Centralized diagnostic testing, and histopathology support for the marine mammal health and stranding network and unusual mortality events project objectives: 1. Provide diagnostic testing and…

This federal Cooperative Agreement award, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439), funds $162,765.00 in diagnostic testing, histopathology support, and surveillance activities for the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Network. The key objectives are to: 1) Provide diagnostic and histopathology services to the Stranding Network, wildlife biologists, and marine mammal scientists; 2) Conduct diagnostic testing and histopathology during unusual mortality events; 3) Perform surveillance testing for influenza and other priority pathogens in up to 100 live and dead marine mammals; and 4) Deliver quarterly training and educational webinars to the Stranding Network on diagnostics and diseases. This award to the University of Illinois, a public land-grant research institution, supports critical research, response, and capacity building efforts for marine mammal conservation and health across U.S. coastal regions.

Centralized diagnostic testing, and histopathology support for the marine mammal health and stranding network and unusual mortality events project objectives: 1. Provide diagnostic testing and histopathology support to members of the marine mammal health and stranding network, wildlife biologists, management agencies, and marine mammal scientists and veterinarians for routine diagnostics 2. Perform diagnostic testing and histopathology for members of the marine mammal health and stranding network during unusual mortality events 3. Perform surveillance testing for influenza virus and other priority pathogens in samples from up to 100 live and dead marine mammals 4. Provide quarterly training and educational webinars to the stranding network on marine mammal diagnostics and diseases topics.