USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

For more than 50 years, USDA APHIS has worked to protect the health and value of America’s agriculture and natural resources—critical pillars of our economy and daily lives. The 2024 APHIS Impact Report highlights how our work supports: ??Healthy livestock and poultry ??Thriving crops and forests ??Wildlife management ??Humane care for animals ??Safe biotechnology ??Global trade From ensuring safe & affordable food and protecting animal welfare to preserving forests and managing wildlife, APHIS employees make an incredible impact every day! Learn more about our 2024 accomplishments: https://lnkd.in/gKWaAiGS #APHIS #ProtectingAgriculture

The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) is a highly destructive invasive pest that threatens forests and trees across the U.S. Its caterpillars can defoliate entire forests, leaving them vulnerable to disease and other pests. You can help stop them. -Know and follow any quarantine regulations in your area, especially if you are relocating. -Before moving or traveling out of an infested area, check for the spongy moth egg masses, which can be found during the cold months in the fall, winter, and early spring. -Each egg mass contains up to 1,000 eggs and is covered with buff or yellowish “hair.” -Check for spongy moth egg masses on outdoor items like furniture, vehicles, stones, walls, and logs. -Remove and destroy any egg masses or life stages you find. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gEHJQ2UX #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS #ProtectingAgriculture

The spotted lanternfly is a beautiful but highly destructive invasive species that threatens vineyards, orchards, and a wide array of plants. It spreads by hitchhiking on vehicles, firewood, and outdoor gear. What can you do? -Check your car, RV, or outdoor equipment before traveling. If you see spotted lanternfly egg masses, scrape them off and dispose of them properly with household waste. -Don’t move untreated firewood to new places. -Report sightings outside of quarantine areas to help us hold the line against this pest’s spread. Your actions make a difference! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_PEsDGB #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS

During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), we’re highlighting the New World screwworm (NWS) —a dangerous parasite that poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, and pets. NWS larvae can infest open wounds of animals, causing severe damage and even death if left untreated. Thanks to decades of efforts, the U.S. has been free of New World screwworm since 1966, but vigilance is key to preventing its return. APHIS works closely with our domestic and international partners to monitor and respond to potential outbreaks - protecting animal health and American agriculture. Learn more about our work to keep this invasive pest at bay: https://lnkd.in/eM9iHsYN #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS #ProtectingAgriculture

Nutria may look like oversized rodents, but these invasive animals are wreaking havoc on wetlands across the U.S. They destroy aquatic plants, erode riverbanks, and outcompete native species. What can you do? Learn to identify nutria—they look similar to beavers but have long, round tails. Report any sightings to local wildlife officials. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gZKdSbNR #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS #WildlifeServices

The Giant African snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world. It devours hundreds of plant species-- including crops. It presents a threat to human and animal health because it can transmit parasites such as rat lungworm and other diseases. How can you help? Don’t import, buy, or keep this species. Doing so is dangerous and illegal in the U.S. If you see a very large, cone-shaped snail with alternating bands of brown and tan, report it to your State Plant Health Director. APHIS works hard to keep this pest out of the U.S., but we need your help! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghsm_wma #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS #ProtectingAgriculture

Tomorrow is the day! We can't wait to dive into compelling discussions, insightful panels and innovative ideas at #AgOutlook25. There's still time to register ?? https://lnkd.in/e9JKNwVr

The Emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green beetle with a massive impact. First detected in U.S. in 2002, EAB has killed millions of ash trees, disrupting ecosystems and costing communities millions in damage. How can you help? Know the signs, don’t move firewood and report any signs of EAB to local officials. Help save our ash trees! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gJwajpTc #NISAW #NISAW2025 #APHIS #EAB

Tiny but mighty, exotic fruit flies pose a major threat to U.S. agriculture. These invasive pests lay eggs inside fruit and vegetables, making them unsuitable for sale and consumption. A single outbreak can devastate crops and trigger costly quarantines. What can you do to help protect our food supply? -Declare any agricultural goods you are carrying to customs officials when returning from international travel. -Don’t ship homegrown fruit out of quarantine areas. Just one infested fruit can introduce this pest into a new area. Your actions make a difference. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxS8HJej #NISAW #APHIS #ProtectingAgriculture

Feral swine are one of the most destructive invasive species in the U.S. These wild pigs cause millions in damages by rooting up crops, eroding riverbanks, and spreading disease to livestock and wildlife. What can you do? If you see feral swine on your property or in the wild, report them! Learn more about how APHIS is working to manage feral swine, and how you can help: https://lnkd.in/g2VdNbwr #NISAW #APHIS #WildlifeServices