Which agency oversees the welfare of animals in research settings in the United States?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a crucial role in overseeing the welfare of animals in research settings through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which sets standards for the care and treatment of animals used in research, testing, and teaching. This legislation aims to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that their basic needs for food, water, shelter, and veterinary care are met.

The USDA's regulation includes inspections of research facilities, reviewing protocols for animal care, and ensuring compliance with humane treatment standards. Their commitment helps to protect the welfare of animals, which is an essential aspect of ethical research practices.

Other agencies listed, such as the FDA, CDC, and NIMH, have important roles in public health and research but do not specifically regulate animal welfare in research settings in the same direct manner as the USDA. The FDA focuses on the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices, the CDC works on public health and disease control, and the NIMH is primarily concerned with mental health research, rather than animal welfare.