Washington State Department of Agriculture

Washington confirms first detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in two Yakima County dairy farms in Washington state by the ...
Washington State Department of Agriculture

WSDA now accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant proposals for 2027

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will start accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program’s 2027 funding year beginning October 2, 2026. Applicants should visit ...
agr.wa.gov

When to Contact the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline

We’ve been getting lots of calls from flock owners looking for veterinary advice about things like parasites, worms, diet, and other routine health concerns. We’re glad you’re looking out for your ...
agr.wa.gov

State officials confirm first detection of emerald ash borer in Washington state

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) confirmed a report of emerald ...
agr.wa.gov

State begins annual survey for over 130 invasive pests

OLYMPIA – Seasonal staff are starting to disperse throughout the state to set traps as part of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pest Program’s annual search for invasive species.
agr.wa.gov

Spongy moth treatments begin in King, Pierce counties

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) plans to begin treatments to eradicate spongy moth caterpillars starting next week, weather permitting. In total, WSDA will aerially ...
agr.wa.gov

$2.7 million in grants awarded to strengthen Washington state’s local food system

OLYMPIA – Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has awarded $2.7 million in Local Food System Infrastructure Grants to unlock new sales channels for local farmers, lower costs for small ...
agr.wa.gov

Starting a Cottage Food Business in Washington State

If you’ve ever thought about selling homemade baked goods, jams, or specialty treats, Washington State’s Cottage Food Program offers a way to legally run a small food business from your home kitchen.
agr.wa.gov

Licensed nurseries protect your garden and the state

It is officially spring, and many of us are itching to start digging in the garden — and some of us already have! It’s the time of year when the birds are ...
agr.wa.gov

WSDA confirms first domestic flock HPAI case in Skagit County

OLYMPIA, WA — March 20th, 2026 — Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a medium-sized flock of backyard chickens in Skagit County.
agr.wa.gov

Spring Migration and Bird Flu

As spring brings thousands of migratory birds to Washington along the Pacific Flyway, it also raises the risk of avian influenza (bird flu) spreading through the region. Waterfowl such as ducks, geese ...
agr.wa.gov

Vaccination Guidelines for Horses in Washington State

At the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), we advise horse owners to partner with their veterinarians each spring to make sure their horses are well-protected before the height of ...