Pigs who are sorted into a subject or suspect pen must be inspected by whom?

• A. A public health veterinarian (FSIS) who makes the final disposition call
• B. The facility manager
• C. FSIS online inspectors
• D. Local veterinarian

Answer: (A)

When animals are placed in a subject or suspect pen, the authority to determine their fate rests with a public health veterinarian from FSIS. This veterinarian has the regulatory authority to make the final disposition—whether to condemn, salvage, or release for processing—based on inspection findings and applicable standards. The facility manager handles operations and does not have the power to make these regulatory decisions, and while a local veterinarian may provide input, they do not have FSIS authority to issue the final disposition. FSIS online inspectors aren’t the body responsible for a final disposition; the final decision comes from the FSIS public health veterinarian.