What agency regulates controlled substances in veterinary practice?

The agency responsible for regulating controlled substances in veterinary practice is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This federal agency establishes and enforces laws surrounding the use, distribution, and registration of controlled substances to ensure they are utilized safely and properly. The DEA categorizes drugs into various schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical value, and veterinarians must comply with regulations regarding prescribing, storing, and handling these substances to prevent misuse or illegal diversion.

Other agencies mentioned, while they have critical roles in public health and safety, do not specifically focus on the regulation of controlled substances in veterinary settings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety and efficacy of veterinary medications but does not manage controlled substance scheduling or regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily focuses on public health and the prevention of disease, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) deals mostly with agricultural products and food safety. None of these roles include the specific regulatory authority over controlled substances as granted to the DEA.