Which governmental body regulates the importation of animals that can carry zoonotic diseases?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals that can carry zoonotic diseases due to its mandate to protect public health by preventing the introduction and spread of diseases from animals to humans. The CDC implements stringent guidelines and controls on the entry of various animal species into the United States because some animals can harbor pathogens that are transmissible to humans, potentially leading to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.

Importation regulations are vital, as zoonotic diseases can have significant health impacts on populations. The CDC works alongside other entities, such as the USDA and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), to monitor and control animal health and welfare issues during transit. Consequently, the role of the CDC is pivotal in establishing policies that ensure both public health safety and animal health.

While other agencies, such as the USDA, also deal with animal importation and health standards, their primary focus often leans towards agriculture and livestock rather than direct public health implications from zoonotic diseases. The Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency have distinct missions that do not emphasize the regulatory oversight of animal importation related to zoonotic diseases in the same manner as the CDC.