The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) is a governmental body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea. Established on June 15, 2011, by merging the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service and the National Plant Quarantine Service, APQA is responsible for quarantine and inspection services to prevent the introduction and spread of animal and plant diseases. Its key functions include the prevention and control of major animal diseases, surveillance of animal diseases, operation of animal disease emergency control centers, and technical support with diagnostic materials and standardization of diagnostic methods.