Continue to increase industry preparedness and resiliency to all-hazards incidents, lay a strong foundation at aazv to promote longevity of the program and a more proactive approach moving forward

The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Co received a $151,932 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) effective September 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award funds continuation of the Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership (ZAHP), a centralized hub for all-hazards preparedness and resiliency within the exotic animal exhibition industry. The organization will maintain ZAHP's role in advancing industry preparedness through monthly coordination with USDA species specialists, quarterly engagement with Veterinary Services, and participation in state and federal policy planning and working groups.

Key deliverables include publication of at least 12 annual program updates, development of five to eight best-practice work products addressing emergency response in zoological settings, completion of six updated e-learning modules with two supplemental materials, and production of a comprehensive framework for advancing zoonotic disease preparedness and prevention. The awardee will also provide contingency planning and emergency preparedness resources tailored to exotic and wildlife exhibitors, facilitate increased representation of the exotic animal industry in preparedness and policy decisions, and serve as an industry representative in stakeholder events and exercises. The award supports the zoological community, non-governmental organizations, and newly regulated exotic animal exhibitors as primary beneficiaries.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to continue to increase industry preparedness and resiliency to all-hazards incidents, lay a strong foundation at aazv to promote longevity of the program and a more proactive approach moving forward.

Activities

To maintain zahp's (ZOO and aquarium all hazards partnership) role as hub for all-hazards preparedness for the EAI, promote increased resiliency to foreign animal and zoonotic disease events that may impact the EAI, develop contingency planning and emergency preparedness resources for exotic and wildlife exhibitors, lay a strong foundation for thoughtful growth of the partnership under aazv, enable a more proactive industry-led approach to preparedness efforts. Deliverables and expected outcomes: send at least 12 updates, connect with a USDA species specialist monthly, produce content relevant to the community, facilitate greater communication sharing, serve on industry working groups and committees, engage once quarterly with non-governmental organizations (NGO's), produce a framework for how the EAI can advance zoonotic disease preparedness and prevention, advocate for sensible measures for disease response strategies, represent the EAI through participation in stakeholder events, exercises, and working groups, facilitate greater representation of the EAI in planning and policy decisions at the state and federal level, connect with VS at least once quarterly, complete revision and/or development of five (5) to eight (8) work products addressing best practices for emergency response in zoological settings, provide resources that address the unique needs of the industry, complete development of six (6) updated E-learning modules and two (2) supplemental materials, provide information and guidance on issues identified to be of major concern during the year, including gaps in resources for newly regulated exhibitors of avian species, intended beneficiaries are the zoological community, ngos, and the exotic animal industry.

Subrecipient activities

No subawards expected.