Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation

To continue funding for Kate Smith's position as Consulting Senior Research Scientist so she can complete the risk analysis on diseases and live animal importation, with the end goal of improving wildlife trade regulations at a critical time in the legislative process.  This second year of funding will provide Kate with the opportunity to finish the bieconomic risk assessment of the importation of exotic species into the U.S.  This assessment looks at risks to the U.S. economy as well as risks of disease and invasion potential.  Kate has played a significant role in presenting the ongoing results of the assessment to national and international audiences, bringing this issue to attention of policy makers and scientists.  The results of this assessment will be used to shape U.S. policy on wildlife trade.