The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking zoos and aquariums to participate in a study to identify animal species that may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. The study will also assess biosecurity practices used to identify successes and challenges in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 spread, as well as any role peridomestic wildlife may play. With your help, we can help all zoos, aquariums, and other animal care facilities to protect animals from the virus.
Your participation will benefit the entire zoo and aquarium community – and anyone who manages collections of non-domestic animals.
USDA will be hosting a webinar to provide more information about this study on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET.
Register for the webinar here!
During the webinar, representatives from USDA will:
- Review the goals of the study
- Discuss the details of the study, including:
- Which taxa we’ll focus on
- How we’ll select among facilities that volunteer
- How we’ll share results
- Share how facilities can participate
- Answer your questions
Contact Susan Shriner or Jeremy Ellis for more information.