Spring 2025 Update
Spring migration will be starting and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is expected to continue throughout the United States. Given the continued high risk of HPAI to poultry and livestock, no waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, or swans) may be shown or exhibited during the 2025 Vermont fair season, regardless of origin. Should these events choose to exhibited other species of poultry (like chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, etc.) please exercise caution and good biosecurity, and visit our Fairs, Shows, and Exhibition site for more information. General information on Avian Influenza can be found here.
The virus that causes HPAI has also been detected in dairy cattle in several states. More information and updates can be found on our HPAI in Dairy Cattle page.
HPAI in Dairy Cows - An Emerging Animal Health Issue
Mission:
The Animal Health Section of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets protects the health and welfare of Vermonters and their livestock and poultry by advancing a safe and secure food supply within a marketplace that provides fair and equal access to consumers and processors while enhancing Vermont’s working landscape, rural character and local economies.
What We Do:
Through its prudent enforcement programs, the Section maintains the ability of Vermont's livestock, poultry, and livestock products to be sold locally, nationally and internationally. Through its technical assistance and inspection programs, the Animal Health Section provides outreach to producers, processors and consumers on appropriate animal agricultural practices that assure the health and humane treatment of livestock and compliance with best practices, laws and regulations.
In order to accomplish its objectives, the Animal Health Section works closely with the United States Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services Division, private accredited veterinarians, livestock and poultry producers, and licensees/registrants.
The Animal Health Section oversees the inspection and licensing of pet shops, and livestock dealers, transporters, and packers. It also registers certified euthanasia technicians and associated facilities.
