How many employees work at Animal & Plant Health?

About Animal & Plant Health

The APHIS Foreign Service is a highly specialized team within USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In more than 25 countries worldwide, we do the work of APHIS overseas—on the front line for U.S. agricultural health. We act globally to protect U.S. agriculture locally. APHIS Foreign Service Officers are animal and plant health experts and trained diplomats stationed at embassies alongside the U.S. Department of State and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Representing America at the highest levels abroad, we work in-country with foreign government officials and industries to: • Build capacity to control, manage, and eradicate certain pests and diseases; • Establish and manage sustainable animal and plant health programs; and • Address plant and animal health trade barriers that could limit U.S. access to foreign markets. Our in-country presence, technical expertise, and skilled diplomacy give America unmatched advantage, access, and trust abroad to protect and promote U.S. agricultural health.