Steven G. Santiago Rivera

Provides technical support in surveys, regulatory enforcement, biocontrol, and biotechnology activities to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases.

• Enforced federal regulatory orders restricting the movement of plants, plant products, and animal products into or out of regulated areas. 7 CFR 318.13 and Federal Order DA-2021-0003
• Conducted inspections and surveys of passenger baggage to detect harmful insects, prohibited animal products, and plant diseases.
• Collected, analyzed, and maintained daily records related to survey work, control measures, and regulatory procedures.
• Performed fruit cutting inspections and laboratory analysis of seized contraband to identify insects, fungi, and pathogens; completed Quarantine Material Intercepted (AQIM) forms and submitted findings to the Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) database.
• Conducted AQIM surveys every two hours at assigned stations, gathering information and ensuring compliance.
• Educated passengers and shippers on federal agricultural regulations, promoting compliance and awareness.
• Re-inspected seized materials to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
• Assisted with sanitation procedures and other pest-control methods to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Maintained inspection equipment, ensured availability of safety gear, and prepared all required documentation and supplies for field operations.
• Supported Officers in Express Carriers Operations (ECO), screening packages for potential agricultural materials, seizing prohibited items, and documenting findings in the database.
• Participated in African Swine Fever mitigation by handling seized materials, ensuring proper disposal, and submitting reports into the tracking system.
• Every two hours, applied ASF dye to all seized materials at each station, ensured proper separation of materials, and disinfected collection bins.

As an Emergency Responder in Animal Disease Outbreak Deployment some of my duties were:

• Collaborated with federal, state, and local industry partners to rapidly mobilize responses to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections, aiming to contain and eradicate the disease to protect the poultry industry.
• Identified clinical signs and symptoms of disease in poultry and other avian species.
• Assisted Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs) with inspection, testing, and sampling of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, and markets.
• Investigated reports of communicable livestock diseases and ensured timely response.
• Provided program guidance to livestock owners on preventive measures and biosecurity protocols.
• Properly disposed of animal carcasses and related materials according to regulatory standards.
• Conducted cleaning and disinfection procedures to prevent disease spread.
• Accurately completed government regulatory forms and maintained detailed records of inspection and testing activities.
• Communicated effectively with coworkers, livestock and poultry producers, and the general public to ensure compliance and awareness.
• Performed field testing for HPAI, including cloacal and oropharyngeal swabbing, sample submission to laboratories, and reporting of results.
• Conducted routine inspections of swine movements and quarantine compliance, including on-site surveys and blood sample collection.
• Assisted producers and VMOs with disease monitoring, testing, and implementation of preventive protocols.
• Participated in African Swine Fever (ASF) containment activities, including inspections, sample collection, and regulatory enforcement.
• Participated in an Illegal Boat Landing (IBL) interception, collecting materials potentially contaminated with ASF to prevent disease introduction.

• Developed and applied laboratory techniques to identify pathogens in grain crops, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, incubation, and data analysis.
• Conducted diagnostic testing for diseases and mycotoxin issues in grains, vegetables, ornamental plants, and turfgrasses.
• Prepared media, stock solutions, and buffers; implemented methods to improve diagnostic services.
• Guided lab technicians in diagnostic testing while ensuring safety and quality compliance.
• Assisted in plant certification programs to prevent the spread of pathogens in nursery stock and maintained greenhouse facilities.
• Recorded and analyzed data from lab and greenhouse experiments; conserved fungal and bacterial collections for comparative studies.
• Participated in research on post-harvest pathogen control, host/pathogen/vector interactions, and the transmission of quarantine pathogens.