The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) promotes sustainable agricultural systems domestically and abroad, particularly in the developing world. Failing agricultural systems and food shortages fuel political instability in countries worldwide. This problem undermines global stability and threatens national security. APHIS expertise plays a significant role in increasing global food security by promoting - and science-based solutions and capacity building activities in other countries.
NATURE OF ASSISTANCE:
International Assistance:
APHIS partners with other U.S. Government agencies and private industry to:
(1) Collaborate with foreign partners to control pests and diseases
(2) Facilitate safe agricultural trade;
(3) Ensure effective and efficient management of internationally -based animal and plant health programs;
(4) Invest in international capacity building with foreign counterparts to build technical and regulatory skills that prevent the spread of damaging pests and diseases.
APHIS plays a direct role in developing and implementing joint capacity building activities, strengthening agricultural safeguarding, preparing for pest or disease emergencies, and preventing and controlling transboundary animal diseases, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza. Our programs promote enhanced food security by providing guidance and consultation for national animal health initiatives (e.g., national diagnostic laboratory design and inspection), training local populations in state-of-the-art techniques, helping village populations develop local food supply chains from producer to consumer, and teaching local populations how to manage their farmlands and watersheds. This leads to sustainable improvements in animal and plant health regulatory infrastructure and reduced pest and disease risk. This also enhances the cooperation of international organizations and their scientific and regulatory personnel in APHIS capacity building and regulatory development activities throughout the world. APHIS has expertise and programs in animal and plant disease surveillance, animal and plant disease exclusion, animal and plant disease information systems, animal and plant disease emergency response, and animal vaccination. We deliver this expertise through numerous activities managed by our International Services, Plant Protection and Quarantine, and Veterinary Services staffs.
TIMING: APHIS International Services attaches in various countries worldwide receive requests for capacity building assistance from representatives of foreign governments throughout the year. APHIS International Services reviews these requests for their merit, and approves projects if funds are available.
SPECIFIC COUNTRIES OF INTEREST: Any countr y may submit a request for capacit y building assistance.
