At the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an important job.

We work to protect farm animals, farmers and ranchers, the nation's farm economy and export markets... and your food supply.

Plum Island is located off the northeastern tip of New York's Long Island. USDA activities at Plum Island are carried out by scientists and veterinarians with the department's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

We're proud of our role as America's first line of defense against foreign animal diseases.

We're equally proud of our safety record. Not once in our nearly 50 years of operation has an animal pathogen escaped from the island.

In 2003 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) joined us on the island, taking responsibility for the safety and security of the facility.

Please note: Land, buildings and other facilities of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security in June 2003.

USDA is continuing its traditional mission of research and diagnostic programs at the center.