The American Rescue Plan Act included $300 million to monitor susceptible animal species for SARS-CoV-2.  The USDA-APHIS has developed a strategic framework to prevent, detect, and respond to any possible extension of SARS-CoV-2 and potential emerging variants in order that appropriate preventive action can be taken.  It is generally recognized that eighty percent of emerging infectious diseases during the past two decades have involved wildlife, requiring a concentration on the One Health concept of diseases potentially common to both humans and animals.

The USDA-APHIS strategic framework has defined specific focal areas including prevention, detection, controlling spread, and outreach and education.  The appropriate elements within each of the focal areas have been defined, contributing to an appreciation of the resources and institutions that will be required to detect and prevent new epidemics and pandemics.  Clearly cooperation among academia, industry, nongovernmental organizations, and public health authorities are necessary to create a seamless system to protect public health.