Many Goals. One Mission.
Protecting America's Agricultural and Natural Resources

For nearly 40 years, the central mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been protecting America’s agriculture. But as America has changed, that mission has expanded and evolved.

Today, APHIS:

• Protects the health of livestock, poultry, and crops from foreign diseases and pests,
• Helps defend the environment from invasive species,
• Promotes animal welfare,
• Regulates the movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms,
• Ensures commodities traded internationally are free of animal and plant pests and diseases,
• Limits agricultural damage caused by wildlife, and
• Protects natural resources while contributing to efforts to ensure public health and safety.

The name of APHIS may not be well known to many Americans, but our work is seen and felt both far and wide. From air travel kept safe against wildlife-related accidents, to an abundance of healthy agricultural commodities from around the world, to our own beautiful tree-lined streets, millions of Americans benefit from the efforts of APHIS employees every day.

Even though APHIS’s goals have changed through the decades, our ultimate goal remains the same. By protecting America’s agricultural and natural resources, we protect America. And that will never change.

Click on this link for additional information about APHIS.