Welcome to the California Department of Food and Agriculture

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Information About Our Animal Programs

Ash Creek Cattle resting in a pasture, photo courtesy of Ed Williams
 

Our Mission

The Animal Health Branch is the State's organized, professional veterinary medical unit that protects livestock populations, consumers, and California's economy from catastrophic animal diseases and other health or agricultural problems. The Branch addresses diseases and other problems that cannot be successfully controlled on an individual animal or herd basis, but require state-wide coordinated resources. Implementing programs which protect California's livestock industries and consumers, ensures the availability, affordability, and wholesomeness of food.

Our History

The Animal Health Branch origins date to 1899 when the office of the California State Veterinarian was established by the legislature to "protect the health of all domestic animals of the state from all contagious and infectious diseases, so far as practical". Though its functions have increasingly diversified in response to changes in agriculture and public health events, its mission remains the same. Our role (PDF 40 KB). District / Lab Map (PDF 184 KB).

Our News

Animal Health Branch Newsletter, August 2008 includes topics on Bovine TB update, Consensus Building for Animal Health Policy Development, News in Brief, Disaster Response Opportunities for Veterinarians & AHT's, and employee profiles. Read more . . .

Read archived newsletters.

Contact Information

Our offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street, Room A-107
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 654-1447
Fax: (916) 653-2215
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov