Which of the following is responsible for the oversight of animal health and veterinary practices?

The oversight of animal health and veterinary practices is primarily the responsibility of the Board of Veterinary Medicine. This board is established within each state to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, ensuring that veterinarians operate within the legal and ethical standards set forth by state laws. They are responsible for licensing veterinarians, monitoring their conduct, and investigating complaints against them. This helps maintain a high standard of care in veterinary practices and protects both animal welfare and public health.

In contrast, while the American Animal Hospital Association focuses on certification and standard-setting for animal hospitals, it does not have regulatory authority. The FDA is involved in the regulation of animal drugs and food safety rather than overseeing veterinary practices directly. The USDA primarily handles animal health in relation to agriculture and food safety issues but is not the entity that oversees veterinary practices at the state level. Therefore, the Board of Veterinary Medicine serves as the critical regulatory body specifically for veterinary practices.