Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published amendments to the regulations governing the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NAVP).
Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the USDA may take steps to prevent the introduction and interstate spread of diseases and pests to ensure that the health of the nation’s animals. Under that Act, the National Veterinary Accreditation Program allows private veterinarians, once they are accredited by APHIS, to assist Federal veterinarians with performing certain tasks to control and prevent the spread of animal diseases throughout the U.S. and internationally. Under the program, veterinarians are classified based on the species they may treat. Those that work with dogs or small companion animals only are usually accredited as a Category I veterinarian.
The new amendments clarify the veterinary programs for which accredited veterinarians are authorized to perform duties under the Act, and add and revise certain definitions and terms used in the regulations.
The American Kennel Club emphasizes the need to protect both animal and public health from communicable disease. Read our position statement on Pet Imports: Protecting Pet and Public Health.
For more information, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap, or contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.