Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. food crops and livestock. Some of these organisms are highly contagious animal diseases that could cause severe economic damage to the livestock industry and losses in production, which would mean increased costs for meat and dairy products. Other pests can affect property values by damaging lawns, ornamental plants, trees, and even homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are partners in this effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) develops the policies that determine what agricultural products can come into the country and what products pose a risk and should be kept out. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry enforce these agricultural policies. Confiscated items are carefully destroyed in special CBP facilities. For additional information, please visit the CBP Web site. ( www.cbp.gov )

Or write to:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office of Field Operations
Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20229

For more information on agricultural policy, please visit APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Web site. ( APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine ) Or call 1-866-SAFGUARD. If you have any questions please write to:
APHIS-PPQ
Quarantine Policy Analysis
and Support Staff
4700 River Road
Unit 60
Riverdale, MD 20737