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Animals

USDA Scientists Collaborate to Protect Endangered Species for Extinction

As the majestic California Condor soars high in the western skies, the largest bird in North America inspires those who knows its near-tragic history. On the verge of extinction in the 1980s, this resilient avian managed to survive. However, it recently faced a new threat to its existence – highly pathogenic avian influenza. The USDA recently took steps to save this beautiful creature, ensuring Americans will have the opportunity to witness the glory of the California Condor, hopefully inspiring future generations to recognize their unlimited potential to overcome adversity.

From Rats to Readiness: APHIS & MIZZOU Join Forces to Protect You from Future Zoonotic Threats

Imagine investigators navigating city streets, collecting clues on a hidden health threat from the city’s furry inhabitants. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in New York City are helping to uncover the secrets of zoonotic diseases – illnesses that move between animals and humans. This is critical because early detection and response to zoonotic and emerging diseases while still in animals is essential in limiting or preventing human outbreaks.

A Message from USDA to Ant Keepers

Ant keepers enjoy a fun and educational hobby, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also has an interest in it. You might wonder what ant keeping has to do with American agriculture and natural resources. Some invertebrates that people—including ant keepers—import into the U.S. or move between states could threaten our crops, forests, and community landscapes if they escape. USDA can help you import and move them safely.

How USDA Scientists are Winning the Battle Against Invasive Fruit Flies

Invasive fruit flies, such as the Oriental, Mexican, Mediterranean, and European cherry fruit fly, pose threats to many U.S. commercial and homegrown crops. If established, these flies could cause significant economic losses, requiring costly treatments to protect fruits and vegetables and reducing the marketability of infested fruit both locally and abroad. What’s at stake? The market value of invasive fruit fly-host commodities totaled approximately $11.7 billion in the United States in 2022. Approximately $8.3 billion of that was from California and $2.9 billion from Florida.

Upcoming USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Center Programs Offer In-Person, Hands-On Training and Technical Assistance for Producers and Processors

Producers, feeders, and other stakeholders who want a better understanding of factors that contribute to the market value of cattle, and how these factors can inform marketing and production decisions, can join us at three upcoming in-person events at the USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers (CCTC). These events will help producers learn how they can improve their return on investments in their herds and are open to the public.

200 Years of Bilateral Relations with Mexico: Protecting Agricultural Resources from Plant Pests and Animal Disease Threats on Both Sides of the Border

As of December 2022, United States and Mexico are celebrating 200 years of bilateral relations. Over these two hundred years, our nations have developed rich diplomatic and cultural ties where agriculture and trade considerations feature a prominent role.

Alternative Uses for Fladry

Wildlife Services (WS) experts are exploring how fladry, a nonlethal tool used to protect cattle, sheep, and other livestock from wolves, can prevent other wildlife damage.

Becoming a Tree Climber: Training in the Trees

For the first time ever, expert tree climbers with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Eradication Program trained fellow APHIS employees from another program on how to climb trees with a purpose.