WSDA Waves Import Requirements To Help Oregon Farmers

Earlier this week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture announced it was waiving import requirement on livestock from Oregon. The move allows animals displaced by wildfires, to temporarily stay in Washington, provided they don’t change ownership and return to Oregon within 30 days. Officials in Oregon have reported significant strain on local stalls and pasture land because of the large, fast moving wildfires burning across the state.

Facilities in Washington that house evacuated livestock are asked to maintain records of any animals that take part in the waiver. Those records should include the species of animal, number of animals, owner’s name and address, date the animal came to the facility and the date the animal returned to Oregon.

Ag officials in both state stressed the importance of continued good biosecurity practices while transporting livestock, to ensure overall health and safety for both Oregon and Washington animals.

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