1. How many veterinarians will be accepted into the Biosecurity Plan Veterinary Review Program?
A total of $30,000 is allocated to this program. If all veterinarians applying to the program request funding to assist 10 farms each, then 10 veterinarians will be awarded funding through the program. If applications are submitted with requests for a fewer number of farms, then additional veterinarians may be awarded with funding to reach the total funding amount.
2. What is the timeframe for the program/grant?
This grant program will be open from April 1 – April 30. Assistance must be provided by the veterinarians to the farms between April 1 and June 15 but not prior to receiving a letter of acceptance from the Center for Dairy Excellence. This program closes with all reimbursement forms due by June 30, 2025.
3. What is the total funding available for individual veterinarians?
A total of $3,000 will be awarded to individual veterinarians who work with 10 farms to review their plans. The amount of funding awarded will be based on the number of farms the veterinarian works with to review their plans and protocols.
4. Does a veterinarian have to be located in Pennsylvania to qualify?
No, a veterinarian does not have to be located in Pennsylvania to qualify. However, all farms included in the reimbursement form must have a Pennsylvania address to qualify as a reimbursable expense since this program is funded through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
5. What is the purpose of this grant program?
The purpose of this program is to reimburse large animal veterinarians for the time they spend with individual dairy farm clients in Pennsylvania to review biosecurity plans and National FARM Protocols to ensure those plans are well written to document biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
6. Who qualifies as an applicant under this program?
A large animal veterinarian practicing within Pennsylvania and serving Pennsylvania dairy farm operations would qualify as an applicant for this program. To qualify, a veterinarian must have a license to practice in Pennsylvania and must be up-to-date on all requirements associated with that license.
7. What qualifies as a reimbursable expense under this program?
This program provides reimbursement for up to two hours of time, valued at $150 per hour, that a veterinarian spends with a farm to review their biosecurity plans and protocols, as well as broader protocols associated with National FARM compliance. Mileage and other traveling costs to visit the farm is not eligible as a reimbursable expense through this program.
8. How is the reimbursable expense documented through the grant?
Once approved, a veterinarian will receive a reimbursement form from the Center for Dairy Excellence where they will have to document the name of the farm, owners’ names, address and phone number on that form. They will also have to have an authorized individual from that farm provide a signature that the assistance was provided and verify the date on which it was provided.
9. What if I want to review plans for fewer than 10 farms?
A veterinarian can submit an application for the total number of farms he or she wants to assist, for up to 10 farms total.
10. What if I have more than 10 farms that need help?
Due to the limited amount of funding, the Center can only approve up to 10 farms each for each individual veterinarian in this round. Future rounds of funding may be offered if there is a demonstrated need for this grant opportunity.
11. Can multiple veterinarians from the same practice apply?
Yes, multiple veterinarians from the same practice can apply as long as the individual farms listed on their reimbursement forms are different and unique from each other. A practice can receive multiple grants with the same W-9 form. Click here to download a W-9 form. You can upload your completed form with your application.
12. What if multiple veterinarians apply to receive a reimbursement for helping the same farm?
To qualify, a farm must have a signed veterinarian client patient agreement on record with that veterinarian. The goal is that requirement will limit any overlap. However, individual farm lists will be recorded as reimbursement forms are received so that a farm is only included for reimbursement on one veterinarian’s form. The first one submitted will be the first one approved.
13. How are applications approved?
Applications for this program are approved on a first come, first served basis provided the veterinarian meets all the requirements associated with this grant program.
14. How do the expenses/invoices for this grant get paid?
Requests for reimbursements sent to the Center for Dairy Excellence must be submitted with a completed CDE reimbursement form.
a. Appropriate signatures must be included on reimbursement form to be reimbursed.
b. No expense reimbursements will be made until a W9 is received. Click here to download a W-9 form. You can upload your completed form with your application.