A strong and prosperous agricultural sector is essential to the well-being of the U.S. Economy

America's farmers and ranchers ensure a reliable food supply, support job growth, and promote economic development. To maintain an equitable and competitive agricultural sector, the USDA initiated the animal health and disease (AHD) research capacity program. According to the USDA, the AHD opportunity is a national program that provides federal funding to state agricultural experimental stations and avma accredited US colleges or veterinary schools to support research projects addressing health and disease of agricultural animals. The AHD research program aligns with the strategic goals of 1. Ensuring america's agricultural system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous; 2. Providing all americans safe, nutritious food; and 3. Protecting plant and animal health by minimizing major diseases, pests, and wildlife conflicts. To these ends, the USDA embarks on collaborative research to develop pest-resistant strains of crops and new animal-disease vaccines, expedites the approval of new treatments, and develops strategies to prevent and mitigate damage related to conflicts with wildlife. Colorado state university college of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences solicits faculty led pilot research projects focused on the strategic goals listed above every march. Proposals are reviewed by a dedicated research council with faculty representation from each academic department convened by the research associate dean of the college. The maximum funding that can be requested for each pilot project is $25,000. Proposals are scored by at least 2 reviewers each, one internal and one external to the applicant's department. Reviewers also provide brief summaries listing the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. These comments are provided to investigators to aid in improving future submissions. We calculate a z-score for each proposal review that normalizes scores between reviewers and identifies outlier review scores. Discrepant z-scores (difference > 2) are prioritized and discussed at study section. Project awards made within the CSU cvmbs typically focus on animal reproductive health and disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These projects leverage the considerable resources, expertise, and experience of our research teams. Investigators employ cutting-edge research technology and methods, including novel immunomodulatory agents, RNA flow cytometry, whole genome sequencing, quantitative biosecurity assessment tools, classical transmission and cell culture studies and immunological assays, and state-of-the-art in vitro organoid cultures. Funded proposals must complete all regulatory requirements and complete their project initiation in the nifa reporting system (NRS) prior to award. Following agency acceptance, funds are made available in the federal fiscal year. Investigators complete progress & final reports in the NRS over the period of 1-3 years.