Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program

Managing animal health risks is a growing priority for Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector, especially as diseases that affect wildlife can have downstream impacts on farming, food production, and rural economies. The Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program supports efforts to better understand and control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a serious prion disease affecting deer, elk, and other cervids. Delivered by Alberta Innovates, this initiative focuses on research that can slow transmission, improve detection, and inform long-term management strategies across the province.

The program is geared toward collaborative research projects that bring together expertise from multiple organizations, including small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, research institutions, and industry groups operating in Alberta. Projects often explore how CWD spreads through animals and the environment, as well as practical approaches to reducing risk for agricultural producers and wildlife managers. Successful teams can access non-repayable funding of up to roughly $250,000 per project, helping offset research costs and accelerate work that might otherwise be difficult to fund independently. Support is structured to encourage partnerships and shared investment, strengthening the overall impact of the research.

Because findings from this work can influence public policy, livestock health strategies, and broader prion disease research, the program is particularly relevant for organizations with a long-term stake in Alberta’s agriculture and food system. Businesses and nonprofits considering collaborative research in this area may want to explore the full program details to see how their work could align with future intake opportunities.