Governor and ISDA Director Host Wheat Agreement Ceremony

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Governor Brad Little and Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould will host Taiwan Flour Mills Association representatives and Idaho wheat industry officials at a ceremony to sign a $576 million agreement supporting U.S. wheat exports to Taiwan over the next two years.

Governor’s Ceremonial Office, Idaho Capitol, second floor

September 19, 2022

Set-up at 10:25 a.m. MT

News conference begins at 10:35 a.m. MT

Taiwan Flour Mills Association Chairman Tony Yi-Cheun Shu, Director General Daniel K.C. Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, and Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman Clark Hamilton will join Governor Little and state officials for the ceremony and news conference.

HR133 Specialty Crop Block Grant Application Period Reopened

Applications for the HR133 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program have been reopened. The new deadline for submitting all application materials is Sunday, July 31, 2022. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Market Service (AMS) has allocated these funds to the states through H.R. 133 Stimulus Funding and ISDA will be awarding over $2 million in competitive grants. Priority will be given to projects that respond to COVID-19 impacts.

Specialty crops are defined to include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops including floriculture, and honey. These funds are somewhat different than traditional Specialty Crop Block Grants awarded annually through the Farm Bill. Individual companies may apply for COVID related facility adjustments including such things as worker housing adaptations, personal protective equipment, and plexiglass barriers to protect employees or the public. Priority is also provided to implementing market adaptations and supply chain improvements related to COVID-19 for projects that benefit a variety of businesses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2022

Contact: Chanel Tewalt

chanel.tewalt@isda.idaho.gov

Phone: (208) 332-8615

Cessation of Seed Indemnity Fund Assessments

Boise, Idaho – Effective January 1, 2022, all licensed Idaho seed buyers currently withholding or deducting Seed Indemnity Fund (SIF) assessments from purchase payments or contract settlement payments to Idaho seed producers shall discontinue such withholdings and assessments.

The Idaho SIF had a balance of $11.7 million as of October 31, 2021. The SIF balance is expected to nearly reach the statutory maximum amount of $12 million by year’s end.

Licensed seed buyers will need to continue filing quarterly indemnity fund reports and species reports on a quarterly basis to report total gross dollars in purchases or contract settlements with Idaho seed producers.

Any purchase payments and final contract settlements made on or before December 31, 2021, will remain subject to SIF assessments and reporting requirements.

Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Kyle Wilmot, Warehouse Control Bureau Chief at (208) 332-8612 or kyle.wilmot@agri.idaho.gov, or to Casey Thompson, Warehouse Control Ag Investigator, Sr. at (208) 332-8662 or casey.thompson@agri.idaho.gov.

For Immediate Release

November 19, 2021

Contact: Kyle Wilmot

Kyle.Wilmot@isda.idaho.gov

Direct: 208-332-8500

ISDA Announces Approved State Hemp Plan

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s approval of the Idaho State Hemp Plan. Under this plan, the ISDA will begin licensing hemp producers and handlers under Idaho Code and the 2018 Farm Bill.

The ISDA will open online hemp license applications on November 8, 2021. The entire application process will be available online, and the ISDA website includes resource documents to guide applicants through the process.

H.B. 126, the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act, was signed into law in April. Under the new statute, ISDA was tasked with developing a state hemp plan consistent with the 2018 Farm Bill. The new law also set timelines for a hemp program.

“I’m very proud of the entire ISDA team for working so quickly to implement the new law, and I know we could not have gotten here alone,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “We extend our thanks to the Governor’s office, industry stakeholders, Idaho State Police, USDA and the Idaho law enforcement community for excellent collaboration and assistance.”

For technical assistance or questions about hemp licensing, please check the ISDA website or email hemp@isda.idaho.gov.

For Immediate Release

November 1, 2021

Contact: Chanel Tewalt

Direct: (208) 332-8615

Main: (208) 332-8500

chanel.tewalt@isda.idaho.gov

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) Confirmed in Idaho Wild Jackrabbits

BOISE, ID – The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today the confirmation of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) found in two wild jackrabbits located southwest of the Boise Airport in Ada County. This is first case of RHD identified in wild or domestic rabbits in Idaho.

