This project intends to provide chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevention by assisting cervid herd owners in reducing the susceptibility of their herds through genomically estimated breeding value…

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received a $162,800 Cooperative Agreement award from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026. The award funds a comprehensive chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevention and management initiative for cervid producers in Pennsylvania. The project delivers two primary service components: (1) genomically estimated breeding value (GEBV) testing and selective breeding assistance to reduce herd susceptibility to CWD in unaffected herds, and (2) herd management alternatives for CWD-positive, exposed, and trace herds through antemortem rectal biopsy testing combined with removal of highly susceptible animals and selective breeding practices. The Department also provides genetic improvement assistance to producers participating in Pennsylvania's Herd Certification Program, offering reimbursements of up to 50 percent and maximum support of $2,500 per producer for costs associated with semen, embryos from genetically superior animals, and reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

By reducing susceptibility in farmed cervid populations and limiting environmental contamination, this initiative provides an alternative to whole-herd depopulation while simultaneously supporting the state's Herd Certification Program to reduce interstate CWD spread and enhance animal trade confidence. The coordinated approach of genetic selection, disease testing, and herd management supports both domestic cervid industry viability and protection of wild cervid populations from cross-fence disease transmission.

This project intends to provide chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevention by assisting cervid herd owners in reducing the susceptibility of their herds through genomically estimated breeding value (gebv) testing, removal of highly susceptible animals from the breeding population, and selective breeding for reduced susceptibility. IT also provides a CWD herd management option for CWD-positive, -exposed, and trace herds when indemnity is not available for whole herd depopulation or an owner does not wish to depopulate their herd. This option removes CWD-positive animals identified by antemortem rectal biopsy testing and identifies cervids that are highly susceptible to CWD using their gebv scores. Removing highly susceptible exposed and positive animals helps reduce environmental contamination and may limit the spread of CWD when coupled with selective breeding based on predictive genetics. Decreasing susceptibility in unaffected herds may reduce the likelihood of introduction of CWD and reduce or eliminate spread to or from wild deer across the fence line. As a result, this project will benefit cervid producers in the state and possibly wild cervid populations. This APP roach provides an alternative to whole herd depopulation to help manage CWD in farmed deer. In addition, this project intends to provide predictive genetics implementation assistance for farmed cervid producers participating in the herd certification program (HCP) to reduce susceptibility to CWD; a maximum of $2,500 per producer will be provided to further decrease susceptibility through genetic improvement. Reimbursements of up to 50% for the cost of items such as semen/embryos from deer with good gebv scores and artificial insemination or embryo transfer equipment will be provided. This project also intends to aid in the management of pennsylvania's HCP. The HCP reduces the risk of interstate CWD spread and increases trade confidence of cervid animals and products. This project provides gebv testing, disposable rectal biopsy instruments and supplies, rectal biopsy testing for quarantined herds, and indemnity and related expenses for owners of CWD-positive breeding herds with an approved predictive genetics-based herd plan. Finally, this project intends to develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to farmed cervid stakeholders in the HCP on program requirements, CWD sample collection, and/or predictive genetics. This proposal doesn't include subawards.