1)  Free ranging wildlife

Veterinary Services aims to reduce the risks of disease transmission from free ranging wildlife to animal agriculture.  The translation of this policy into programs and actions depends on: current science, risks of transmission, potential economic consequences and support from industry and the relevant agricultural and wildlife agencies.

2)  Cooperation with other Federal and State entities

VS' efforts to control transmission of disease from free ranging wildlife to animal agriculture are carried out on a cooperative basis with the respective wildlife agencies.  Such cooperation allows VS to contribute to overall wildlife and public health while focusing on its program goals.

Relevant Links:

• Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study

• Wildlife Disease Association

• National Wildlife Health Center

3)  Alternative livestock - captive bison and cervids

VS' responsibility for the health of animal agriculture includes those species which are farmed for purposes of commercial agricultural marketing.  Of particular importance are high risk diseases in alternative species around which stable industries and associations have developed.

4)  Exotic species - the entry of nonnative species

VS aims to reduce the disease risks posed to animal agriculture by the intended or unintended entry of exotic species into the United States.  These same exotic species may also pose risks to wildlife and public health.