# HHS Awards Tick Control Research Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), awarded nearly **$3 million** on September 28, 2026, to two Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases. This funding supports research into innovative tick control methods aimed at reducing tick populations and preventing tickborne illnesses such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome. The initiative focuses on deploying acaricide-treated feed for deer and "super baits" for rodents to disrupt tick life cycles and reduce pathogen transmission. This represents a significant procurement opportunity for contractors specializing in vector control technologies and public health research.

- **Why this matters:** The funding signals increased federal investment in vector-borne disease prevention, creating demand for novel pest control solutions and research partnerships.
- Agencies involved include HHS, CDC, NIH, and the New England and Midwest Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, highlighting collaboration across federal public health entities.
- Contractors and researchers should evaluate capabilities in acaricide delivery systems and ecological interventions to align with this initiative.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on innovative, biologically targeted methods, indicating a preference for advanced, science-driven approaches in upcoming solicitations.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases
- Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease

### Key Quotes
> Tickborne diseases are spreading across America, and HHS is taking action to stop them at the source.
> — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS Secretary

### Sources
- [HHS Awards Funding to Improve Tick Control and Prevent Lyme Disease, Alpha-gal Syndrome and Other Tickborne Illnesses | HHS.gov](https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-funds-tick-control-research-lyme-disease-alpha-gal-syndrome.html) - HHS