Fiscal Years 2023 - 2027 STRATEGIC PLANAnimal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceAPHIS _dfaa3ece-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea00Kevin SheaAdministrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of AgricultureAPHIS StakeholdersWe consult with and engage a wide range of stakeholders to ensure our strategies and programs are effective. Our stakeholders include people whose activities we regulate, such as animal and plant importers and exporters, livestock producers, growers, biotechnology developers, trading partners, scientists and researchers, and those who are subject to Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act requirements. They are State officials, Tribal partners, government regulators, and cooperators who help us carry out our mission. They are people and organizations dealing with wildlife conflicts, travelers, and members of the public who are seeking services or information from us.Animal ImportersAnimal ExportersPlant ImportersPlant ExportersLivestock ProducersGrowersBiotechnology DevelopersTrading PartnersScientistsResearchersSubjectsthose who are subject to Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act requirementsState OfficialsTribal PartnersGovernment RegulatorsCooperatorswho help us carry out our missionPeopledealing with wildlife conflictsOrganizationsdealing with wildlife conflictsTravelersMembers of the Publicwho are seeking services or information from us.A global leader that uses innovative and proven solutions to ensure the health of plants, animals, the environment, and people._dfaa40ea-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea00Protecting the health, welfare, and value of our Nation’s plants, animals, and natural resources. _dfaa4234-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea00IntegrityTrustAccountabilityPublic ServiceDiversityInclusionEquityAccessibilityCollaborationTeamworkCommitmentInnovationCreativityDiseases & PestsProtect agriculture from plant and animal diseases and pests _dfaa437e-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001American agriculture faces many threats, including foreign and domestic diseases and pests, biological events resulting from emerging infectious disease threats, risks associated with biotechnology, and threats of terror posed by groups seeking to use biological weapons. These diseases, pests, and biological events have the potential to impact agricultural production, trade, and the economy. ^^ To protect agriculture, it is critical to identify threats early so APHIS can take the necessary actions to prevent entry and avoid prolonged damage. Our focus is to ensure that all Americans have consistent access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Because these threats are ever-changing, APHIS must adjust its strategies for identifying diseases and pests and applying appropriate mitigation measures. ^^ By working collaboratively with Federal, State, and Tribal partners and stakeholders, APHIS can rapidly respond to an agricultural disease or pest outbreak. APHIS actively engages other Federal, State, and local governments; Tribal Nations; and industry to advance their emergency preparedness and response capabilities. If a pest or disease is established in the country, APHIS works with its partners and stakeholders to eradicate or manage the pest or disease to minimize its impact on the economy. ^^ APHIS will continue to ensure the availability, safety, purity, potency, and effectiveness of veterinary biologics and provide oversight of genetically engineered organisms. We will continue to conduct diagnostic laboratory activities and provide technology development to support plant protection programs. The Agency will continue to investigate alleged violations of APHIS-administered laws and issue enforcement actions. ^^ Below are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under this strategic goal.ImportationPrevent plant and animal diseases and pests from entering the country_dfaa44c8-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.1^* Perform enhanced, robust inspection of people and things entering the United States that pose a disease or pest threat ^* Provide support for surveillance, control, and containment of African swine fever (ASF) in the Caribbean and prepare for a potential domestic incursion ^* Develop, maintain, and improve commodity or disease surveillance plans, ensuring the plans include units across APHIS and State and Federal partners, as appropriate  ^* Focus investigative and enforcement resources on the most serious violations that pose the greatest risk to American agriculture ^* Manage diseases and pests established in other countries by working with our foreign counterparts and local communities within these countriesManagementManage plant and animal diseases and pests established in the country_dfaa45ae-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.2^* Analyze outbreak data to develop the most effective methods for preventing and mitigating future outbreaks, complete risk analyses to improve control and eradication efforts, and advance innovative solutions to control and eradicate diseases ^* Utilize program review and pest risk analysis to clarify strategy and improve the effectiveness of the Phytophthora ramorum program ^* Expand the use of performance measures, risk-based approaches, and analyses to create a more integrated and strategic national surveillance approach for plants ^* Continue conducting field-level surveillance for animal diseases and plant pests and diseases of concernEmergenciesEnsure effective emergency