Washington State Department of Agriculture

USDA offers disaster assistance to Washington farmers impacted by flooding

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Dec. 23, 2025​ – Agricultural operations in Washington have been significantly impacted by recent ...
Washington State Department of Agriculture

Santa’s reindeer cleared to fly into Washington State on Christmas Eve

Santa’s reindeer were cleared by the State Veterinarian to travel into Washington after meeting all animal health and movement requirements. Santa follows strict biosecurity practices, including ...
agr.wa.gov

What horse owners need to know about Equine Herpes Virus

The equine community in Spokane County is on high alert after two horses tragically succumbed to the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), also known as Equine Herpesvirus ...
agr.wa.gov

WSDA confirms HPAI in Grant County

OLYMPIA – October 10, 2025 – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirms Grant County’s first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1), commonly known as bird ...
agr.wa.gov

Grocery prices a top concern among Washington consumers

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Groceries were the most common expense reported as hard to afford in the past month, followed by housing, according to the latest WAFOOD survey. Rising food prices and the expiration ...
agr.wa.gov

State vets office gives update on canine respiratory disease

OLYMPIA – With recent reports of an unidentified canine illness increasing across the nation, the Washington State Veterinarian is encouraging dog owners to be vigilant to keep their animals safe and ...
agr.wa.gov

Clearing the air — What to know about avian influenza and spring bird migration

As spring bird migration brings thousands of birds to Washington state, it also increases the risk of avian influenza (bird flu) spreading through the region. Migratory waterfowl like ducks, geese, ...
agr.wa.gov

First Asian giant hornet nest of 2021 located

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), and USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) found the first Asian giant ...
agr.wa.gov

State begins annual treatments to eradicate invasive beetle

PASCO – Annual Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) treatments are underway in South Central Washington. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is conducting Japanese beetle treatments ...
agr.wa.gov

Washington State Veterinarian issues warning on Equine Herpes Virus in Spokane County

OLYMPIA – Over the weekend, the equine community in Spokane County was met with unfortunate news as two horses succumbed to the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) otherwise known as ...
agr.wa.gov

State veterinarian confirms rabbit hemorrhagic disease in Island County

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) state veterinarian’s office has confirmed the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2), in rabbits in Island County. RHDV2 is a ...
agr.wa.gov

Chicks 101: A beginners guide to raising happy, healthy chickens

Raising baby chickens, or chicks, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you're starting a backyard flock or simply enjoying the process of caring for these adorable creatures, it’s ...