WASHINGTON – The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released the findings of its 2023 Impact Report this week.

Some meat-related highlights APHIS identified include the ongoing assistance to the Dominican Republic and Haiti as they work through their African swine fever program. The agency provides advice and assistance on surveillance, quarantine, depopulation and disposal methods. They also provide support for testing capacity, staff training and expanded surveillance.

APHIS continued supporting an ASF protection zone for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Measures include enhanced pre-departure activities by adding temporary staff, canine detector teams and x-ray machines along with conducting staff in inspecting animal products.

The agency also increased Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance market surveys in the protection zone to identify potentially regulated or prohibited products and ensure their removal from the marketplace.

Another highlight from the report was the ongoing emergency program to address nationwide detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Through the National Poultry Improvement Plan, APHIS performed more than 1.4 million tests on commercial poultry flocks and coordinated the collection of more than 31,000 wild bird samples. All the work was to help the $77 billion US poultry industry.

The agency also awarded $2.3 million to support 14 National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) projects that aim to enhance the early detection of animal diseases.

The report noted that the agency also facilitated new markets for US-origin animals, animal products, plants, and plant products, including animal products and live animals, in Israel, worth an estimated $75 million over five years.

Along with its federal, state and tribal partners, APHIS worked on a One Health initiative to monitor and survey thousands of white-tailed deer and other animals (both wild and domestic) for SARS-CoV-2 to help identify species that may serve as reservoirs or hosts for the virus and better understand exposure, disease susceptibility, and the risks of cross-species transmission.

APHIS employs 8,250 people and works on various projects to improve the agriculture industry in 50 states, three territories, and 27 countries.

“Our work at APHIS touches every American, although many may not know it,” said Michael Watson, administrator of APHIS, in the report. “They range from consumers who can enjoy a variety of safe, nutritious foods to family farmers and ranchers who stake their livelihoods on the health of their crops, flocks, and herds.”

More details about the 2023 Impact report can be found here.