preparedness and response_dfaa4766-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.3^* Develop an adequate number of highly trained core responders  ^* Coordinate, deliver, and document National Incident Management System and Incident Command System training for APHIS Incident Management Teams and volunteers ^* Develop and bring to production more depopulation and disposal options ^* Provide enhanced learning opportunities to ensure emergency responders can quickly assess risks and opportunities in emergency situations and integrate emergency response efforts into business services delivery  ^* Improve communication with stakeholders and trading partners during disease and pest outbreaks and proactively engage Tribes   ^* Engage government and industry partners in preparedness exercises ^* Improve employee understanding and implementation of the APHIS Emergency Mobilization Guide and the Mandatory Mobilization Plan  ^* Improve the country’s ability to recover after animal and plant health incidents and outbreaks ^* Provide leadership in collaboration with Federal, State, local, Tribal, and Territorial agencies for creating comprehensive wildlife disease surveillance and emergency response capabilities and capacity ^* Partner with local and urban farmers to teach them how to recognize and mitigate plant pests; partner with citizen scientists, non-profit organizations, and non-government organizations to find invasive pests ^* Continue to ensure personnel are highly trained in areas of animal diseases, plant pests and diseases, and all-hazard response and develop more personnel capacity to address emergency tour-of-duty response requestsVeterinary BiologicsEnsure the availability, safety, purity, potency, and effectiveness of veterinary biologics_dfaa48c4-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.4Veterinarians^* Improve transparency in the licensure process with the public and industry  ^* Provide guidance and instructions to regulated industry to enhance communication and relationship building  ^* Expand use of alternative inspection processes, as well as onsite inspections  ^* Conduct public outreach on how testing and assurance of safety, purity, potency, and effectiveness of veterinary biologics contributes to animal health and food safety, and how testing and assurance are performed to maximize safetyBiotechnology Products Ensure the development of safe agricultural biotechnology products using a science-based regulatory framework_dfaa49be-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.5^* Conduct efficient risk-based permit review and issuance for organisms developed using genetic engineering to ensure they are safely contained or confined during movement or release ^* Use plain language to clearly communicate APHIS regulations, expectations, and guidance to stakeholders, particularly those working with modified non-plant organisms potentially subject to APHIS regulations; help stakeholders understand regulations through outreach, workshops, toolkits, and other means  ^* Work with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to increase coordination and harmonization of regulatory oversight for biotechnology products within each agency’s existing statutory frameworkSupport & ServicesEnsure timely and accurate diagnostic and other laboratory support and services_dfaa4aae-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea001.6Laboratories^* Emphasize the practice of scientific discovery and method improvement with collaborations, developmental projects, and scholarships  ^* Implement the VS Laboratory Approval Guidance to deliver an effective and clear approval process  ^* Support both national and international laboratory networks by performing reference laboratory duties and partnering with them in animal and plant diagnostics ^* Expand the use of molecular diagnostics to support plant healthWorkforceCultivate a talented, diverse, and public service-focused workforce where employees are supported, valued, and engaged_dfaa4c70-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002APHIS EmployeesOf the estimated 2.2 million Federal employees, 43 percent are ages 50 and older. For APHIS, that percentage is slightly higher, at 46 percent. Over the next 5 years, APHIS will use recruitment and knowledge transfer strategies to transfer institutional knowledge and ensure we maintain a sustainable, diverse workforce as workers leave the Agency. APHIS will implement strategies to retain employees, including investing in developmental opportunities to build talent from within. ^^ APHIS will provide an environment where employees are safe, supported, valued, and engaged in the shared mission and direction of the Agency. The Agency will encourage changes that support employee creativity and innovation, work-life balance, and family-friendly policies to foster employee engagement. ^^ APHIS will explore ways to reshape its workforce to better meet the service delivery needs of the American public now and in the future. APHIS will continue to look for new ways to deliver our services efficiently and effectively, in the face of a new fiscal reality. ^^ Below are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under this strategic goal.RecruitmentRecruit new talent_dfaa4d6a-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.1^* Fully implement the APHIS Recruitment Plan to strategically recruit new talent ^* Build and strengthen partnerships with universities and colleges to identify graduates to recruit, provide internships, and help educate the next generation of APHIS employees ^* Offer remote duty designations to