What does WILDLIFE HEALTH COORDINATORS. of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the "Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program" within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The program will be jointly administered by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The program's purposes include improving coordination on wildlife health issues and supporting communication and capacity building efforts. The program will establish several positions, including a National Wildlife Health Coordinator, a Tribal Wildlife Health Coordinator, and four Regional Wildlife Health Coordinators. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies will appoint the National Wildlife Health Coordinator, and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society will appoint the Tribal Wildlife Health Coordinator. Regional Wildlife Health Coordinators will be appointed by regional wildlife agencies (Western, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeastern). Wildlife Health Coordinators must have expertise in fields such as wildlife health, veterinary science, or epidemiology. Coordinators will facilitate information sharing about wildlife diseases and assist States and Tribes in accessing resources. The program requires the submission of a report to Congress with recommendations for improving interagency coordination and resource allocation. Best management practices developed under this section may include guidance on humane dispatch, disease surveillance, and public education.

Back to bills

Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026

Q: What does Preamble of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to support coordination and management efforts related to wildlife disease and zoonotic disease surveillance. The bill addresses ongoing and potential wildlife disease and zoonotic disease outbreaks. It seeks to facilitate collaboration among Federal, State, and Tribal entities.

Q: What does SHORT TITLE. of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026.

Q: What does FINDINGS. of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can transmit between animals and humans. The findings highlight that a significant majority of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, and zoonotic disease spillover events are increasing. Several federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Homeland Security, have distinct but complementary roles in addressing zoonotic diseases. The text emphasizes the importance of coordination and collaboration between federal, state, and tribal agencies to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks. It identifies Wildlife Health Coordinators as crucial intermediaries for facilitating communication and coordinated efforts among agencies. Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, with the 2022 avian influenza outbreak resulting in over $2.5 billion in indemnity payments.

Q: What does DEFINITIONS. of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Indian Tribe” is defined as the meaning given in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). “Livestock” is defined as the meaning given in section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8302). The “Program” refers to the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program established by section 4(a). A “Wildlife Health Coordinator” is an individual appointed to a position described in section 4(c)(1). “Wildlife disease” is defined as any infectious disease originating in wildlife that can be transmitted to non-human animals. “Zoonotic disease” is defined as any disease transmissible between animals and humans, and includes any wildlife disease transmissible between animals and humans.

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve coordination and communication regarding wildlife diseases and zoonotic diseases.
The program creates specialized Wildlife Health Coordinator positions, including a National Coordinator, a Tribal Coordinator, and regional coordinators, to facilitate information sharing and resource access for states and tribes.
The program requires a report to Congress with recommendations for improving interagency coordination and resource allocation for wildlife disease management and prevention.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

5 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account