Produce specific genetic data in the form of genomically estimated breeding values (gebvs) and prnp genotypes for farmed CWD-susceptible species (i.e., white-tailed deer and/or ELK, mule deer) for the…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $256,000 Cooperative Agreement to Texas A&M Agrilife Research on September 30, 2025, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to generate genomically estimated breeding values (GEBVs) and PRNP genotypes for farmed chronic wasting disease-susceptible species including white-tailed deer, elk, and mule deer for genetic improvement related to CWD resistance.

Texas A&M Agrilife Research will generate GEBVs and PRNP genotypes for selective breeding or removal across 1,000 samples representing any combination of the three susceptible species, and provide active leadership on selective breeding and removal strategies to producers. The recipient will also generate data investigating indel mutations with respect to differential susceptibility to CWD across 1,248 samples to determine whether statistically significant associations exist with CWD IHC diagnostic status. Any indel mutation exhibiting significant association with CWD IHC status will be added to the genome-wide assay for selective breeding and genetic improvement for CWD resistance. The technology for white-tailed deer and elk has already been developed and blind tested; similar work is ongoing for mule deer.

The period of performance extends from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2027. Work is performed in Texas. No subawards are budgeted or planned. Primary beneficiaries are farmers of white-tailed deer, elk, and mule deer.

Produce specific genetic data in the form of genomically estimated breeding values (gebvs) and prnp genotypes for farmed CWD-susceptible species (i.e., white-tailed deer and/or ELK, mule deer) for the purpose of genetic improvement related to CWD resistance. The technology for white-tailed deer and ELK has already been developed and blind tested; similar work is ongoing for mule deer. Activities and deliverables will be to generate gebvs and prnp genotypes for selective breeding (or removal) for 1000 samples; which can be a combination of the three susceptible species described above. Active leadership on selective breeding and/or removal will also be provided to the producers. Additionally, we will also generate data to investigate a new class of genetic element (i.e., indel mutations) with respect to differential susceptibility to CWD in 1248 samples; to determine if a statistically significant association exists with CWD IHC diagnostic status. An indel mutation exhibiting a statistically significant association with CWD IHC status will be added to our genome-wide assay for selective breeding (i.e., genetic improvement for CWD resistance). The intended beneficiaries are many; but the primary beneficiaries are the farmers of white-tailed deer, ELK, and/or mule deer. No subawards are budgeted or planned.