The purpose of this award is to support minnesota's animal health programs through targeted surveillance, diagnostics, and outreach activities that protect poultry, swine, cattle, and other…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Board of Animal Health a $419,034.60 cooperative agreement on April 1, 2026, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to support statewide animal health surveillance, diagnostics, and outreach activities protecting poultry, swine, cattle, and other livestock industries.

The award funds comprehensive surveillance and diagnostic work across four program areas. For avian health, the recipient will perform approximately 42,000 ELISA tests, 3,750 PCR tests, and 300 AGID tests annually for National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certification; handle approximately 300 sick bird calls and conduct necropsies on backyard flocks; complete 50 NPIP biosecurity audits and 500 dealer and hatchery inspections; and train 100 new Authorized Poultry Testing Agents and recertify 300 existing agents. For swine health, the recipient will inspect five licensed garbage-feeding premises monthly with temperature checks every 180 days, perform 100 high-risk PRV/SB surveillance samples annually, and conduct outreach to 500 swine producers. For cattle health, the recipient will monitor Caudal Fold Tuberculin test response rates for approximately 200 accredited veterinarians testing approximately 100 cattle herds annually and conduct epidemiologic investigations for tuberculosis suspects and traces as needed. The recipient will also investigate 10 to 15 zoonotic disease cases annually and collect scrapie samples from sheep and goats.

The award runs from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with place of performance in Minnesota.

Activities

Avian surveillance: perform 42,000 elisa tests, 3,750 PCR tests, and 300 agid tests annually for npip certification. Handle approximately 300 sick bird calls and conduct necropsies on backyard flocks. Complete 50 npip biosecurity audits and 500 dealer/hatchery inspections. Train 100 new authorized poultry testing agents (apta) and recertify 300 apta. Swine health: inspect 5 licensed garbage feeding premises monthly and conduct temperature checks every 180 days. Perform 100 high-risk PRV/SB surveillance samples annually. Conduct outreach to 500 swine producers and support implementation of the certified swine sample collector program. Cattle health: monitor CFT response rates for approximately 200 accredited veterinarians performing TB tests on 100 cattle herds annually. Conduct epidemiologic investigations for TB suspects and traces as needed. One health & SGC: investigate 10-15 zoonotic disease cases annually (e.g., rabies, tularemia, canine brucellosis). Collect scrapie samples from targeted sheep/goats at slaughter and on farms to meet state surveillance minimums. Provide outreach at 50 fairs and exhibitions and host 2-3 educational events for small ruminant producers. Deliverables and expected outcomes: quarterly reports detailing surveillance testing numbers, biosecurity audits, outreach activities, and investigations. Npip certification records for minnesota poultry operations. Documentation of garbage feeding inspections and temperature checks. Annual evaluation of accredited veterinarians' TB testing response rates.

Expected outcomes

Early detection and containment of avian influenza and bovine TB. Improved biosecurity compliance among poultry producers. Elimination of feral swine and reduced risk of secd spread. Enhanced cross-sector collaboration for zoonotic disease prevention.

Intended beneficiaries

Minnesota poultry producers, poultry products, plants, and individuals in the live bird market system. The broader goal is to minimize the effects of avian influenza on the U.S. Lbms and commercial poultry industry. Minnesota residents, farmers, and agencies involved in swine production. The goal is to keep MN pigs healthy. Minnesota accredited veterinarians, ensuring their competency in TB testing and contributing to the prevention of bovine tuberculosis. Budget: recipient personnel and fringe-- $122,804.46; contractual for testing-- $286,260.58; indirect costs- (3.53% on recipient personnel and fringe- $4,335