Animals and Plants

▸ Agencies

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), (Agriculture Dept.), Investigative and Enforcement Services, 4700 River Rd., Unit 85, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234; (301) 734-8684. Fax, (301) 734-4328 Gregory Parham, Administrator.

Web, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ies

Provides investigative and enforcement services and leadership, direction, and support for compliance activities within the service.

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), (Agriculture Dept.), Plant Protection and Quarantine, 14th Independence Ave. S.W., #302E 20250; (202) 720-5601. Fax, (202) 690-0472. Rebecca Bech, Deputy Administrator. Antismuggling hotline, (800) 877-3835.

General e-mail, aphis.web@aphis.usda.gov

Web, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health

Encourages compliance with regulations that safeguard agriculture and natural resources from the risks associated with the entry, establishment, or spread of animal and plant pests and noxious weeds. Methods include requirements for the import and export of plants and plant products; partnership agreements with industry groups, community organizations, and government entities; and public education and outreach.

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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), (Health and Human Services Dept.), Center for Veterinary Medicine, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855-0001; (240) 276-9000. Fax, (240) 276-9001. Dr. Bernadette Dunham, Director.

General e-mail, CVMHomeP@cvm.fda.gov

Web, http://www.fda.gov/cvm

Regulates the manufacture and distribution of drugs, food additives, feed, and devices for livestock and pets. Conducts research; works to ensure animal health and the safety of food derived from animals.

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National Zoological Park (Smithsonian Institution), 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. 20008; (202) 633-4800. Fax, (202) 673-4607 Vacant, Director. Library, (202) 633-1031. Press, (202) 633-3055. TTY, (202) 673-7800. Friends of the Zoo, (202) 633-4240.

Web, http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu

Maintains a public zoo. Conducts research on animal behavior, ecology, nutrition, reproductive physiology, pathology, and veterinary medicine; operates an annex near Front Royal, Va., for the propagation and study of endangered species. Houses a unit of the Smithsonian Institution library open to qualified researchers by appointment. Interlibrary loans available.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security Dept.), Agricultural Program and Trade Liaison Office, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., #2.5B 20229; (202) 344-3298. Fax, (202) 344-1442. Vernon Foret, Executive Director.

Web, http://www.cbp.gov

Responsible for safeguarding the nation's animal and natural resources from pests and disease through inspections at ports of entry and beyond.

Congress

For a listing of relevant congressional committees and subcommittees, please see page 252 or the Appendix.

▸ Nongovernmental

American Herbal Products Assn., 8630 Fenton St., #918, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (301) 588-1171. Fax, (301) 588-1174. Michael McGuffin, President. Press, (301) 588-1171, ext. 104.

General e-mail, ahpa@ahpa.org

Web, http://www.ahpa.org

Membership: U.S. companies and individuals that grow, manufacture, and distribute therapeutic herbs and herbal products; associates in education, law, media, and medicine. Supports research; promotes quality standards, consumer protection, competition, and self-regulation in the industry. Monitors legislation and regulations.

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American Veterinary Medical Assn., Governmental Relations, Washington Office, 1910 Sunderland Pl. N.W. 20036-1642; (202) 789-0007. Fax, (202) 842-4360. Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, Director. Toll-free, (800) 321-1473.

General e-mail, avmagrd@avma.org

Web, http://www.avma.org

Monitors legislation and regulations that influence animal and human health and advance the veterinary medical profession. (Headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill.)

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Animal Health Institute, 1325 G St. N.W., #700 20005-3104; (202) 637-2440. Fax, (202) 393-1667 Alexander S. Mathews, President.

Web, http://www.ahi.org

Membership: manufacturers of drugs and other products (including vaccines, pesticides, and vitamins) for pets and food-producing animals. Monitors legislation and regulations.

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Assn. of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), 1101 Vermont Ave. N.W., #301 20005-3536; (202) 371-9195. Fax, (202) 842-0773. Dr. Marguerite Pappaionou, Executive Director.

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