Which agency approves laboratories to run USDA disease tests?

• A. APHIS
• B. FDA
• C. CDC
• D. EPA

Answer: (A)

Labs that run USDA disease tests are approved by APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS is the USDA office responsible for protecting animal health and coordinating diagnostic testing. It runs the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, connecting federal, state, and university labs that perform official USDA tests. APHIS sets accreditation criteria, quality assurance standards, and proficiency testing that labs must meet to be authorized to conduct these tests. Other agencies have different roles: the FDA handles foods, drugs, and medical devices; the CDC focuses on public health surveillance and outbreaks; the EPA regulates environmental health. This is why APHIS is the correct choice.