Animal Health Emergencies

Erin Coyle
Program Manager, Emergency Management
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The Washington State Department of Agriculture is the lead state agency in responding to domestic animal disease emergencies in Washington State. WSDA has developed state plans to respond to foreign and highly infectious animal diseases. We work with federal, state and local government agencies, industry organizations and animal producers to ensure adequate preparation.

This page is dedicated to emergency planning, preparedness and response. For all other animal health questions, please visit the WSDA Animal Health program at Animal Health | Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Preparing for and responding to foreign animal diseases (FADs)—such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Newcastle disease (ND), African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)—are critical actions to safeguard the nation’s animal health, food system, public health, environment, and economy.
Washington State Department of Agriculture Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program prepares for such events.

• Washington State Foreign Animal Disease Response Plan (2021)
  • Washington State Foot and Mouth Disease Response Plan (2021)

• USDA APHIS Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Prep Materials and References

The agency also continues to plan and prepare for the receipt and use of the National Veterinary Stockpile. This available USDA stockpile is a cache of veterinary countermeasures such as animal vaccines, supplies, equipment, and response support services that states, tribes, and territories have available by request to respond to damaging animal disease outbreaks.

• WSDA National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS) Plan (2018)