APHIS Revises Form 16-4 for Animal Feed Exports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's animal health agency has moved a foreign animal disease statement off the letterhead of a key export certification form.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Agriculture
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The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced an updated Veterinary Services form 16-4 on April 5, moving the foreign animal disease statement to the additional declarations section. The previous language would have barred animal food manufacturers from exporting during a foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States.
Why it matters
The prior form certified that listed diseases do not exist in the United States, meaning a single outbreak could invalidate the entire form. The change addresses concerns raised by the animal food industry about export continuity.
Animal feed and pet food manufacturers exported over $7.4 billion in products in 2022, according to industry figures cited by the trade association. Industry groups say further work with APHIS is needed to list only the diseases relevant to each commodity on the forms.
The players
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for protecting animal and plant health and regulating agricultural trade certification.
American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)
A national trade association representing animal feed manufacturers, which said further work is needed to list only relevant diseases on each commodity form.
The details
APHIS moved the disease statement from the letterhead to the additional declarations section and can now strike a specific disease from the form in real time without the Office of Management and Budget review process. Almost all animal-based feed products, pet food and treats are exported using the VS 16-4.
Timeline
April 5: APHIS announced the updated Veterinary Services form 16-4.
Market Landscape
The VS 16-4 certification underpins export channels for a significant share of U.S. animal feed and pet food shipments. The revision shifts how that certification responds to disease outbreaks without requiring a full reissuance of the form.
Feed and pet food exporters can continue shipping during a localized outbreak rather than losing certification for the full form. Industry groups are working with APHIS to narrow which diseases appear on each commodity's paperwork.
The takeaway
Exporters should watch for APHIS guidance on which diseases will be listed for each commodity, since that will determine how much certification risk remains during an outbreak.
Further reading
For more on the sector, see Agriculture coverage across the United States.
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Should the government protect U.S. food exports even during animal disease outbreaks?