RHD is not known to affect humans, livestock or any other species of pets. RHD has been identified in other states only in species of wild and domestic rabbits.

RHD is a highly contagious and often deadly virus in rabbits. It is spread through direct contact with an infected animal, carcass, contaminated food/water source or other material coming into direct with an infected rabbit. The virus may also be transmitted by insect vectors such as flies, fleas or mosquitos and can persist in the environment for an extended period of time, making it extremely difficult to eradicate in wild rabbit populations. RHD is known for having a high degree of mortality where, in many cases, the only clinical sign displayed by an infected rabbit is sudden death. In less acute cases, clinical signs may include dullness, loss of appetite, nasal hemorrhage (bloody nose) and congestion of the conjunctiva. Some affected rabbits may develop neurologic signs such as incoordination or seizure-like episodes. Infections in young or adolescent rabbits are usually less severe and death is not as likely.

Wild Rabbit Information
Do not touch any dead rabbits you may see near an area where RHD has been identified. Anyone encountering a dead wild rabbit is asked to leave the carcass in place and contact the IDFG:
• Report it online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/conservation/wildlife-health/add,
• Call Fish and Game’s Wildlife Health Laboratory at (208) 939-9171, or
• Contact a regional Fish and Game office at https://idfg.idaho.gov/offices.

Owners of domestic rabbits should never release their rabbits into the wild.

Domestic Rabbit Information
“Rabbit owners need to be practicing enhanced biosecurity measures at all of their operations,” said Dr. Scott Leibsle, State Veterinarian. “Prevention is the best disease mitigation strategy right now.” ISDA recommends that domestic rabbit owners and breeders of pet, show and meat production rabbits incorporate strict biosecurity measures to protect their rabbits and prevent the spread of the disease. Several biosecurity measures are recommended:
• Do not house rabbits outdoors in areas of the state where RHD has been detected in wild rabbits.
• Take precautions to prevent wild rabbits from coming in contact with or gaining access to a rabbitry.
• Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after handling a rabbit. Don protective clothing (boots, coveralls, etc) when entering a rabbitry.
• Equipment and cages moved on or off the premises should be cleaned and sanitized with 10% bleach water before returning to the rabbitry.
• Domestic rabbits suspected of being infected with RHD should be isolated immediately from other rabbits and any enclosures should be disinfected thoroughly.

ISDA is not asking domestic rabbit shows or exhibitions be cancelled at this time. If you suspect your rabbit may have RHD, contact your veterinarian immediately and notify the ISDA. RHD is a mandatory reportable disease in Idaho.

An approved RHD vaccine is not currently manufactured in the U.S. Individuals looking to vaccinate their rabbits should contact their veterinarian to arrange for import of a vaccine from European distributors. Veterinarians will need to contact the ISDA regarding the import approval process. Contact the ISDA for more information at (208) 332-8540 or info@isda.idaho.gov.

More information on RHD can be found on the USDA APHIS website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fs-rhdv2.pdf. Updates for domestic rabbit owners will be available on the ISDA website at.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ISDA CONTACT
March 26, 2021 Dr. Scott Leibsle, State Veterinarian
(208) 332-8540
scott.leibsle@isda.idaho.gov

Idaho Continues Work on Invasive Mussels in Aquarium Products

Since detections of zebra mussels in aquarium products last week, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has continued working in coordination with state and federal partners to further identify retail distribution, collect affected products, and ensure proper disposal. This collaborative approach has included several activities:

Activation of the Columbia River Basin Rapid Response Plan

As a standing member of the Columbia River Basin Team, ISDA participates in multi-agency coordination for planning purposes outside of emergencies and also during incidents requiring coordinated response. The CRB Team includes state, federal, Tribal, and university partners which strategize response models and planning for invasive species detections.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) assigned enforcement officers to visit pet and aquarium vendors and aquarium product distributors/wholesalers across the country in order to continue the traceback of product origination, retail distribution and sales, and if samples show the presence of zebra mussels. Not all states have invasive species program equipped for enforcement actions, so USFWS activities help to ensure a nationwide response to the issue. USFWS is coordinating with Idaho and other states with invasive species programs to avoid duplication of work. USFWS also is investigating what federal regulations or statutes may have been violated. USFWS is handling any follow-up on possible violations.

