Which agency is responsible for regulating the approval of medications for veterinary use?

• A. USDA
• B. FDA
• C. DEA
• D. CDC

Answer: (B)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency that regulates the approval of medications for both human and veterinary use. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) specifically oversees the development and marketing of veterinary drugs, ensuring they are safe and effective for animals. This includes the review of new animal drug applications, conducting studies to assess drug efficacy and safety, and monitoring the drug’s performance once it is on the market.

Other agencies play important roles in public health and safety but have different primary responsibilities. The USDA primarily focuses on the agricultural aspects, including the health of livestock and animal welfare, but does not directly oversee drug approval. The DEA regulates controlled substances and implements the Controlled Substances Act, which involves monitoring and enforcing laws concerning drugs that have potential for abuse. Conversely, the CDC is mainly concerned with public health and disease control, not with drug approval processes. Therefore, the FDA is clearly the correct answer for regulating medication approvals specifically for veterinary use.