broaden the pool of candidates Empowerment & EngagementEmpower and engage employees_dfaa4e6e-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.2^* Establish APHIS-wide and program-specific employee engagement strategies  ^* Innovate workforce development to provide employees with greater career opportunities, including increasing career ladder opportunities and re-evaluating existing ladders for support positions  ^* Provide training and other learning opportunities for employees to acquire new skills throughout their careers ^* Encourage and support participation in APHIS leadership training, mentoring, and coaching programs  ^* Implement succession planning for technical positions ^* Create opportunities for cross training employees ^* Facilitate collaborative relationships with bargaining units  ^* Launch the Veterinary Services (VS) Career Guide and other programs to empower functional leadership and development while mentoring employees and providing career field adviceEquity & InclusionImprove equity and inclusion_dfaa4f68-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.3^* Partner with USDA Mission Areas to grow internships and expand employment opportunities to diverse populations ^* Expand AgDiscovery by engaging alumni to conduct outreach at schools ^* Partner with community organizations to promote internships and employment opportunities to diverse populations ^* Provide employees with training on unconscious biasServicesDeliver outstanding services to the public_dfaa5062-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.4^* Modernize and streamline Agency regulations and issue more flexible regulations ^* Consider non-regulatory solutions for emerging issues ^* Ensure Agency services are efficient, effective, accessible, and equitable to all ^* Serve as good stewards of public resources, setting goals and priorities using science and evidence based decision-making and strategic and foresight planning ^* Protect and promote U.S. agriculture and natural resources by ensuring Agency activities are environmentally sound and within acceptable animal welfare standardsSafety & WellnessPromote safety and wellness_dfaa5170-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.5^* Identify employee wellness needs, recalibrate wellness programs for the hybrid workforce, and identify work/life flexibilities ^* Enhance safety training for staff in different work settings ^* Increase messaging that focuses on the new work environment, managing risk, building capabilities, and identifying best safety practices ^* Use current Office of Property and Environmental Management guidance for calculating space needs in the hybrid environment and reimagine space use to maximize information sharing, relationship building, and collaborationInformation TechnologyCreate sustainable and cost-effective IT solutions_dfaa526a-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea002.6^* Engage business partners in collaborative investment reviews and deliver effective investment reporting  ^* Seek stakeholder feedback on public-facing systems and implement improvements based on that feedback ^* Build a cybersecurity risk management program/system to capture and manage cybersecurity risk across the mission area  ^* Enhance the Customer Service and Investment Review Boards’ ability to anticipate IT needs and implement solutions   ^* Use mapping technology for remote surveillance of regulated activities  ^* Develop IT strategy and infrastructure recommendations, as well as a roadmap for IT data systems and integration and data acquisition and storage applications Diseases & ClimateReduce the impacts of zoonotic and emerging diseases and climate change _dfaa536e-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea003Seventy-five percent of emerging infectious diseases affecting humans are zoonotic, meaning they move between animals and people. There has been a surge in outbreaks of zoonotic diseases over the past 2 decades. Often, we were unaware of the potential threat until we started seeing illness and death in people. Early detection and response to zoonotic and emerging diseases while still in animals is essential in limiting or preventing human outbreaks. APHIS will strengthen its ability to prevent, detect, report, and respond to emerging and zoonotic diseases. ^^ Working collaboratively with other Federal agencies, APHIS will build an early warning system to alert public health partners so steps can be taken sooner to prevent or limit the next zoonotic disease outbreak. As a result of these efforts, we will safeguard animal health, prevent disease transmission between animals and people, and minimize potential impacts to the food supply. ^^ At the same time, we recognize that climate change presents a threat to our ability to fully achieve our mission and advance our strategic goals. We don’t anticipate needing to modify our regulatory authority; however, we do expect that new regulations and policies, as well as non-regulatory approaches, may be required. APHIS will incorporate mitigation and management strategies including predictive modeling tools into its programs to reduce and adapt to the effects of climate change and build resilience in the Agency for the benefit of our employees, partners, and stakeholders. ^^ Below are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under this strategic goal. DiseasesStrengthen prevention, surveillance, monitoring, and response to emerging and zoonotic diseases_dfaa5486-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea003.1^* Implement operational plans and procedures for zoonotic disease