Effective March 10, USFWS updated their recommendations for treatment and disposal of moss balls, water, and other affected aquarium material. Again, USFWS’s approach must anticipate needs and requirements across the entire country and not just in individual states. ISDA appreciates these new recommendations and considers them the most current and relevant recommendation. Recommendations from northwest states were developed to be consistent with the regional partners, but the new recommendations better address concerns with treatment of water and products before disposal. The new recommendations for Destroy! Don’t Dump! can be found on the USFWS website.

New recommendations specify additional disposal requirements:

- DO NOT dispose of moss balls in drains, waterways, or gardens. Moss balls must be destroyed and disposed of in a sealed container in the trash.
- DESTROY moss balls by freezing, boiling, or by submersing in chlorine bleach or undiluted white vinegar.
- DISPOSE of moss balls and any packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed of down a household drain but never down a storm drain where it could enter and damage local waterways.
- DRAIN and clean the aquarium using either a hot water or disinfection method, keeping manufacturer recommendations in mind.

Continued Investigation in Idaho

ISDA staff have continued to investigate additional distributors shipping product to Idaho retail stores. ISDA’s intent is to verify presence or absence of invasive mussels. To date no additional distributors or Idaho retail stores have been identified with contaminated aquarium stock. ISDA recommends all aquarium owners carefully examine their own material for invasive species and follow the steps to safely dispose of contaminated material.

ISDA recommends the public contact the Idaho Invasive Species Program hotline at (877) 336-8676 or via email at info@isda.idaho.gov.

This investigation effort is ongoing and evolving. We encourage stakeholders to check for updates on the ISDA Invasive Species website – invasivespecies.idaho.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2021

Contact: Lloyd Knight

Mobile: (208) 859-4173

Lloyd.knight@isda.idaho.gov

Idaho Discovers Invasive Mussels in Aquarium Products

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Invasive Species Program announced today the detection of invasive zebra mussels in aquarium products sold in the state. The ISDA has found live, viable zebra mussels in Marimo moss balls which commonly are sold for use in aquariums.

ISDA officials were first made aware of the issue Wednesday and agency personnel immediately responded with in-person inspections. ISDA’s response has been part of a coordinated nationwide effort to remove these products from store shelves and advise stores and the public about proper disposal of affected material.

ISDA is working with local Petco store managers to obtain any additional product currently in transit. “Store managers and staff have been very cooperative in this process,” said Nic Zurfluh, Invasive Species Section Manager. “They have worked with us, and we are grateful for their understanding.”

What the Public Can Do

Do not dump aquarium tank water or dispose of moss balls in natural waterbodies.

Aquarium owners can safely dispose of the moss ball(s) by one of two methods:

Remove the moss ball(s) and place in a plastic bag. Put the bag in a freezer and leave for at least 24 hours. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.
Place moss ball(s) in boiling water for at least one full minute. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.

For moss balls that have already been in an aquarium, the ISDA recommends cleaning the entire aquarium:

Collect fish and plants and place them in another container. Dispose of the water in a sink or toilet (municipal wastewater is treated to kill pathogens, and septic tanks are fully self-contained underground).
Carefully scrub the tank, accessories, rocks, and decorations with a strong solution of chlorine bleach/water. Another option (if you don’t want to use chlorine bleach) is to carefully use water that is 140 degrees to flush and coat all the tank and accessory surfaces. ISDA recommends another water change within a week and to continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.
For very large aquariums that you may not be able to completely dewater/decontaminate, dispose of the moss ball(s) as above. It is recommended that you do conduct frequent water changes and continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.

“We have always said private citizens are Idaho’s best line of defense in protecting our state from invasive species,” said Zurfluh. “Once again, we are asking for Idahoans help to keep invasive species from getting a foothold in our state.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about zebra mussels or other invasive species concerns may contact the ISDA Invasive Species Hotline at (877)336-8676 or info@isda.idaho.gov.

About the Invasive Species Program

“Many people are familiar with our Invasive Species Program’s effort to inspect boats coming to the state. However, many do not realize that the agency works year-round to monitor and respond to threats of all kinds,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of dynamic monitoring and significant collaboration.”

