Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to enhance national coordination and communication among federal, state, and tribal entities to better detect, prevent, and respond to wildlife and zoonotic disease outbreaks, with a focus on public health and agricultural impacts.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the "Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program" within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, jointly administered with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It creates five Wildlife Health Coordinator positions (one National, one Tribal, and four Regional) to serve as liaisons among federal, state, and tribal agencies. These coordinators are tasked with improving communication, facilitating resource access, coordinating research, and sharing best management practices related to wildlife and zoonotic diseases. The bill authorizes an annual appropriation of $900,000 to fund these efforts.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that increased coordination is crucial given the rising frequency and impact of zoonotic disease spillover events, as evidenced by outbreaks like avian influenza. They contend that dedicated Wildlife Health Coordinators will bridge communication gaps, facilitate resource access for states and tribes, and ensure a more unified and effective national response to protect public health, wildlife, and agricultural interests. The bill formalizes and strengthens existing efforts, providing much-needed permanence and funding for critical roles.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while coordination is valuable, creating new coordinator positions and a new program could add bureaucratic layers without guaranteeing substantive improvements, potentially duplicating existing efforts within various agencies. Some might question the efficiency of the proposed funding mechanism or whether the authorized amount is sufficient to make a significant impact across diverse regions and disease threats. Others might prefer direct funding to existing agencies rather than creating new liaison roles.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough understanding, well within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 4(a)
Establishment of Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program
This section formally creates a new program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to be co-managed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its purpose is to act as a central hub for coordinating efforts among various federal, state, and tribal agencies regarding wildlife health and zoonotic diseases. The program aims to improve communication and collaboration to address disease outbreaks.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a formal, jointly administered program is essential to ensure consistent, high-level coordination across the diverse agencies involved in wildlife and zoonotic disease management, preventing fragmented responses and improving overall efficiency.
Critics contend
Some might argue that existing interagency task forces or memoranda of understanding could achieve similar coordination without establishing a new formal program, potentially leading to bureaucratic bloat.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for robust, formalized coordination and the potential for creating new administrative overhead or duplicating existing, less formal collaborative structures.
Section 4(c)(1), (2), (3), (4)
Creation and Appointment of Wildlife Health Coordinators
This provision establishes five key positions: one National, one Tribal, and four Regional Wildlife Health Coordinators. These coordinators will be appointed by specific associations (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, and regional associations) and must have expertise in wildlife health or related fields. The Regional Coordinators will cover four distinct geographic areas (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West).
Section 4(c)(5)
Responsibilities of Wildlife Health Coordinators
This section outlines the core duties of the newly established Wildlife Health Coordinators. Their responsibilities include establishing relationships with relevant agencies, facilitating information sharing about diseases (especially zoonotic ones), helping states and tribes access resources and funding for disease issues, coordinating research and management activities, and developing and sharing best management practices. They are also required to submit a report to Congress with recommendations for improving coordination and resources.
Section 4(d)
Funding for the Program
This section authorizes an appropriation of $900,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each subsequent fiscal year to carry out the provisions of Section 4, which includes funding for the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Program and the salaries/operations of the Wildlife Health Coordinators.