The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has two main objectives overseas: To protect the U.S. against a pest or disease introduction (safeguarding) and to facilitate trade in animal and plant health issues. The branch that carries out overseas work is International Services (IS). IS has veterinarians placed overseas in animal disease control programs and in positions that cover both trade issues and safeguarding issues. Veterinarians are currently placed in Japan, China, Chile, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Senegal, Egypt, Austria and Belgium.
In the Summer of 2004, APHIS-IS hosted one veterinary student in Brussels, Belgium and one student in Vienna, Austria.
Student Perspectives: Jessie Clemans (IA State) and Julie Rosser (CO State)
"The Vienna externship was very active with a variety of the projects. I created a negotiation reference sheet that will be used as the basis for developing animal health export protocols with foreign countries. Later, I used this to help draft a breeding swine and swine semen certificate for the Ukraine. I researched and developed a document on international organizations to help guide APHIS' involvement in these organizations. On a daily basis, I was involved with animal health trade issues, including tracking of issues in an electronic database. Additional activities included: drafting letters for the ambassador's signature and to Chief Veterinary Officers in foreign countries, participation in discussions regarding U.S. involvement in Tse Tse eradication in Africa, helped coordinate the participation of foreign veterinarians in a foreign animal disease course at Plum Island and review of Poland submission for disease-free recognition. There was also the opportunity for taking initiative and suggesting projects. In this manner, I was able to participate in a World Trade Organization - Sanitary PhytoSanitary and epidemiology seminar for Serbian veterinarians.
The extern in Brussels, Belgium worked on a different set of topics. She was involved with the European Commission and the Animal Health Technical Working Group. Some of the issues this group has addressed include a variety of trade issues such as: equine semen, bovine semen, bovine embryos, dairy products, animal byproducts, pet food and laboratory and laboratory diagnostics. She developed a paper on Classic Swine Fever risk factors for a review of the 10 new member countries' disease status. In addition, she is arranging a speakers tour regarding U.S. regulatory policy. Other projects have included working on a national animal identification proposal, and talking with EC experts regarding the status of EU trade with Northern Cyprus."
Contact the students about their experience
Students paid their own airfare. No-cost housing was provided and salary was paid according to experience and education level. This summer externship program is still in development; the number of externships and other details are not yet available. Interested students may contact Joan Sills and/or Karen Sliter by September 30, 2004.