Summer is in full swing, and we find wildfire affecting counties across the state. WSDA Emergency Management would like to take this opportunity to provide information on available resources for those affected by wildfire.
Animal Mortalities
- “Catastrophic Animal Mortality Management Guidance” publication.
- “Routine Animal Mortality Carcass Disposal Manual” publication
- These are also available in Spanish, and all are available on our website at https://agr.wa.gov/services/emergency-management/disasters.
- WSDA has specialists who will assist in a livestock mass mortality event when requested through the State Emergency Operation Center.
WSDA Livestock Identification
Washington State Department of Agriculture Livestock Inspection Program
P.O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Main Office (360) 902-1855
EMAIL: livestockid@agr.wa.gov
The WSDA Livestock Identification Website can assist with brand identification for missing, found or deceased livestock. Click the link to go to their website WSDA Livestock Identification
Recovery Resources
- If livestock, farm, or crops have been damaged by wildfire, please encourage documentation of damages and for those affected to contact insurance providers and the local Farm Service Agency Click on the link local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) office. The USDA FSA administers multiple disaster assistance programs to help farmers and ranchers recover.
- Individuals can go to Farmers.gov to work directly with the local USDA Farm Service Agency.
- Local Conservation Districts may also have funding sources and/or staff to provide technical support to assist with fencing and other repairs.
Foster Creek Conservation District
PO Box 398
Waterville, WA 98858
Phone: (509) 888-6372
Email: info@fostercreekcd.org
South Douglas Conservation District
PO Box 246
Waterville, WA 98858
Phone: (509) 745-9160
Email:carolc@southdouglascd.org
- “Ag Disaster Response Resources” is a great publication that can be posted online or printed and distributed to communities affected by fire or other disasters.
- “Caring for Livestock After Wildfire” provides general tips for post-fire care.
- WSDA has created a Wildfire “toolkit” that has pre-made graphics, posters, and talking points that you can pick and choose from for use in social media or your outreach efforts. You can find the toolkit here: Wildfire Toolkit
If you learn of wildfire impacts to agriculture, please forward that information to WSDA (ecoyle@agr.wa.gov and klove@agr.wa.gov).