Conduct avian health surveillance activities, specifically targeted to highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai) and pullorum-typhoid, to support the RI agricultural industry

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a Cooperative Agreement of $448,750 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management on June 23, 2026, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to conduct avian health surveillance activities targeting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Pullorum-Typhoid in Rhode Island.

The recipient will conduct 80 avian HPAI PCR tests per year, consisting of 40 backyard flock tests and 40 retail and live bird market tests, and perform 608 Pullorum-Typhoid tests annually. The agreement funds 14 avian necropsies per year and supplies to support testing and biosecurity needs associated with disease surveillance. Work includes support for animal health staff, training provision and receipt, and animal disease surveillance and laboratory activities to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health issues. Intended beneficiaries are retail markets including a live bird market and grower/processing facility, 4-H and other agricultural fairs, and backyard poultry producers.

Place of performance is Rhode Island. The period of performance runs from June 23, 2026, to March 31, 2027. No sub-recipients are identified at the time of award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is a division of the State of Rhode Island.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to conduct avian health surveillance activities, specifically targeted to highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai) and pullorum-typhoid, to support the RI agricultural industry.

Activities

Support animal health staff, provide training, obtain training, and carry out animal disease surveillance and laboratory activities to prevent, detect, and respond to anima health issues. Conduct 80 avian hpai PCR tests/year, including 40 backyard flock tests and 40 retail/live bird market tests. Conduct 608 pullorm-typhoid tests/year. Fund 14 avian necropsies per year. Purchase supplies to support testing and biosecurity needs associated with disease surveillance. Deliverables and expected outcomes: completion of metrics as outlined in the workplans for each funded commodity: 80 avian hpai PCR tests/year, 608 pullorum-typhoid tests/year, 14 avian necropsies/year, early detection of avian influenza intended beneficiary(IES): retail markets, including a live bird market and a grower/processing facility, 4-h and other agricultural fairs, and backyard poultry producers subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: n/a