engagement, investigation, and response; antimicrobial resistance; global health security; and associated outreach and education using a One Health approach ^* Develop, implement, and coordinate One Health activities, strategies and policies, and response ^* Enhance capacity to detect zoonotic and emerging diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 by increasing surveillance in wildlife and building diagnostic capacity for testing wildlife samples ^* Analyze surveillance data to improve program effectiveness and efficiency ^* Develop methods to increase public awareness of how APHIS responds to emerging and zoonotic diseasesProductsStrengthen pathway analysis and targeting of plant and animal products that pose a threat to people, animals, and the environment_dfaa559e-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea003.2^* Strengthen efforts to mitigate risks from imported plant and animal products ^* Support developing models of animal and product movement  ^* Increase personnel with specialized skill sets to better evaluate trade risks and effective mitigations ^* Use results of pathways analyses to identify risk “hotspots” for wildlife disease incursions and promote wildlife disease surveillance efforts in susceptible animal populations ^* Lead the Tuberculosis (TB) Initiative to solve complex problems with zoonotic TB ^* Implement the National List of Reportable Animal Diseases Climate ChangeMitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change_dfaa56ac-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea003.3^* Implement and regularly update the APHIS Climate Change Adaption Plan, which considers challenges related to climate change and describes actions we can take to mitigate its impacts ^* Incorporate climate change scenarios when evaluating the plant pest risk associated with biotechnology products  ^* Work with Federal partners to develop clear, efficient, predictable, and risk-based regulatory pathways for safely bringing microbial and other new products that help address climate change to market, and help developers of such products navigate our regulatory system  ^* Address increased pest resilience due to climate change using risk-based approaches and data analytics ^* Work with partners on predictive modeling to identify trends and future scenarios for pest movements and risks based on climate change impacts on ranges, lifecycles, and habitats ^* Consider climate change when assessing pest risk pathways and the pest risk of commodities presented for market access ^* Prioritize environmentally friendly mitigations for plant pest and disease response ^* Implement strategies to respond to the movement of vectors (organisms, such as insects, that can transmit disease to other organisms) from warmer climates, addressing the transmission potential for vector-borne disease spread  ^* Maximize support for Executive Order 14057: Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability  and Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad TradeMaintain and expand the safe trade of agricultural products nationally and internationally _dfaa57d8-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea004APHIS plays an important role in facilitating the safe trade of agricultural products. We ensure that U.S. farmers and exporters can sell their products around the world, facilitating the movement of more than $170 billion in U.S. agricultural goods. The Agency’s efforts include: ^^* Keeping U.S. agricultural industries free from pests and diseases, ^* Certifying that U.S. agricultural and food products shipped to markets abroad meet the importing countries’ entry requirements, ^* Partnering with other countries to develop international standards, ^* Removing trade barriers by monitoring and enforcing existing trade agreements, and ^* Negotiating trade agreements that benefit the U.S. agricultural economy. ^^ APHIS also builds regulatory capacity in developing countries to facilitate trade and develop future markets. Helping other countries strengthen their capacity allows them to participate in the safe trade of agricultural products. ^^ With the growing complexity of the global supply chain network, the need to manage risks associated with trade, both import and export, have never been greater. There is a need for new intervention policies, tools, and strategies to mitigate these risks. ^^ Below are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under this strategic goal.Sanitary & Phytosanitary IssuesFacilitate safe agricultural trade through the effective management of sanitary and phytosanitary issues_dfaa58fa-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea004.1^* Conduct plant and animal health negotiations with other countries during technical bilateral meetings, using science and international standards to resolve trade issues. These negotiations result in protocols that both countries agree will sufficiently minimize the pest or animal disease risk of an imported or exported agricultural product. ^* Monitor trends across many platforms, information resources, and stakeholder inputs to advance APHIS programs and issues ^* Monitor and scan for the emergence of new scientific findings and threats ^* Establish the Joint Agency Group to support the U.S.