The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for funding to conduct research into Chronic Wasting Disease in the state’s deer herd, innovative research projects to help better understand the disease, and develop testing methods and strategies for controlling the disease and preventing its spread.

Research topics to be considered include the development of live testing methods; rapid field testing to prevent consumption of contaminated meat; vaccine development; exploring environmental and genetic factors that play a role in disease occurrence; and development of cost-effective, biosecure disposal and disinfection methods.

Up to $1 million in funding is available. Matching funds are not required, but may be considered in evaluating applicants. The full request for applications was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Nov. 2.

Applications must be submitted using the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application site by 4 p.m. Nov. 30.