National Wildlife Disease Program

The Surveillance and Emergency Response System is an essential component of the National Wildlife Disease Program and serves as the primary emergency response contact point within Wildlife Services. 

NWDP collects samples from wild birds for disease surveillance. Surveillance helps APHIS better understand and track the presence of avian influenza and other pathogens of concern along migratory bird pathways. 

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes COVID-19. Animals in many environments are susceptible to the virus.

NWDP carries out cervid CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities, including further developing and evaluating techniques and strategies to prevent or control CWD in cervids.

Plague is a disease of concern to people, wildlife, and domestic animals in the United States. It is also considered a "Category A" disease by the Department of Homeland Security, meaning it could potentially be used as a bioterrorist agent.

NWDP works closely with collaborators and other Federal and State agencies to track and report the prevalence and spread of RHDV2 across the United States.

NWDP assists with bovine TB surveillance in wildlife and with determining potential management actions to help control disease in wild populations.

NWDP collaborates with the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program on disease management, research, pathogen surveillance, emergency response, education and outreach regarding diseases of feral swine.