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Veterinary Regulatory Support
When you think about the risk of introducing animal pests and diseases into the United States, you probably think that the risk comes from live animals. However, animal-derived products, such as fresh meat, pose just as great a threat to American livestock and poultry. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) created Veterinary Regulatory Support (VRS). To learn about the mission and background of the APHIS, VRS Staff, click here.
VRS’ Role in Safeguarding Regulated Garbage
Although VRS is headquartered in Riverdale, MD it has a field staff of Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Veterinary Medical Officers (AQI VMO) strategically assigned throughout the United States and its territories. These AQI VMOs are located where the concentration of foreign cargo activity and international travelers are highest. These veterinarians provide regional oversight for operational procedures designed to prevent the introduction of infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases of livestock and poultry into the United States. VRS collaborates with officials in CBP and other APHIS PPQ personnel to ensure appropriate and consistent handling of regulated garbage at U.S. ports of entry and elsewhere. View the below link for information pertaining to safeguarding regulated garbage.