This cooperative agreement will fund spongy moth detection survey activities in 93 of tennessee's (TN) 95 counties to determine the level of gypsy moth populations using pheromone traps

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a $110,500 Cooperative Agreement to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industries, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The cooperative agreement funds spongy moth (gypsy moth) detection survey activities across 93 of Tennessee's 95 counties to assess gypsy moth population levels and distribution. The awardee will deploy and monitor pheromone traps at over 4,000 sites statewide and submit all captured male moths for analysis to determine the presence or absence of gypsy moths.

The primary deliverable is presence/absence data for gypsy moth populations at over 4,000 survey sites across Tennessee. This surveillance data will inform the state's future pest management and eradication efforts, with intended benefits to Tennessee farmers, exporters, the tourism industry, and the general public through early detection capabilities that enable timely response initiatives. No subrecipient activities were specified at the time of award.

Activities

Pheromone traps will be placed and monitored at over 4,000 sites across TN to determine the presence of GM. All male moths that are trapped will be sent for AGM analyses. Deliverables and expected outcomes: presence/absence data for gypsy moth at over 4,000 sites across TN. This data will help determine the presence of GM presence and future survey/eradication efforts. Intended beneficiary(IES): tennessee farmers, exporters and the tourism industry will benefit from the results of this survey, as well as the general public. Whether the results are confirmation of negative data (i.e., pests do not present in TN) or the ability to detect the pest(S) early enough to initiate an early eradication response. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a.