- Canada Coordinated Phytosanitary Mitigation Framework and develop an action plan to implement the framework ^* Implement the joint U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-APHIS Strategic Plan, which will guide program activities and set mission priorities over the next 5 years Standards & CollaborationMaintain and expand the Agency’s leadership role through international standard setting and collaboration_dfaa5a26-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea004.2^* Strengthen collaboration with other standard-setting organizations especially the World Organisation of Animal Health and the International Plant Protection Convention ^* Promote engagement, collaboration, and harmonization of agricultural biotechnology regulation with trading partners, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and other international and regional organizations ^* Advance trade harmonization by suggesting and supporting International and Regional standard setting activities for sea containers, e-commerce and e-phytoExportsCreate safe export opportunities_dfaa5b70-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea004.3^* Develop scientifically-sound risk identification and risk analyses for U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary exports to support trade in safe animals, plants, and animal plant products and by-products ^* Support development of climatesmart commodities to ensure access to international markets for low-carbon goods and carbon capture ^* Communicate to international stakeholders about APHIS’ processes and share outcomes of biotechnology product evaluations ^* Work with trade agencies on technical aspects of trade in biotechnology products ^* Work with the regulatory authorities of U.S. trading partners to further harmonize regulatory frameworks for biotechnology productsSupply ChainsAnticipate and communicate supply chain issues to domestic stakeholders and trading partners_dfaa5ca6-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea004.4^* Analyze and forecast trade and economic trends related to agricultural trade activities ^* Acquire data from and share data with international organizations to support global agricultural trade WildlifeManage wildlife damage and threats to agriculture, natural resources, property, and people _dfaa5dd2-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005APHIS provides expertise to resolve conflicts between people and wildlife. Using an integrated approach, the Agency facilitates coexistence to protect agriculture, natural resources (including threatened and endangered species), property and infrastructure, and public health and safety. In the United States, wildlife is managed based on the Public Trust Doctrine. It is a public resource held in trust and managed by the government for present and future generations. Wildlife Services focuses on science-based wildlife damage management. This includes protecting resources, health, and safety from damage or other problems caused by or related to the presence of wildlife. It is an integral part of the wildlife management profession and is essential to conserving our Nation’s wildlife resources. ^^ Each year, APHIS responds to hundreds of thousands of requests from farmers, ranchers, and others for help with reducing the impact of predators on their animals. The cattle, sheep, and goat industries alone report $232 million in livestock losses to predation, annually. APHIS assisted 23,461 livestock producers in protecting their livestock from predators through the use of integrated damage management methods and tools. APHIS also helps protect the aviation community across the Nation to reduce wildlife hazards to aviation. In 2022, APHIS assisted 813 civil and military airports worldwide, including about 75 percent of all U.S. commercial passenger airports, to reduce or avoid wildlife strike hazards to protect people and aircraft. In addition, we help natural resource agencies protect threatened and endangered species and public health agencies distribute millions of oral rabies vaccine baits to reduce rabies in wildlife and prevent disease spread to people, livestock, and pets. ^^ Below are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under this strategic goal.DiseaseStrengthen wildlife disease prevention, surveillance, and response_dfaa5f30-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005.1^* Enhance coordination and collaboration in research and management to prevent the spread of key terrestrial rabies variants in wild carnivores while working toward eliminating rabies in carnivores in North America ^* Enhance coordination and implement surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds in all four migratory bird flyways ^* Improve coordination of laboratory submissions, referrals, and reporting of highly pathogenic avian influenza to stakeholders, industry, and the public ^* Identify areas at high risk for foreign animal disease introduction across the geographic range of feral swine and develop processes and protocols to best target these areas for operational activities and feral swine sampling, including expanding activities to include feral swine that are currently not accessibleDamageResearch and implement new and improved tools to enhance integrated wildlife damage management programs_dfaa6070-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005.2^* Implement science-based and non-lethal (where feasible) methods and new technology to mitigate wildlife damage and reduce threats posed by diseases to agriculture (including livestock and aquaculture), property, human health and safety, and natural resources Health & SafetyProtect public health and safety by managing negative human/wildlife interactions_dfaa623c-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005.3^* Expand and improve collaborative efforts to enhance public safety within the aviation community through sciencebased assistance by investigating methods and