Zebra mussels are aquatic invasive species that establish themselves in lakes, rivers, canals, and water systems where they cause significant ecological damage as well as damage to irrigation and water distribution systems. They are not currently found in the Columbia River Basin or Idaho, where ISDA operates a significant prevention effort highlighted by watercraft inspection stations located statewide.

Quagga and zebra mussels can clog pipes and mechanical systems of industrial plants, utilities, locks, and dams. If zebra or zebra mussels were to infest Idaho’s waters, as they have done in other states, it could cost the state nearly $100 million annually in damage and lost revenue.

The ISDA’s Invasive Species Program has been in place for 13 years working to protect Idaho’s waterways and environment from invasive species. The Program works with partners across the state, nation and with neighboring countries.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2021

Media contact: Lloyd Knight

Phone: (208) 859-4173

Lloyd.knight@isda.idaho.gov

ISDA Director Congratulates State Veterinarian on Retirement and Makes New Appointment

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould announced today the appointment of Scott Leibsle, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian following the retirement of Bill Barton, DVM.

“Dr. Barton showed his deep love of agriculture through years of service and with steadfast commitment to all Idahoans,” said Gould. “He will always have a special place within this agency and among producers. I am honored to have worked alongside Bill these many years.”

Dr. Barton worked for the ISDA for 14 years. Among his successes as State Veterinarian, Barton and his staff efficiently responded to animal disease events, supported service to a growing livestock sector, and worked on behalf of our producers to maintain a functional marketplace in Idaho and beyond.

“As sad as I am to see Dr. Barton’s departure from the agency, I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Leibsle as State Veterinarian and administrator of the ISDA’s Animal Industries Division,” said Gould. “I am incredibly grateful to have someone with his energy, intellect and experience. Scott has my complete confidence. He will be a great fit for this important role.”

Dr. Leibsle received his veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Leibsle worked in Idaho for the first time in 2005, when he practiced for two years at Sawtooth Equine Service in Bellevue. He then went on to become the third generation of his family to practice large animal medicine at Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic in Wisconsin. After five years of dairy and equine private practice, Leibsle moved back to Idaho in 2011 to join the ISDA as the Deputy State Veterinarian. In his most recent position, Leibsle played an active role in the oversight of Idaho’s dairy industry, coordination of animal care training for Idaho law enforcement and the development of Idaho’s livestock traceability program. Leibsle is one of only 55 veterinarians nationwide to be board certified in equine practice.

Idaho’s State Veterinarian also serves as the administrator for the ISDA’s Division of Animal Industries, which oversees livestock health, dairies and dairy processors, rangeland services and other aspects of animal-related agriculture. Dairy and beef cattle production are Idaho’s largest agricultural sectors. The two sectors make up over half of Idaho agriculture’s total farm gate receipts.

Dr. Leibsle’s appointment is effective immediately.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2021

Contact: Chanel Tewalt

chanel.tewalt@isda.idaho.gov

Phone: (208) 332-8615

ISDA Statement on Asian Giant Hornets

As of May 7, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) being found in the state. At this point in time only two specimens have ever been collected in the United States – both in northwest Washington.

Each year ISDA investigates calls concerning the observation of possible non-native bees and hornets. Some native species are surprisingly large with a color pattern similar to that of the Asian giant hornet. One local species of note is the Western Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis), which is reported multiple times each summer.

The ISDA routinely surveys for many invasive pests around the state annually and evaluates potential sightings by the public on other species of local and national concern. We are monitoring the situation with Asian giant hornets closely. When non-native species are found, ISDA works with property owners and communities on control measures if any are appropriate and available.

ISDA also is developing a public fact sheet with more information about Asian giant hornets, including known distribution and identifying characteristics. That will be available soon.

Use extreme caution near Asian giant hornets. A person who is allergic to bee or wasp stings should never approach an Asian giant hornet. If you believe you have found an Asian giant hornet, please email info@isda.idaho.gov with information and photographs (if you can do so safely). You may be contacted by ISDA to discuss confirmation by scientific experts.