Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for wildlife disease molecular diagnostic testing and capacity building. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) plays a critical role in identifying causes of morbidity and mortality in wildlife through comprehensive diagnostic services. Among the vital diagnostic disciplines, parasitology has historically contributed to identifying and characterizing numerous etiologies utilizing an integrative taxonomic and molecular approach. The NWHC is currently experiencing a gap in essential parasitology services. This work proposes to strengthen parasitology capacity at NWHC to meet diagnostic and surveillance needs in support of wildlife health, national security, and public safety. By strengthening NWHC's capacity to detect, characterize, and monitor parasitic diseases in wildlife, generating high-quality reference data, and sharing results and expertise with federal, state, Tribal, and other partners, the work helps safeguard people, property, and wildlife resources while supporting safe recreation and subsistence uses of DOI lands and waters. This work aligns with EO 14239 - Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 19, 2025); by strengthening state–federal coordination and state preparedness for high consequence parasitic diseases through wildlife parasite surveillance and decision support. It supports SO 3421- Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation (February 3, 2025); by improving early detection, surveillance, and risk assessment for wildlife, thereby reducing the likelihood that vulnerable wildlife species will require Endangered Species Act protections and helping avoid added regulatory burdens. In addition, by conserving wildlife populations that provide substantial ecological and economic services on working lands and public lands, this work aligns with EO 14313-Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission (July 3, 2025);, which directs federal land management agencies to promote responsible stewardship of natural resources while driving economic growth and expanding access to outdoor recreation. Finally, it supports SO 3441- Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science (August 29, 2025); and EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025); through rigorous national surveillance, standardized diagnostics, and transparent, science-based tools for assessing and managing disease risks in wildlife.