(NAFB) – USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is celebrating a major milestone – 50 years of serving the public as a federal agency.

USDA created APHIS on April 2, 1972, to consolidate animal health, plant health, and inspection duties under one roof. The new agency focused on protecting American agriculture and natural resources, along with ensuring the humane care of certain animals. While both APHIS and the world have changed a lot over the past 50 years, the agency’s key mission remains the same today.

APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea says, “The keys to APHIS’ long-term success are our dedicated, skilled employees and the strong partnerships we develop with our many stakeholders.” Some of APHIS’ key accomplishments over the past 50 years include eradicating plant pests like European grapevine moth and plum pox from the country, while reducing the impact of other plant diseases, including boll weevil and Mediterranean and Mexican fruit flies.