Surveillance, inspections, diagnostics, education and outreach to prevent foreign animal diseases and zoonotic diseases that threaten US agriculture and human health

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity a $104,167 Cooperative Agreement (CFDA 10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care) on April 1, 2026, for surveillance, inspections, diagnostics, education, and outreach to prevent foreign animal diseases and zoonotic diseases threatening U.S. agriculture and human health.

Avian surveillance activities include at least 15 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples tested at $10 per test from National Poultry Improvement Plan participants, at least 48 PCR tests at $10 per test for passive surveillance including pools of up to 11 birds, additional surveillance testing for backyard flocks, interisland shipping costs, and 20 gross necropsies at $35 each. All test data is recorded in laboratory data systems. Education and outreach encompasses biosecurity and disease prevention activities at the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association Annual Conference, Hawaii Farm Bureau meetings, Agriculture Day at the Legislature, and University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension.

Cattle surveillance includes investigation of brucellosis suspect cases (32 samples tested in calendar year 2025), tuberculosis surveillance continuity and containment on the Isle of Molokai with interisland travel for herd testing and eradication program management, and training for regulatory veterinary medical officers in comparative cervical tuberculin testing. Travel, training, preparedness, and response activities cover interisland disease investigation, attendance at avian health–focused events, and emergency preparedness exercises. One Health activities establish communication and information-sharing protocols with the state diagnostic lab, state wildlife and public health partners on zoonotic and emerging disease detection through monthly virtual calls with multiple state and federal partners.

Performance occurs in Hawaii with a period of performance from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

Activities

Avian - surveillance & activities including: at least 15 samples tested at $10/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from national poultry improvement plan participants; at least 48 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at $10/test for passive surveillance, including some pools of up to 11 birds; additional surveillance testing will be conducted for backyard flocks; and interisland shipping costs. 100% of test data is recorded in laboratory data systems. Twenty (20) gross necropsies at $35 each are included. Hawaii does not have live bird markets. Activities also include biosecurity and disease prevention outreach and education at events, including hawaii veterinary medical association annual conference, hawaii farm bureau meetings, AG day at the legislature, and for university of hawaii cooperative extension. Travel, training, preparedness and response activities include interisland travel to investigate disease, attending avian health-focused events, and emergency preparedness and response exercises. Cattle - surveillance and activities including: investigation of brucellosis suspect cases (32 SA mples tested in calendar year 25); tuberculosis surveillance continuance and containment on the isle of molokai, including interisland travel for cattle herd testing and tuberculosis eradication program management, and training for regulatory veterinary medical of ficers in comparative cervical tuberculin test when necessary. One health - activities including: communication and information sharing protocols with state diagnostic lab, state-level wildlife and public health partners on zoonotic, emerging, or wildlife disease detection that could impact human or livestock animal health, including monthly virtual call with multiple state and federal partners and collaborative website; annual update for hawaii list of reportable conditions for animals and animal products, and meet monthly national animal health reporting system reporting requirement, and collaboration with university of hawaii to evaluate psychological affects of animal mortality events to understand impact on animal producers. Sheep goat and cervid health - surveillance including: scrapie samples from at least 47 sheep and 25 goats in both slaughter and antemortem sampling techniques; complete monthly identification compliance reports; increase number of flocks in scrapie database and use of official identification through outreach and education with veterinarians, academia, commercial sheep producers, and 4-h project participants. Swine - surveillance including: at least 550 african swine fever and classical swine fever, over 700 swine brucellosis, 729 pseudorabies virus, and 5 influenza a tests in swine; follow up tracing and testing of swine brucellosis and pseudorabies virus detections; primary enforcement responsibility for over 130 licensed garbage feeders; outreach at 4 or more events for producer groups, future farmers of america, 4-h, fairs, farm bureaus, and/or other local functions where swine producers may be found. Deliverables and expected outcomes: meet or exceed surveillance goals, improve preparedness, expedite response, and complete outreach necessary to protect american agriculture and accomplish veterinary services mission goals.

Intended beneficiaries

Hawaii and united states' agriculture producers and consumers.