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The state has granted an emergency exemption to all import requirements for companion animals and livestock under an evacuation order.

Farm Press Staff

August 5, 2022

1 Min Read
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Cattle gather around a watering hole inside a burned area.Tony Toso

As wildfires are raging throughout the West, Oregon has granted an exemption for certain animal import requirements for those moving their pets and livestock under an evacuation order.

The state Department of Agriculture says that animals may be brought in from other states if they notify the state veterinarian by phone (503-986-4680) or email ([email protected]) within 72 hours.

According to the state, the notifications must include:

  • Complete physical address of origin where animals have been evacuated from

  • Name and phone number of owner of animals

  • Complete physical address of location in Oregon where animals were evacuated to

  • Name and phone number of contact for animals while in Oregon

  • Number and species of animals evacuated to Oregon

    • Animals must return to the state of origin within 30 days of entry into Oregon. If return within that timeframe is not possible, the Oregon State Veterinarian must be notified by telephone (503-986-4680) prior to the 30th day in Oregon.

For those not eligible for the exemption, Oregon’s animal import requirements remain enforced.

The emergency exemption is effective immediately and shall remain in effect through September 30, 2022. For more information about Animal Import and Export in Oregon visit ODA online.

The exemptions come as thunderstorms and hot, windy conditions have fueled numerous wildfires in the West, including the McKinney Fire in Northern California's Klamath National Forest. The blaze exploded in size to more than 80 square miles just two days after erupting in a largely unpopulated area of Siskiyou County, according to The Associated Press. Four people have died in the fire.

Other wildfires are burning in northwestern Montana, in Oregon and in Idaho, according to media reports.

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