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More than $12 million in funding to prevent and control CWD
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making over $12 million available for states and Tribal governments, research institutions and universities to control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids.
Three funding opportunities are available: One for farmed cervids and two for wild cervids, with one of those specifically for Tribal governments’ activities on Tribal lands.
An eligible applicant may submit multiple proposals for each funding opportunity, requesting up to the maximum amount for that funding opportunity in each proposal.
Specifically, these cooperative agreement opportunities will allow for state departments of agriculture, state animal health agencies, state departments of wildlife or natural resources, Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments and organizations, and research institutions and universities to further develop and implement CWD management and response activities in accordance with the following priorities:
- Improve CWD management of affected farmed herds and wild cervid populations;
- Improve CWD management of affected areas or premises;
- Conduct novel research on amplification assays and other new test methods;
- Conduct additional research on, or implement, whole genome predictive genetics; and,
- Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs.
Funding opportunity announcements are posted on ezFedGrants and Grants.gov and can be found by searching the title, catalog of federal domestic assistance number, or funding opportunity number (see below). Applications are due on June 12, 2023.
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Funding Opportunity Title
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Funding Opportunity Number
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Application Due Date
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FY23 Farmed Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities
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USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSPRS00-23-0058
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June 12, 2023
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FY23 Wild Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities
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USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-23-0018
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FY23 Tribal Nations Wild Cervid CWD Opportunities
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USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-23-0019
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Help improve honey bee training!
Michigan State University is working to improve training for veterinarians, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians in honey bee medicine. Please fill out this short survey so we can improve honey bee medicine training for veterinary practitioners. This survey will help us understand what veterinary practitioners need to help them work better with bees and beekeepers. This survey is part of a program between Michigan State University, University of Florida, University of Minnesota, and Texas A&M. Extension educators and specialists from these universities are working with national partners to develop better training for vets. If you have any questions or want more information, you can contact the program director: Meghan Milbrath at 517-884-9518.
Photo credit: Meghan Milbrath
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Census of Agriculture
The Census of Agriculture allows producers to tell the story of U.S. agriculture and it’s not too late to respond. Since data collection began last fall, over a million ag census recipients across the country have returned their questionnaires, but many have yet to respond. USDA will continue to collect completed 2022 ag census forms through the spring to ensure all producers have the chance the be represented in widely used census data. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.
Census data inform decisions about policy, farm and conservation programs, infrastructure and rural development, research, education, and more. If you are a producer who has already submitted your 2022 Census of Agriculture, you may disregard any additional ag census letters and forms.
Five day window for TB submissions
The USDA reviewed previously published guidance for submitting samples for bovine tuberculosis (Dual Path Platform) testing in farmed Cervidae (6701.4) and determined that samples arriving at the lab more than five days after sample collection arriving in good condition will be tested. If serology samples arrive at NVSL more than five days after sample collection, you will receive the following notification which will also be sent to the State Veterinarian and the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge:
Attention:
This submission was received outside of the 5-day window from sample collection to receipt at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) as recommended in Veterinary Services Guidance (6701.4) Primary and Secondary Serological Test for Diagnosing Bovine Tuberculosis in Farmed and Captive Cervids. Contact your Area Veterinarian in Charge who will consult with your State Animal Health Official to determine if these results will be accepted for regulatory purposes. Serum samples should be shipped using overnight delivery to arrive at NVSL within 5 days after sample collection Monday through Friday. The United States Postal Service does not deliver directly to NVSL, and samples must be sent using a different delivery service. If several visits are required to collect whole herd samples, send samples in two or more shipments, if needed to meet the 5-day requirement.
The Board of Animal Health, in consultation with our USDA partners will review test results and determine if they will be accepted for regulatory purposes.
For best results, please continue to make every effort to ensure that these samples arrive at NVSL within five days of sample collection.
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