Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.
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.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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An exotic animal is any animal that is not native to the United States.
The possession of wolf-dog hybrids, lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, panthers, and bears is illegal in the state of Michigan. This includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.
If the exotic, circus or zoo animal is one of the following species it must meet the movement requirements for that species:
Exotic, circus or zoo animals may also be regulated by other agencies or local authorities. Prior to movement, it is important to contact them to determine what requirements are in place.
Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.
Category A elephants: Category A elephants are elephants that have never had a positive trunk washing, a positive DPP test or been known to be exposed to M. tuberculosis within the past five years.
For Category A elephants, the certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) must contain the following statement:
"Elephant(s) listed have no known exposure to a M. tuberculosis within the past five years, and have never tested positive on the DPP test, nor have they ever received any type of antimycobacterial treatment."
Additionally, Category A elephants must have the following test:
Negative culture from triple trunk washing done within the last 12 months prior to the date of entry into Michigan. This must be written on the interstate certificate of veterinary inspection.
If you would like to import a Category B and C elephant (see definitions below) please contact the MDARD Animal Industry Division at 800-292-3939.
Category B elephants: elephants which have never had a positive trunk washing but have had a positive DPP test in the past or which have been exposed to M. tuberculosis within the past five years.
Category C elephants: elephants which at some time have had a positive trunk washing.
Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.
There are no specific requirements for intrastate movement of exotic animals.
a. The import and possession of the animal are lawful in the other state or country.
b. The destination and proposed new owner of the animal have been approved by the regulatory agency in the other state or country having authority to do so, if any.
With the exception of wolf-dog hybrids and large carnivores*, the State of Michigan has no specific international movement requirements for exotic animals. Please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture at (517-337-4700), Fish and Wildlife Service of the United States Department of the Interior (800-344-WILD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (734-955-6197) to check for additional requirements.
*The importation and possession of wolf-dog hybrids and large carnivores is illegal in Michigan, except under special exceptions. If you are considering the importation of a wolf-dog hybrid or large carnivore, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.