petitions from foreign trading partners who 
want to export regulated articles to the 
United States. 
The SIM staff is the primary USDA source for 
addressing science-based animal health con- 
cerns affecting agricultural trade. First and 
foremost, the SIM staff is concerned with 
safeguarding American agriculture. With 
that in mind, the team provides authoritative 
technical expertise for interpreting the 
intent and applicability of animal health 
requirements. Such interpretations are pro- 
vided in response to inquiries from Federal, 
State, international, and territorial officials, 
private industry, and the public. In addition, 
SIM employees consult and advise U.S. agri- 
cultural attachés and animal health officials 
of foreign countries on issues of foreign ani- 
mal quarantine laws and regulations. The 
team is instrumental in resolving questions 
that could lead to misunderstandings or 
ambiguity. Members of the SIM staff often 
travel to foreign countries to resolve trade 
disputes or clarify regulations that could 
affect market opportunities for U.S. exports. 
By ensuring appropriate U.S. representation 
and participation in regional and global ani- 
mal health organizations and in the develop- 
ment of policies and standards, the SIM team 
is protecting the future of U.S. agriculture 
and promoting new opportunities for trade. 
Setting Standards for 
International Trade 
In order to ensure that international animal- 
health standards represent the interests and 
concerns of the United States, VS plays an 
active role in meetings of the Office 
International des Epizooties (OIE), a 155- 
member-country standards-setting organiza- 
tion. OIE works continuously to update old 
standards in the International Animal Health 
Code. Each member country has an opportu- 
nity to comment on the updated drafts, and 
VS takes this responsibility seriously. By 
sending the proposals out to experts 
throughout the United States, VS ensures 
that new animal health standards are fair and 
scientifically justified. If U.S. experts disagree 
with a proposed standard, VS then has the 
opportunity to send alternative language to 
OIE and explain why the United States dis- 
agrees with the position. 
While OIE is not obligated to make changes 
suggested by member countries, each coun- 
try does have a chance to vote on the propos- 
als at the organization’s annual meeting. VS 
is focused on building coalitions with coun- 
tries such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, and 
New Zealand in order to strengthen the 
United States’ position and move OIE away 
from traditionally Eurocentric positions. 
These new international standards will shape 
the future of animal trade, and it is impor- 
tant that the United States have a strong 
voice in the organization. In addition to 
updating animal health standards, OIE sets 
international standards for handling diag- 
nostic tests and vaccines as well as fish 
health. 
While working to establish and test interna- 
tional standards and regulations, VS also 
focuses on maintaining a safeguarding 
system for U.S. animal and animal product 
and byproduct imports and exports. 
VS’ Partner in Protection 
With the help of APHIS’ Agricultural 
Quarantine and Inspection program (AQI) in 
the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 
unit, VS oversees and implements the impor- 
tation of animals and animal products and 
byproducts. Through their stringent import 
procedures, VS and PPQ work to prevent for- 
eign animal diseases from entering the coun- 
try. The close proximity of some foreign 
animal diseases to the United States high- 
lights the importance of APHIS’ import 
procedures. 
eS 
Members of the SIM 
staff often travel 
to foreign countries 
to resolve trade 
disputes or clarify 
regulations that 
could affect market 
opportunities for 
U.S. exports. 
Protecting Animal Health in a Global Environment 3 
