Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities 2026

The Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities cooperative agreement program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, specifically its Veterinary Services and Wildlife Services units. This program reflects federal efforts to address chronic wasting disease, a transmissible neurological disease affecting cervids such as deer, elk, and moose. The agency’s mandate includes safeguarding animal health and supporting state, tribal, and research partners in mitigating disease risks that can impact ecosystems, agriculture, and wildlife populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that control, manage, and prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease in both farmed and wild cervid populations. The program emphasizes applied activities such as surveillance, testing, response strategies, and research aimed at practical solutions. Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that directly contribute to disease detection, environmental management, genetic research, and education or outreach programs. The funding is structured to support both immediate response efforts and longer-term strategies to reduce disease prevalence and environmental contamination. Approximately $12,050,000 in total funding is anticipated for distribution through cooperative agreements, with allocations divided among wild cervid activities, tribal-focused wild cervid efforts, and farmed cervid management. Individual awards typically range from $10,000 to $250,000, though higher amounts may be requested for indemnification activities involving infected or exposed herds. Allowable costs include personnel, equipment, travel, outreach materials, and research-related expenses, while restrictions apply to construction, land acquisition, and certain administrative or promotional costs. Although cost sharing is not required, applicants may strengthen their proposals by demonstrating additional financial or in-kind contributions. Eligibility for this program includes a range of public and research entities, such as state departments of agriculture, animal health agencies, wildlife or natural resource departments, federally recognized tribal governments and affiliated organizations, and universities or research institutions. Applicants must demonstrate regulatory authority or direct responsibility over cervid populations relevant to their proposal. Additional requirements include system registration, submission through the designated federal portal, and provision of detailed work and financial plans aligned with program priorities. The application process requires submission through the ezFedGrants system and includes standard federal forms, a comprehensive work plan, and a financial plan detailing proposed expenditures. Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the project, such as research permits, letters of collaboration, or regulatory approvals. Proposals must clearly outline objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and evaluation metrics, and must align with at least one of the program’s defined funding priorities. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process that considers administrative compliance, alignment with funding priorities, feasibility, resource capacity, and anticipated impact. Reviewers assess the technical merit of proposed activities, the qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for outcomes to contribute meaningfully to disease control and prevention. Final funding decisions are made by the agency based on reviewer recommendations and programmatic considerations. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 15, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced within approximately 150 days after the deadline, and funded projects must begin by late September 2026 with a standard performance period of up to 12 months. The program is offered annually, allowing applicants to refine and resubmit proposals in future cycles. Agency contacts are available for both administrative and programmatic inquiries, providing support throughout the application and implementation process.

Align proposal with funding priorities provide detailed methods and measurable outcomes demonstrate feasibility and partnerships clearly justify budget and impact