Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Annual Reports

Fruit and Vegetable Controlled Atmosphere Storage Licensing Details, FAQ's, & Forms

Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development? On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints.

Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

This area contains information for press and media agencies. Press Releases, Pics, Podcasts & Videos

List of services offered on Michigan.gov by MDARD

All public meetings, that fall under the Open Meetings Act, scheduled by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will be posted here. Questions about any of these meetings should be directed to contact person in the division listed on the notice.

Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan

Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.

Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan

Requirements to exhibit livestock in Michigan and more.

Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).

Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.

Michigan's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help protect our environment and wildlife. Michigan is partnering with the federal government to implement conservation practices of great significance to the state, and valuable to the nation, in matters of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.

Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.

The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.

Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.

For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.

Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.

Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories.

Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.

Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is charged with certifying sites where industrial hemp is to be grown under the authority of the federal Agriculture Act of 2014 and the state Industrial Hemp Research Act of 2014.

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Keeping domestic flocks away from wild birds is fundamental to maintaining their health; HPAI will continue to spread as wild birds complete their fall migration

LANSING, MI - Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock from Tuscola County. This is the first detection in Tuscola County. To best keep domestic birds healthy and safe, owners need to take every step they can to prevent their flocks from being exposed to wild birds.  

“Most of the HPAI cases detected this year in Michigan’s backyard flocks have involved direct or indirect contact with wild birds,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “Keeping domestic birds from intermingling with wild birds and away from open sources of water where wild birds might visit are some key preventative measures bird owners can take to ensure the health of their flock. Protecting Michigan’s domestic flocks is a collaborative effort.”

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. The flock contained approximately 135 birds of various species.   According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this avian influenza detection remains low. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs. Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following a few key steps is fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed. • Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops. • Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving between coops. • Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms. • Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it. • Using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds. • Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

MDARD is continuing to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick or dead domestic birds to best mitigate the spread of HPAI and provide outreach. Reporting Possible Cases For Domestic Birds

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:

• Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms.” • Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD’s website and clicking on the “Avian Influenza” link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu. More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

About The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) works to assure food safety, protect animal and plant health, sustain environmental stewardship, provide consumer protection, enable rural development and foster efficient administration operations through service, partnership and collaboration.

Contact Us Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Constitution Hall, 6th Floor 525 W. Allegan Street P.O. Box 30017 Lansing, MI 48909 800-292-3939

At MDARD, we encourage and embrace innovation, creativity, and growth, so we can provide the best possible service to our food and agriculture businesses, communities, and colleagues. As a department, we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that builds upon our values and invests in our employees and provides an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment.