Research Project: Potential Introduction to the United States of High Consequence Agriculture Pathogens

Location: Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research

Project Number: 3022-32000-021-022-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 17, 2025
End Date: Sep 16, 2027

Objective:
This project aims to assess the risk of high-consequence zoonotic pathogens to U.S. agriculture through three integrated objectives: (1) surveillance and characterization of ticks and pathogens introduced through wildlife trade, migratory birds, and cross-border movement; (2) ecological and molecular analysis of transmission risk in regions bordering the U.S.; and (3) development of predictive models to forecast spillover and economic impact. Samples will be collected from endemic and high-risk areas, including U.S. territories and border regions, and analyzed using molecular diagnostics and genomic tools. These data will inform transmission risk and guide surveillance priorities. By identifying potential points of entry and estimating the impact of pathogen introduction, this work will strengthen U.S. agricultural biosecurity, safeguard livestock health, and support strategic planning to mitigate threats to food production and rural economies.

Approach:
Objective 1: Develop and implement a pipeline for the evaluation of ticks accidentally imported into the United States Objective 1: Surveillance and Characterization of Ticks and High-Consequence Pathogens Across Key Agricultural Interfaces To detect and characterize ticks and associated pathogens with the potential to be introduced into the U.S. through wildlife trade, migratory bird routes, or illegal importation (e.g., bushmeat or exotic pets), as well as via natural incursion across U.S. borders and territories. This objective aims to identify vectors and pathogens of agricultural concern—especially those capable of establishing transmission cycles in domestic livestock or wildlife populations in close contact with domestic livestock. • Conduct tick collection and host sampling in endemic regions, bordering high-risk zones, and U.S. border states and territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida). • Partner with wildlife rehabilitation centers, customs and border agencies, and USDA field surveillance teams to collect ticks from intercepted wildlife (legal and illegal trade), migratory birds, and bushmeat seizures. • Screen ticks and host samples for high-consequence pathogens (e.g., CCHFV, ASFV, Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp.) using molecular diagnostics, virus isolation, and metagenomics. • Genotype ticks to identify non-native or exotic species capable of serving as bridge vectors to U.S. livestock or wildlife. Objective 2: Ecological and Molecular Characterization of Pathogen Transmission Risk in Regions Bordering the U.S. To assess ecological conditions and viral/vector presence in geographic regions bordering the U.S. that may serve as spillover gateways. These data will help identify ecological corridors, transmission interfaces, and pathogen reservoirs relevant to agricultural systems. • Conduct ecological surveys in border zones and U.S. territories in partnership with local governments and regional laboratories. • Collect environmental, host, and vector and test for known and novel pathogens using multiplex PCR, viral isolation, and sequencing. • Characterize pathogen genomes and host tropism to determine risk of livestock spillover, potential for establishment, and links to imported cases or vector expansion. • Leverage environmental and land-use data to identify habitat suitability and seasonal drivers of pathogen/vector incursion. Objective 3: Development of Predictive Models for Spillover and Economic Impact to U.S. Agriculture To integrate surveillance data into predictive models that evaluate the likelihood of introduction, establishment, and economic impact of high-consequence zoonotic and agricultural pathogens. • Integrate field surveillance and virological data into GIS-based risk mapping platforms to visualize incursion pathways and areas of elevated agricultural vulnerability. • Develop epidemiological models to simulate transmission dynamics across agricultural systems, considering host movement, vector ecology, and environmental change.