North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

The agency responsible for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act in the United States is the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Animal Welfare Act establishes standards for the humane treatment of animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is specifically charged with overseeing the regulation and implementation of this law, which includes ensuring compliance with the welfare standards set forth for various animal species.

In contrast, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) operates at the institutional level, reviewing and approving animal care protocols but does not have the authority to enforce the Animal Welfare Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily focused on public health and safety concerning drugs, food products, and medical devices, rather than animal welfare enforcement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concentrates on public health and disease management rather than direct regulation of animal welfare. Thus, the USDA's role is key in enforcing the provisions outlined in the Animal Welfare Act.