APHIS Protects U.S. Wildlife by Providing $12 Million in Funding to Fight Chronic Wasting Disease

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APHIS Protects U.S. Wildlife by Providing $12 Million in Funding to Fight Chronic Wasting Disease

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Press Release

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is providing approximately $12 million to state and Tribal partners to further develop and implement chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and response activities in wild and farmed cervids (e.g., deer, elk).

"Deer, elk, moose, and other cervids are important wildlife resources that continue to be at risk of contracting chronic wasting disease," said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. "This funding will help APHIS and our state and Tribal partners find and implement new solutions to this challenging disease while protecting the health of animals and the livelihoods of our farmers."

CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to death. The disease has spread widely and is difficult to control due to the limited number of effective management tools available.

APHIS based its funding allocations on the following priorities, established collaboratively with state agricultural and wildlife representatives, Tribal officials and the cervid industry:

• Improving CWD management of affected farmed herds and wild cervid populations;
• Improving CWD management of affected areas or premises;
• Researching amplification assays and other new test methods;
• Researching the application of or implementing a whole genome predictive genetics CWD management plan for farmed cervid herds or wild populations; and
• Developing and/or delivering educational outreach materials or programs.

APHIS gave priority to State and Tribal governments that have already detected CWD or border CWD-endemic areas and have either implemented monitoring and surveillance programs or propose to do so.

For more details on the individual projects, see:

• 2024 Farmed Cervid Spending Plan(206.58 KB)
• 2024 Wild Cervid Spending Plan(207.64 KB)
• 2024 Tribal National Wild Cervid Spending Plan(158.2 KB)

APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.