Lecture 23- Veterinary accreditation

What is the primary role of an accredited veterinarian?

To support USDA's mission by ensuring livestock/animal health and protecting public health and well‑being.

Are veterinarians automatically accredited upon graduation or licensure?

No—accreditation is not automatic with DVM graduation, NAVLE passage, or state licensure.

What is a licensed veterinarian?

A veterinarian licensed by a state board to practice veterinary medicine.

What is an accredited veterinarian?

A veterinarian approved by USDA‑APHIS and the State Veterinarian to perform regulatory functions under 9 CFR Part 161.

What is the mission of the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP)?

To ensure the health of the nation's livestock and animal population and protect public health.

What is the goal of NVAP?

To maintain effective cooperation and use of private practitioners for regulatory work consistent with trade requirements and animal health protection.

What year did USDA establish the Veterinary Accreditation Program?

1921.

When was NVAP formally established by USDA‑APHIS?

1992.

What major NVAP change occurred in 2009?

USDA Final Rule requiring uniform national education, initial training, accreditation categories, and 3‑year renewal.

What are the accreditation requirements?

DVM degree, Initial Accreditation Training (IAT), core orientation, VS Form 1‑36A application, state licensure, supplemental orientation as needed.

Is accreditation voluntary?

Yes, but certain tasks require it.

What tasks require accreditation?

Issuing health certificates, interstate/international movement exams, import/export work, submitting diagnostic samples for certain diseases, administering rabies vaccines and signing rabies certificates.

Why is accreditation important to the profession and national interests?

Accredited DVMs are first line of defense, act as legal federal agents, expand surveillance networks, ensure uniform disease control, and support national biosecurity.

What is a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD)?

A transmissible livestock or poultry disease absent from the U.S. with significant health or economic impact.

Why worry about diseases that are "foreign"?

Because the U.S. is a top global producer of major commodities, and FAD incursions threaten trade, economy, and national security.

What are the U.S. global production ranks for major commodities?

Corn 1st; Cattle/Beef 1st; Milk 1st; Chicken meat 1st; Pork 2nd; Eggs 2nd; Wheat 3rd.

How many WOAH‑listed reportable diseases exist?

118 diseases, infections, and infestations across multiple species categories.

What does the USDA reportable list include?

All WOAH diseases plus "other diseases of interest."

What are the impacts of animal disease?

Animal health (death, illness, production loss); economics (trade loss, consumer confidence, movement restrictions); human health (zoonoses, mental health).

What are the general roles of an accredited veterinarian?

Maintain diagnostic skills, know reportable diseases, maintain biosecurity, report suspects to AVIC/State Vet, and avoid pursuing diagnosis or submitting samples.

Who must an accredited veterinarian report FAD suspects to?

USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) and the State Veterinarian.

What should an accredited veterinarian NOT do when suspecting an FAD?

Do not pursue definitive diagnosis and do not submit samples.

What are specific standards for accredited veterinarians under 9 CFR 161.3?

Personally inspect animals, sign forms, issue accurate documents, verify other accredited DVMs' work, follow regulations, and properly identify reactors.

What regulatory activities can accredited veterinarians perform?

Assist with interstate/international movement, perform physical exams, conduct diagnostic tests (e.g., TB), submit diagnostic samples, and complete documentation.

What benefits do accredited practitioners receive?

Diagnostic/lab support, movement facilitation, fair/exhibition facilitation, disease updates, tailored presentations, CE, and protection during FAD events ("get out of jail free" card).

What triggers FAD detection?

Unusual signs noted by local DVMs, producers, handlers, processors, diagnostic labs, or processing plants.

What is the initial response to a suspected FAD?

Local DVM contacts State Vet or AVIC; FADD dispatched within 24 hours; samples sent to federal lab.

What occurs during risk and response assessment?

Determine response level, activate state response plan and/or National Response Framework.

What are the response actions for an FAD?

Quarantine, stop movements, surveillance, depopulation/disposal, possible vaccination, cleaning/disinfection.

What occurs during recovery from an FAD event?

Indemnity and business continuity efforts.

What is the WOAH Early Warning System?

A system requiring disease reporting within 24 hours to inform countries at risk and trigger trade shutdowns.

What is the role of a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD)?

Visit premises within 24 hours, inspect animals, coordinate with State Vet/AVIC, collect/submit samples, and implement movement restrictions/quarantine.

What are examples of major FAD events in U.S. history?

Foot‑and‑mouth disease (1929), Vesicular Exanthema (1956), Classical Swine Fever (1976), Exotic Newcastle Disease (2003), Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (multiple years), West Nile Virus (1999), etc.

What diseases illustrate agriculture as national security?

UK: CSF, BSE, FMD; Taiwan: FMD; Malaysia: Nipah; Central Africa: HIV/AIDS; U.S.: potential vulnerabilities.

What key message concludes the lecture?

Agricultural security IS national security.