Service Announces Zoonotic Disease Initiative Funding Opportunity

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for a second round of Zoonotic Disease Initiative grants. Authorized under the American Rescue Plan, this additional funding will provide up to $9 million in grants to states, Tribes and territories to help address wildlife disease outbreaks before they become pandemics. The highest priority for the initiative is to increase organizational readiness and help state, Tribal and territorial wildlife managers prepare for and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks. “Zoonotic disease poses a severe threat to humans and wildlife and can be compounded by the effects of climate change ,” said Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Our agency works closely with experts who specialize in public, animal and ecosystem health to develop comprehensive plans and appropriate responses to zoonotic disease events through a One Health approach. This funding will complement our partner projects by providing critical financial resources to those who help prevent and combat global pandemics before they start.” Zoonotic diseases are defined as those that can be transmitted between wildlife and humans. The Service’s One Health approach to zoonotic diseases includes working closely with experts who specialize in public, animal […]

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