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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Services (ERCS) is a newly formed program in APHIS that focuses all issues related to emergency preparedness and response, regulatory investigative and enforcement activities, safety initiatives, and the regulation of agricultural select agents in one APHIS program. ERCS’ services-delivery structure bridges science with the need for long-range planning, policy oversight and cooperative stakeholder engagement.

Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT)

The Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT) is part of the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) that regulates the possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. 

Emergency Management, Safety, and Security Division (EMSSD)

The Emergency Management, Safety, and Security Division (EMSSD) provides services that support agency and interagency emergency management activities, and protect the health, safety, and security of APHIS and other USDA personnel.

Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES)

Investigative and Enforcement Services’ (IES) provides investigative, enforcement, and regulatory support services to four APHIS programs—Animal Care (AC), Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Veterinary Services (VS), and it’s ERCS counterpart, DASAT.  

IES also provides these services for agricultural quarantine inspection (AQI) activities carried out by the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 


Latest News
3/10/22 United States, Canada Agree on Protocol to Guide the Cross-Border Transit of Animals in Emergency Situations

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Program Priorities

  • Select Agents

    The Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT) is part of the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) that regulates the possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. Learn More

  • Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES)

    Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES) provides investigative, enforcement, and regulatory support services to four APHIS programs. Learn More.
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