locations and land use can help identify and control wildlife attractants, reducing the risk of bird strikes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Wildlife Services (WS) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) to foster cooperation and reduce wildlife hazards at airports across all states. WS provides federal leadership and expertise to address wildlife conflicts that threaten public health and safety. They partner with the aviation industry and government agencies to offer scientific and operational assistance in minimizing the safety hazards and economic impacts caused by wildlife.

WS assists airfields in all 50 states, 3 territories, and 9 foreign countries, providing crucial support in developing and implementing sound, science-based projects to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. The management strategies employed can vary from habitat manipulation and the use of predators to repelling or lethal control of wildlife.

APHIS Veterinary Services

• Proactively preparing for and responding to animal health emergencies.
• Managing national programs to prevent, control, and eliminate animal diseases, such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and swine diseases.
• Providing or facilitating animal disease testing services to ensure early detection and effective control of animal health issues.
• Ensuring the purity, safety, potency, and effectiveness of veterinary biologics, which are essential for maintaining animal health.
• Facilitating the safe trade of animals and animal products, including import and export inspections and quarantine activities at ports of entry across the United States.
• Representing the United States in international animal health standard-setting activities, working with partners across disciplines, both domestically and globally.

In addition to these core functions, APHIS Veterinary Services also assists with various related topics. These include import permits and requirements, export services, current trade restrictions, quarantines, inspections, animal welfare complaints, veterinary accreditation, and laboratory services.

To contact APHIS Veterinary Services, individuals can reach out to their nearest Port Services office for queries related to import inspections, quarantines, or animal export inspections. For questions about animal product export facility inspections or the Approved Establishment program for importing animal trophies, hides, or feathers, individuals can connect with their local VS service center. APHIS also provides contact information for specific staff members and general customer support on their website.

Frequently asked questions