A 25-Year Retrospective of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1972-1997

This short retrospective begins by examining the early animal and plant health bureaus. For most of the 20th century, these bureaus operated independently of one another. Eventually, these animal and plant health functions were consolidated under the APHIS structure. The bulk of this report assesses APHIS’ development over the past 25 years, focusing on the eight APHIS administrators and their particular visions and goals. Also this report is intended to identify some of the outstanding issues and events that have contributed to the agency’s development. Identifying the organization’s roots and past accomplishments may help us move into the decade ahead with greater confidence about our basic organization, mission, and capabilities.