Conduct wildlife biosecurity assessments and wildlife abundance surveys along with identifying and implementing the management of wildlife hazardous species to minimize the threat of hpai infections

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service received a $1.25 million 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), effective June 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Under this agreement, the awardee will conduct wildlife biosecurity assessments and wildlife abundance surveys throughout Texas to identify and implement management strategies for wildlife species that pose hazards to domestic animal populations. The primary objective is to minimize threats of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) transmission through targeted wildlife disease control and prevention activities.

The Wildlife Services program focuses on reducing damage caused by mammals and birds, particularly those species serving as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, with emphasis on applied research, surveillance techniques, and evidence-based management strategies. Through this cooperative agreement, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will deliver scientific expertise and technical services to support USDA APHIS's broader mission of wildlife disease mitigation and agricultural protection, leveraging the institution's capabilities as a land-grant research and extension entity with established federal partnerships in pest management, wildlife monitoring, and disease surveillance.