Livestock and poultry producers who wish to sell their products to grocery stores, restaurants, schools, boarding houses,
Yes! We have printable fact sheets, record-keeping booklets, signs, and more. Visit Drug Residue Prevention Resources for our producer resource libraries. Many of these resources were developed as a result of talking with farmers about their needs in the field. If you are looking for resources, have a suggestion on how to improve an existing resource, or have an idea for a new resource, please reach out to one of the contacts listed on this page!
Resource Development: Do you have any resources that might be helpful for me?
Yes! We have printable fact sheets, record-keeping booklets, signs, and more. Visit Drug Residue Prevention Resources for our producer resource libraries. Many of these resources were developed as a result of talking with farmers about their needs in the field. If you are looking for resources, have a suggestion on how to improve an existing resource, or have an idea for a new resource, please reach out to one of the contacts listed on this page!
Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) perform customized outreach by visiting with farmers one-on-one. Farmers can sign up for these visits as a proactive measure to protect themselves against drug residues or a farmer may be contacted for a visit as a result of a drug residue violation in tissue or milk. Their visit with the OVET consists of a discussion about on-farm practices, including drug use and treatment protocols and customized recommendations for what farmers can consider to improve drug residue prevention practices on their farms. Connect with one of the contacts listed on this page to set up a visit!
Please note - OVETs are not meant to replace the farm veterinarian, but rather to help strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) by identifying potential problem areas for the farmer to discuss with his/her veterinarian.
Outreach is also carried out at events and through other avenues that allow communication with many people at once. You may see the DRPP team at conferences, state and county fairs, teaching 4-H and FFA participants, and teaching students anywhere from elementary school all the way up to graduate level courses. Additionally, we are expanding efforts to educate people virtually through development of online trainings and videos! Check out the MDA Events Calendar to look for upcoming events with the DRPP team.
Yes! Veterinarians are required to attend continuing education courses to make sure they stay up-to-date on current veterinary practices. Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) work with practicing veterinarians throughout the state of Minnesota to improve their knowledge, specifically on why drug residues are happening in the field. This, in turn, helps veterinarians guide their clients on how to use drugs appropriately on their farms. OVETs meet with veterinarians one-on-one, in-person, and also attend conferences or other events that would allow for interaction and conversation on the topic.
Yes! We have printable fact sheets, record-keeping booklets, signs, and more. Visit Drug Residue Prevention Resources for our producer resource libraries. Many of these resources were developed as a result of talking with farmers about their needs in the field. If you are looking for resources, have a suggestion on how to improve an existing resource, or have an idea for a new resource, please reach out to one of the contacts listed on this page!
April 24, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is placing spongy moth-infested areas in Coon Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Winona under quarantine beginning May 1. A portion of each city will be quarantined, which limits the movement of woody material out of the area.
A detailed quarantine map of each area is available on the MDA website. These quarantines will be in effect from May 1, 2025, to June 15, 2026.
What does the temporary quarantine do?
- The quarantine restricts the movement of trees, branches, and woody material, including firewood, out of the area. Trees may be pruned, but all branches and woody material must stay on the property (even if limbs are chipped spongy moth eggs are still viable).
- The quarantine requires self-inspection of any equipment, household items, or vehicles that are sitting outside in the quarantined area and are being moved out of the quarantine. This includes items such as wood pallets, patio furniture, grills, as well as, campers, and boats. Residents should look for spongy moth egg masses which are tan, fuzzy masses the size of a quarter. They should scrape the egg masses off the item or leave the item where it is.
High levels of spongy moths were discovered in Coon Rapids and Grand Rapids during the MDA’s 2024 annual spongy moth survey. The spongy moth-infested area in Winona was reported to the MDA by employees at a city campground. The three areas were scheduled to be aerially managed this spring with Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), an insecticide used to kill spongy moth caterpillars and control isolated infestations. However, federal funding delays and uncertainties forced the MDA to cancel operations in these locations.
Spongy moths have caused millions of dollars in damage to forests in across eastern United States. The moths are common in Wisconsin and are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of urban and natural forests. Spongy moth feeds on over 300 different species of trees and shrubs, including many of Minnesota’s most common trees such as oak, aspen, basswood, and birch.
To provide more information, the MDA will be hosting two informational meetings.
|
In person |
Virtual |
|---|---|
|
Wednesday, April 30 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sand Creek Park Community Room |
Tuesday, April 29 noon-1 p.m. The virtual meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams. |
The MDA will be ramping up survey efforts in these areas and residents will likely notice traps placed on trees in many places. Residents are also asked to be on the lookout for any signs of spongy moths in the area. If you suspect a spongy moth infestation in your area, use the MDA’s online Report a Pest service, email reportapest@state.mn.us or call 1-888-545-6684.
###
Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us
All establishments operating under the “Equal To” Inspection Program are required to have Sanitation Standard Operating Pr
