Under the Animal Welfare Act, which agency conducts annual inspections of animal facilities?

• A. FDA
• B. APHIS
• C. NIH
• D. PHS

Answer: (B)

The agency responsible for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and conducting annual inspections of facilities that care for animals is APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. APHIS Animal Care inspectors visit licensed or registered facilities to verify compliance with the Act and its regulations, checking on animal housing, sanitation, veterinary care, enrichment, handling, recordkeeping, and oversight by IACUCs where applicable. These inspections are conducted on a regular annual basis and can be unannounced as needed. Other agencies like the FDA regulate different areas such as product safety, while NIH/PHS oversight pertains to federally funded research policies rather than routine enforcement of the AWA.