Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G23AS00370

Opportunity Information: Apply for G23AS00370

This funding opportunity (G23AS00370) is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement aimed at supporting wildlife disease research and anatomic pathology capacity through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Great Lakes - Northern Forest CESU. The work centers on generating and analyzing data related to wildlife morbidity and mortality events, with the practical goal of identifying the causes of illness and death in wild animals and improving understanding of how diseases develop (pathogenesis). Because many wildlife diseases are poorly documented and new threats continue to emerge, the USGS is looking to strengthen ongoing investigative and diagnostic efforts by engaging an eligible CESU partner to provide research, data collection, and technical assistance.

A major emphasis is the role of veterinary wildlife pathologists in both wildlife conservation and public health. Beyond diagnosing diseases in wildlife, the opportunity highlights the importance of investigating zoonotic diseases, meaning diseases that can spread between animals and people. The project scope reflects a "One Health" framing, where wildlife, domestic animal, and human health are interconnected, and pathology-based findings can help clarify those links. In practice, this kind of support can include conducting necropsies, histopathology and lesion interpretation, contributing to etiologic investigations (figuring out the cause of disease), and supporting surveillance and research studies that help agencies detect, track, and respond to disease outbreaks.

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is identified as a key federal entity conducting these investigations, and the opportunity explicitly notes that wildlife pathologists are supporting ongoing research on several high-profile diseases. Examples listed include Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV), Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2), White-Nose Syndrome (affecting bats), Snake Fungal Disease, and emerging amphibian diseases. Collectively, these topics signal that the funded partner may contribute to priority, real-world diagnostic and research needs, especially where pathology expertise helps interpret disease impacts, determine mechanisms of illness, and improve response strategies.

Administratively, this is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically means substantial involvement and collaboration with the federal agency during the project (as opposed to a more hands-off grant). The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development under CFDA 15.808. The maximum funding amount listed is $430,916. The posting indicates an original closing date of June 19, 2023, and the opportunity was created May 17, 2023.

Eligibility is narrow and specific: applicants must be participating partners in the Great Lakes - Northern Forest CESU and must include an AVMA-accredited veterinary college. In other words, the opportunity is intended for an established CESU-affiliated institution with accredited veterinary education infrastructure, aligning with the specialized pathology and disease investigation expertise needed to carry out the work.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-05-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-06-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $430,916.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G23AS00370

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