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Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations

The American Horse Council (AHC) is thrilled to announce it is one of just three livestock industry trade associations selected to receive a grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). The AHC will receive $275,000 over the next two years to support its proposal, “Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations.”

Read the press release here

What is USDA NADPRP?

The USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) supports projects that help prevent, prepare for, and respond to animal disease outbreaks across the United States. It provides funding for education, training, and resources that strengthen biosecurity and protect animal health. Through NADPRP, organizations can improve disease prevention practices, reduce risk, and enhance readiness across animal agriculture sectors, including the equine industry.

What is this grant and what does it do?

This USDA NADPRP-funded initiative, led by the American Horse Council’s Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), is designed to improve biosecurity at equine welfare organizations across the country. The program provides education, training, and financial support to help organizations better prevent and manage infectious disease risks.

Participating organizations will gain access to biosecurity resources, including educational materials, training opportunities for staff and volunteers, and funding to implement improved practices. The program also includes assessments to help identify gaps in current protocols and resources, ensuring funds are directed where they are most needed.

Ultimately, this grant helps protect the health of horses, mules, and donkeys in care, supports safer operations at equine welfare facilities, and strengthens the resilience of the broader equine industry.

Who qualifies?

This grant is available to:

501(c)(3) equine welfare organizations
Organizations that take legal custody of horses, mules, or donkeys

This includes rescues, sanctuaries, adoption/transition centers, and similar programs.

What can the money be used for?

Grant funds can be used to support practical biosecurity improvements, including:

Quarantine setup materials: temporary shelters, fencing, feed/water equipment
PPE and sanitation supplies: gloves, masks, coveralls, disinfectants, cleaning tools
Dedicated care equipment: wheelbarrows, muck tools, buckets for isolated horses
Facility improvements for sanitation: rubber mats, boards, and related upgrades
Staff and volunteer training: biosecurity education and training support

Funds cannot be used for permanent construction or major capital improvements.