June 1, 2020
CSS and APHIS Renew MOU
Certified Semen Services (CSS) and USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have worked closely together for decades on animal health and biosecurity issues that are important for the bovine genetics industry. The CSS program is recognized as the industry standard that provides assurance to the end users that the frozen semen used in their breeding program meets or exceeds the minimum standards.
CSS and APHIS renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) effective on April 23, 2020 that extends the unique private-public sector cooperation. This is a mutually beneficial relationship that recognizes the integrity of the CSS programs and demonstrates the close working collaboration with APHIS. It also provides a closer link between the industry experts and APHIS administration and policy makers.
This is also beneficial to the AI industry and CSS participants that rely on continued access to export markets for a portion of their business.
The CSS program was launched in 1976 and has continued to evolve to provide product integrity for domestic and international dairy and beef producers.