APHIS aims to protect ecosystems, natural resources, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural exports, consumer health and safety, and animal welfare from the above threats. (APHIS website, 2003)
APHIS has a budget of approximately $800 million annually and employs about 7,000 people, about 5,000 of which are deployed as inspectors at ports, borders and on farms. The former APHIS administrator is Ron DeHaven. He was appointed by Ann Veneman in April 2004. The current APHIS administrator, Cindy Smith was appointed in September 2007. She is notable for being the first female administrator of The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service agency.([1])
APHIS is the primary agency responsible for responding to animal and plant disease(s)and pest emergencies but also raises the expectation that we will help in responding to other emergencies as set forth by the National Response Plan (NRP) completed in 2005 (APHIS Strategic Plan 2003-2008).
