Washington D.C. (Might 4, 2026) – The Affiliation of Fish and Wildlife Companies (Affiliation) applauds the introduction of the Wildlife Well being Coordination and Zoonotic Illness Prevention Act of 2026 (S.4451) by Senator Baldwin (D-WI), which would strengthen the nation’s capability to stop, detect, and reply to wildlife ailments with vital dangers to public well being, agriculture, and pure assets.
The invoice would set up the Wildlife Well being Coordination and Zoonotic Illness Program underneath the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, codifying and increasing present coordination efforts bringing collectively State, Federal, and Tribal companies and companions.
“State fish and wildlife companies are on the entrance strains of wildlife illness detection and response for our nation’s biosecurity,” stated Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Assets Part of the West Virginia Division of Pure Assets and President of the Affiliation. “From combating rising threats like New World Screwworm and novel amphibian pathogens to fixed challenges similar to Persistent Losing Illness and Excessive Path Avian Influenza, states and their companions are working tirelessly to make sure wholesome and considerable wildlife populations.”
Partnerships throughout the nation have by no means been stronger because of present short-term positions offering coordination on the nationwide and regional ranges, however permanency is required to safe these positive aspects and put together for the longer term.
“We thank Senator Baldwin for recognizing the necessity for this program,” stated Ron Regan, Government Director of the Affiliation. “This laws offers the construction wanted to attach companies on the entrance strains, enhance data sharing, and guarantee we’re higher ready to stop and reply to present and future threats.”
States and their companions have seen firsthand the worth of devoted coordinators strengthening collaboration, enhancing response efforts, and supporting science-based decision-making throughout jurisdictions. The laws builds on this confirmed mannequin by increasing coordination capability nationwide and embedding it extra deeply throughout areas and companions.
The Affiliation of Fish & Wildlife Companies represents North America’s fish and wildlife companies to advance sound, science-based administration and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats within the public curiosity. The Affiliation represents its state company members on Capitol Hill and earlier than the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation coverage and funding and works to make sure that all entities work collaboratively on crucial points. The Affiliation additionally offers member companies with coordination providers on cross-cutting in addition to species-based applications that vary from birds, fish habitat and vitality growth to local weather change, wildlife motion plans, conservation training, management coaching and worldwide relations. Working collectively, the Affiliation’s member companies are guaranteeing that North American fish and wildlife administration has a transparent and collective voice.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES www.fishwildlife.org
