Which federal agency is responsible for overseeing the manufacture and distribution of drugs used in animals?

The correct response involves recognizing the primary role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs used in animals. The FDA is charged with the regulation of both human and veterinary pharmaceuticals. This includes overseeing the research, approval, and monitoring of medications to ensure they are safe for animals and effective for their intended uses. The FDA's responsibilities also encompass veterinary feeds, which can impact animal health and human food safety.

In contrast, other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focus on environmental protection and regulation of pesticides, but not directly on animal drug approval. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) deals mainly with agricultural practices, animal health from a broader management perspective, but does not have the authority to regulate the manufacture and distribution of veterinary drugs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is primarily concerned with public health and disease control in humans and does not regulate medications for animals.

Thus, the FDA plays a critical and specific role in ensuring that animal drugs meet certain safety standards, which is why it is the correct choice in this context.