According to Attorney John Simpson of Duane, Morris LLP, it is inevitable that the USDA will extend oversight into livestock and poultry production.  His conclusion is based on an evaluation of the USDA strategic plan for 2023-2027 incorporating ten societal, environmental and technological trends facing the Agency.

The Animal and Plant Inspection Health Service (APHIS) of the USDA is responsible for administering and enforcing the Federal Animal Welfare Act.  This suggests that going forward APHIS will be faced with “an increasing blurred line between livestock and pets”.  It is evident that APHIS will need to develop more humane ways to depopulate animals during outbreaks of catastrophic disease.  APHIS will also be required to develop and implement new technologies to improve animal welfare and respond to growing public concern for wildlife, livestock and both conventional and unconventional pets.