Avian Health Program


What do you need today?

Avian health program

Our Mission is to conduct surveillance, detect and contain avian diseases,promote biosecurity through education and outreach, protect animal and humanhealth, and support the economic vitality of the poultry industry.

Our Vision is that we ensure Washington State poultry remains free from major infectious and zoonotic diseases, to preserve indemnity status, and enhance the marketability for the poultry industry.


What we do


  • Monitor and manage the National Poultry Improvement Plan in Washington State.
  • Conduct Avian Influenza surveillance at select fairs, farm stands, and auctions.
  • Provide education and outreach.
  • Operate a sick bird hotline for reporting illness or death in flocks.
  • WDFW Hotline to report sick, dead or injured wild birds
  • Respond to animal disease outbreaks in our state


Avian Certification Training


One goal of the Avian Health Program is to educate Washington poultry owners, veterinarians, and the general public about avian diseases, and to provide training on appropriate prevention and control measures. We are providing an entry level course for Washington State residents to make participants aware of:

  1. Infectious diseases
  2. Agents that may produce infectious disease in birds
  3. Steps to take to minimize the risk of spreading disease
Washington residents who successfully pass the tests will receive a Certificate of Completion.


Contact us:

Email: avhealth@agr.wa.gov

Dr. Dana Dobbs - Avian Health Program Veterinarian
Email: ddobbs@agr.wa.gov
Phone: (509) 607-4974


Marissa Nelson - Animal Health Technician
Email: Marissa.nelson@agr.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 972-5790