USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

The latest APHIS impact report is here - highlighting the accomplishments of our 8,000 employees who focus on thriving crops and forests, healthy livestock and poultry, safe trade, healthy and balanced wildlife populations, humane care for vulnerable animals and safe biotechnology. APHIS Administrator Mike Watson shared his thoughts: “Protecting our nation’s agriculture and natural resources is paramount, and this report underscores the excellence and innovation of the APHIS professionals who carry out the mission every day of the year across all 50 states and around the world.” Thank you to everyone at APHIS and our partners for helping us make the past year a success and the year ahead just as great! See the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g9HbncjW #AnimalHealth #PlantHealth #Sustainability #USDA

🌲Happy National Forest Week! 🌲 Part of APHIS’ mission is to protect natural resources, like our forests, from pests and diseases. One example is through the efforts of our dedicated team at the National Wildlife Research Center, learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gEg6MwxE #NationalForestWeek

Have you developed a new, innovative tool to ID #invasive insects? Submit your suggestion for FY25 Plant Protection Act Section 7721 funding at https://lnkd.in/gJ5g6z7G

On #IndependenceDay, we thank and remember the honorable service of our nation’s active duty, reserve service members and veterans. Happy #FourthofJuly from the USDA Family 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

Nursery certification ensures healthy plants and efficient interstate commerce. Have a suggestion to safeguard nursery production? Submit it for FY25 Plant Protection Act Section 7721 funding at https://lnkd.in/gJ5g6z7G

Senasica authorized imports of irradiated peaches to Mexico from South Carolina and Georgia. An initial shipment of 17,146 kg. of South Carolina peaches (valued at $48,000) has made it to Mexico. This expanded market is estimated at $4.5 million for U.S. growers. #Agriculture

Imagine you're a detective on the front lines, solving nature's mysteries to protect our food and forests. Sounds exciting, right? That’s exactly what the experts at National Identification Services do in the Remote Pest Identification Program. This cutting-edge initiative is like CSI for bugs. Pictured this month is Grammia virgo (Linnaeus), commonly known as the virgin tiger moth. USDA APHIS entomologist Tobias Glik captured this specimen in July 2017. This moth is special because it was first identified by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Linnaeus is considered the "father of modern taxonomy." That makes him among the first detectives to start hunting for clues and solving the mystery of our ecosystems! In our increasingly globalized world, the movement of goods and people across borders can bring with it the unintentional transport of pests that threaten agriculture and ecosystems. The Remote Pest Identification Program was established to help us identify invasive pests at our borders. This innovative program aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pest identification, which protects American agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests. The APHIS Remote Pest Identification Program uses modern technology to identify pests swiftly and accurately. Historically, pest identification required physical samples to be sent to specialists, a process that could be time-consuming and delay critical responses. The remote program, however, uses digital imaging. Inspectors in the field can now take high-resolution images of suspicious pests and send them to APHIS national identifiers electronically for a rapid ID. The program also increases collaboration among pest experts. Digital records of identified pests can be stored and used for future reference, contributing to a comprehensive database of pest information. This database helps identify trends in pest interceptions and supports future research aimed at improving pest control strategies. By harnessing technology, the APHIS Remote Pest Identification Program enhances the ability to protect the nation's agriculture and natural resources from the threats posed by invasive pests. If this sounds like a rewarding career to you, consider exploring career opportunities at APHIS. Whether you’re a budding entomologist, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about protecting our natural resources, APHIS offers a wide range of career paths. You can become a part of this innovative, scientific organization and play a pivotal role in protecting our environment and food supply. Learn more about APHIS career fields: https://lnkd.in/gDVaimV7.

The Republic of Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) has given the green light for the importation of fresh grapefruit from Texas. This accomplishment is a direct result of the extensive negotiations and efforts conducted by APHIS and our agriculture partners over the years - including maintaining fruit fly-free zones in Texas, and the joint efforts of APQA and APHIS' Plant Protection and Quarantine team to carry out a virtual site visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. 🤝 Previously, the Republic of Korea only allowed grapefruit exports from California and Florida. The estimated value of the Texas grapefruit market in South Korea is $5 million annually.

New diagnostic tools help frontline field personnel accurately identify harmful plant pests, allowing for a more rapid response. Have a plant pest and disease analysis funding suggestion? Submit your suggestion for FY25 Plant Protection Act Section 7721 funding at https://lnkd.in/gJ5g6z7G

APHIS Deputy Administrator Cheryle Blakely lends her expertise at the 9th Annual Pan African Sanitary/Phytosanitary (SPS) Regulations and Science-Based Risk Analysis to Promote Agricultural Trade in Africa event in Ethiopia Monday. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) are collaborating to conduct a series of workshops in Africa focused on developing capabilities in disease surveillance, assessment, and response as well as skills in science-based risk analysis in agricultural personnel on that continent. More than 225 government officials and faculty from 25 African countries have been trained during these hands-on trainings. Over the years, APHIS efforts have promoted intra-African and global agricultural trade by developing expertise in SPS measures. During opening remarks, IS DA highlighted the work APHIS is doing in Africa, and the importance of collaborations such as this one with TUCVM to build SPS knowledge in the region and the global trade environment. #APHISoverseas