The United States Department of Agriculture was founded by Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The USDA began as a way to bring information to the nation's farming community. Today, the USDA is still committed to providing this information but is also involved in the Federal Anti-hunger effort, maintains our national forests, maintains conservation efforts, maintains safe drinking water in rural communities and is responsible for the inspection of our food supply.
One of the numerous responsibilities of the USDA is to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases both foreign and domestic that are considered a threat to our food supply and animal and human health. In the event of an animal disease outbreak, the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge will work with the appropriate State Veterinarians and APHIS to help coordinate the quarantine, euthanasia, disposal/disinfection and epidemiology efforts necessary to contain the disease.
Links
- USDA Home Page
- Food Assistance - contains information about programs such as WIC, Food Stamps and School Lunches.
- Food Safety and Inspection Service
