Farmed Cervid CWD Funding Opportunity 2026

APHIS is awarding around $6.05 million through cooperative agreements to help States, Tribal governments, universities, and others control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed cervids.

Funded projects may involve developing or carrying out CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities. Funding may also be used for indemnifying and removing CWD-affected or CWD-exposed farmed cervids as part of an approved CWD management plan.

We encourage eligible applicants to develop project proposals that support at least one of the following priorities:

Improve the management of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds
Improve the management of CWD-affected farmed cervid premises
Conduct novel research on amplification assays and other new test methods in farmed cervids
Conduct additional research on the development of whole genome predictive genetics, or utilize whole genome predictive genetics for herd management, in farmed cervids
Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to farmed cervid stakeholders

Download Funding Opportunity Announcement

Getting Started

Read the funding opportunity announcement for details on this opportunity and the application process.

New to APHIS Funding?

Before you can apply, you’ll need to set up a Login.gov account, an ezFedGrants account, and be registered with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). Don't wait! It takes at least 10 business days for new SAM registrations to process.

Learn more about the basics of our funding process and how you can get ready to apply.

Application Details

Use the templates and information below to develop your application package. All materials must be included, unless otherwise noted.

Application Package

Application packages must include a Work Plan and Financial Plan (see templates below). Packages must also include a completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance and SF-424-A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs; you’ll complete these forms within ezFedGrants.

Eligible Entities

This competitive opportunity is open to the following entities, provided they meet all applicable requirements:

State departments of agriculture
State animal health agencies
State departments of wildlife or natural resources
Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments
Native American Tribal organizations or universities representing federally recognized Native American Tribal governments
Research institutes and universities

Requirements

State departments/agencies and Tribes must have regulatory oversight or direct responsibility for farmed cervids.
Tribal organizations or universities representing Tribal governments must provide a letter of intent to participate from the represented government(s).
Research institutions or universities conducting field work with regulated cervids must provide either:
- a letter of support, cooperation, or no objection from the appropriate cervid regulatory authorities for the State(s) involved; or
- a herd plan signed by the herd owner, APHIS, and representatives of the appropriate State regulatory authorities that is aligned with the work plan.

For full eligibility requirements, see the funding opportunity announcement.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is June 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

You must submit all application materials via ezFedGrants. Locate this opportunity on ezFedGrants or on Grants.gov using the opportunity and catalog numbers found at the top of this page.

Apply Now

Contact Us

For questions about this funding opportunity, send an email to vs.fiops.asc.agreements@usda.gov.

Farmed Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Activities Funding Opportunity FY 2026