The USDA is opening new funding to fight chronic wasting disease in wildlife that is currently affecting deer in North Dakota, South Dakota, and other states.
The Department of Agriculture is making about $12 million available for projects fighting the disease, commonly referred to as CWD, through the department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The money is aimed at state agencies, Tribal governments, universities and research groups. It can be used for testing, surveillance, response work, research and management of CWD.
The program is not a direct payment program for hunters, and USDA has not announced state-level awards yet. Applications are due June 15, and it’s expected North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota will apply.
Chronic wasting disease is fatal in deer, elk and moose. Officials at North Dakota Game and Fish say there is no treatment or cure, and once the disease is established in an area, it can remain there indefinitely. The agency confirmed 16 positive tests in deer in 2025.
The USDA said in a statement that the program will specifically target improved detection while slowing the spread and managing affected herds.
Comments