AK HCR23

Encourages state agencies to gather information, perform tests, and collect data on infectious diseases, foreign pathogens, and nonendemic parasites to support science-based wildlife management decisions.

Directs the Department of Fish and Game, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Environmental Conservation (including the state veterinarian) to take necessary measures to detect and identify disease threats to wildlife and domestic animals.

Recognizes that wildlife and livestock in Alaska hold billions of dollars in annual economic value and are threatened by pathogens that have caused catastrophic die-offs and species extirpation in other North American regions.

Supports the use of screening, reporting, and mitigation as proven tools to prevent the import and transmission of disease pathogens to wild and domestic animal populations.