7 USC 8320 - Expansion of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service activities

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 8320.

Expansion of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service activities

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) may utilize existing authorities to give high priority to enhancing and expanding the capacity of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to conduct activities to—

(1)

increase the inspection capacity of the Service at international points of origin;

(2)

improve surveillance at ports of entry and customs;

(3)

enhance methods of protecting against the introduction of plant and animal disease organisms by terrorists;

(4)

develop new and improve existing strategies and technologies for dealing with intentional outbreaks of plant and animal disease arising from acts of terrorism or from unintentional introduction, including—

(A)

establishing cooperative agreements among Veterinary Services of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, State animal health commissions and regulatory agencies for livestock and poultry health, and private veterinary practitioners to enhance the preparedness and ability of Veterinary Services and the commissions and agencies to respond to outbreaks of such animal diseases; and

(B)

strengthening planning and coordination with State and local agencies, including—

(i)

State animal health commissions and regulatory agencies for livestock and poultry health; and

(ii)

State agriculture departments; and

(5)

otherwise improve the capacity of the Service to protect against the threat of bioterrorism.

(b)

Automated recordkeeping system

(c)

Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 107–188, title III, § 331, June 12, 2002, 116 Stat. 678.)

cite as: 7 USC 8320