Weak Management in Animal Disease Control Program Results in Large Economic Losses
CED-81-96
Published: Jun 24, 1981. Publicly Released: Jun 24, 1981.
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Highlights
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responsible for conducting regulatory and control programs to protect and improve the Nation's animal and plant resources. The Service has two basic units: Veterinary Services, and Plant Protection and Quarantine. GAO reviewed the Veterinary Service's Brucellosis Eradication Program to determine whether improvements could be made.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to establish goals that emphasize improved implementation of disease control measures. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to modify the automated data system so that it can provide summary and exception information reflecting the degree to which disease control measures are properly implemented by each organizational unit and install the automated data system in states having a high incidence of animal disease. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to formulate cooperative agreements which clearly show lines of authority and responsibility for program functions at each organizational level for both state and Veterinary Services personnel. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to collect and analyze information regarding the effects of extending the test period to include the recognized incubation period, including: (1) any increase in the number of infected animals identified; and (2) any increase in cost to herd owners. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should revise the Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules to include dealer recordkeeping provisions as a consideration in certifying a state's disease status. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to strengthen enforcement activities by: (1) creating a separate line function for compliance personnel; (2) requiring closer coordination of field investigations; and (3) forming a cadre of personnel with the necessary training and experience to effectively pursue cases of improper health certifications by private veterinarians. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to resubmit the USDA draft bill authorizing civil penalties and, if it is enacted: (1) establish heavier penalties for those who repeatedly circumvent disease control regulations; and (2) assure that penalties exceed the cost of complying with laws and regulations. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to develop instructions covering the operations necessary to assure that disease control measures are properly implemented and, in conjunction with cooperating state agencies, provide the instructions to all field personnel. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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Topics
Agricultural pestsAgricultural programsAgricultural researchAnimal diseasesCattleDisease controlInformation systemsInspectionProgram managementLivestock