APHIS and You: Protecting American Agriculture

You have been randomly selected to participate in an inspection that will assess the risk of exotic plant and animal pests and diseases entering the United States through various ports of entry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is trying to determine the risk associated with travelers introducing foreign animal and plant pests and diseases that could seriously damage American agriculture.

American agriculture is under constant threat of attack. The enemies are countless and often microscopic. They include animal and plant pests and diseases that can gain access to this country in surprising ways. Every traveler entering the united States and every American business importing agricultural products from other countries may unknowingly carry these hitchhikers across U.S. Borders.

Today, APHIS inspectors are thoroughly examining randomly selected baggage and passenger and commercial vehicles to collect information that will enable them to do a more efficient and effective job of preventing pest and disease entry, and therefore, improve APHIS’ ability to safeguard American agriculture. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Thank you for helping protect American Agriculture.

To obtain more information regarding the inspection process, or to submit comments or questions, please write to USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Operation Support, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237, or visit us on the web at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Program Aid No. 1625
Issued January 1998

U.S. GPO: 1998–617 -223/91304

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