Methods development: integrating behavioral, spatial, and diagnostic data to advance chronic wasting disease management in cervid populations

Colorado State University's Sponsored Programs Division received a $485,510.75 cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) under the Wildlife Services program (CFDA 10.028). The award, effective September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2026, supports methods development research titled "Integrating Behavioral, Spatial, and Diagnostic Data to Advance Chronic Wasting Disease Management in Cervid Populations." The project will be conducted at the university's Fort Collins, Colorado facility.

Under this cooperative agreement, Colorado State University will develop and integrate advanced methodologies combining behavioral analysis, spatial data integration, and diagnostic techniques to improve chronic wasting disease (CWD) management strategies in wild cervid populations. The project contributes to USDA APHIS's mission to reduce damage and disease transmission caused by wildlife species serving as zoonotic disease reservoirs. The methods development outputs will support evidence-based management approaches and enhance the agency's ability to implement effective CWD surveillance, prevention, and response activities across affected regions, benefiting state wildlife agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders engaged in cervid disease management.