addressing wildlife hazards that meet continuing demands for safe air operations of civil and military partners, the aviation industry, and the traveling public Species & HabitatsReduce damage from invasive species and protect resources, critical habitats, and species of concern_dfaa63d6-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005.4^* Decrease damage caused by feral swine to agricultural, livestock, property, ecological, and human health and safety. Prevent establishment of new populations by monitoring in areas where they are likely to be found but their presence hasn’t been confirmed ^* Prevent escape of brown tree snakes from Guam and decrease tree snake populations near military and civilian ports of exit to safeguard health and human safety and protect infrastructure and natural resources on neighboring islands and the U.S. mainland ^* Continue strengthening partnerships and providing training and technical advice to Western Pacific neighbors to improve inspections of aircraft, vessels, and cargo arriving from Guam ^* Detect and remove invasive nutria to protect the Chesapeake Bay and other critical coastal and inland wetland habitatsPartnershipsStrengthen and expand partnerships at the national level_dfaa676e-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea005.5^* Increase partnerships with local, State, and Federal entities and universities to increasingly leverage disease surveillance and research opportunities associated with existing wildlife damage management activities ^* Provide outreach to Federal, State, Tribal, and international partners and the public about APHIS’ role in reducing conflicts between people and wildlife, detecting and controlling wildlife diseases, and protecting natural resources ^* Working with State and Federal partners to provide Federal leadership to industry, organizations and natural resource agencies for an effective, ecologically sound, and socially responsible integrated wildlife damage management program that is responsive to a changing world ^* Build and expand coalitions of producers, industry, and government agencies at multiple levels to collaboratively resolve wildlife conflicts negatively impacting livestock and agriculture production AnimalsPromote the welfare of animals_dfaa6a98-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea006APHIS ensures the humane treatment of animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), works to eliminate soring and promote fair competition at events covered by the Horse Protection Act (HPA), and provides national leadership on the safety and well-being of pets and other animals in disasters. Annually, APHIS conducts over 10,000 inspections of approximately 8,000 licensed or registered facilities and inspects over 1,500 horses at shows and other events. ^^ APHIS is amending the AWA regulations and developing bird standards to ensure their humane care and treatment. These standards would govern humane care, treatment, and transportation. ^^ The following are examples of tactics for achieving the objectives under the strategic goal.TreatmentEnsure the humane treatment of animals covered by the AWA_dfaa6f52-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea006.1^* Conduct inspections to ensure substantial compliance with the AWA  ^* Update and enhance regulations to improve animal welfare  ^* Provide outreach and education to promote compliance and best practices  ^* Use data-driven decision-making and analysis to make effective use of resources  ^* Move more quickly to confiscate animals at extreme risk, as authorized ^* Streamline enforcement review for critical cases and improve AWA enforcement timeliness ^* Increase AWA inspections by five percent over FY 2022 ^* Implement the final rule to establish new regulations and standards governing the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds covered by the AWA including distributing educational literature on the bird rule ^* Increase the usage of the self-service customer portal to 25 percent through enhanced marketing, education, and awareness to internal and external stakeholders ^* Strengthen partnerships with State agencies to increase the speed and effectiveness of enforcement actionsCompetitionsEliminate soring and promote fair competition at events covered by the HPA_dfaa7114-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea006.2^* Support a strong focus on enforcement  ^* Increase the number of HPA events attended by 50 percent over FY 2022 ^* Continue ongoing outreach efforts targeting both competitors and event attendeesDisastersAssist stakeholders with planning and preparedness to ensure the safety and welfare of animals during disasters_dfaa73c6-f0f6-11ed-bd9b-dd800183ea006.3^* Provide outreach and education to stakeholders to promote compliance and best practices  ^* Strengthen partnerships with industry groups, State, Federal, and Tribal entities  ^* Engage with emergency response partners at the local, State, and Federal levels to ensure the safety and welfare of animals is considered in exercises, planning activities, and disaster response operations, inclusive of sheltering operations ^* Use evidence based trend analysis to facilitate conversations with partners and potential partners to on potential preparedness and response strategies ^* Monitor trends and issues with the potential to have significant impact on current and future efforts to ensure animal welfare in emergency response situations2022-10-012027-09-302023-05-16https://www.aphis.usda.gov/about_aphis/downloads/aphis-strategic-plan.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net