The DON't pack a pest traveler outreach program is a cooperative effortof PPQ; U.S. Customs and border protection; state departments ofagriculture in california, florida, and texas; and other

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $180,000 Cooperative Agreement to Health Research, Inc.'s Wadsworth Center division for the Don't Pack a Pest Traveler Outreach Program. The program is being conducted under the Wildlife Services federal grant program (CFDA #10.028), which aims to reduce damage caused by mammals and birds, including disease reservoir species, through control and research activities emphasizing humane methods.

Through this January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 award, Health Research, Inc. will work collaboratively with USDA's Plant Protection and Quarantine program, US Customs and Border Protection, and state agriculture departments in key states to deliver outreach on preventing the unintended transport of plant pests and diseases by travelers. The outreach efforts will focus on raising awareness of biosecurity issues among the public to help curb the spread of agricultural threats.