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NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food
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Division of Animal Industry

The Division of Animal Industry is responsible for prevention and control of infectious diseases of livestock and poultry for the benefit of public health and the economy.

horse in pasture

Conducted through testing, vaccination and regulation of entry of animals and poultry into New Hampshire, the goal is protection of people, livestock and poultry from illness. An added benefit of disease free animals is stable production costs, which relate directly to the cost of associated food products.

The division is also responsible for regulating transfer of animals customarily used as household pets. As well, the division is available to police as subject matter experts in their enforcement of the animal welfare and abuse laws. The division shares oversight of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the University of New Hampshire used by veterinarians in the state to identify animal health problems. The state veterinarian, who also serves as deputy commissioner to the department, administers the division.

Import information for animals coming into New Hampshire

  • To find out the requirements to send an animal into New Hampshire or from New Hampshire to another state, check the USDA State and Territory Animal Import Regulations website, check InterstateLivestock.com, or call the Division of Animal Industry at (603) 271-2404.
  • To find out the requirements to send an animal to another country, check the USDA Import and Export website or call 518-218-7540.

Livestock and Poultry License Applications

highland cow in pasture

Animal Health and Welfare Information

436:33 Notice to Commissioner. - Whenever a local board of health or its executive officer, veterinarian, selectman or any person has notice of or suspects the existence of any of the diseases named in RSA 436:31, or other contagious or infectious diseases among domestic animals, such board of health or person shall immediately notify the commissioner in writing, stating the grounds for such belief or suspicion. Any owner suspecting the existence of any such disease among his domestic animals shall immediately notify the commissioner in writing of such fact.

Related Links

Portable Document Format SymbolPortable Document Format (.pdf). Visit nh.gov for a list of free .pdf readers for a variety of operating systems.


NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food
Mailing: PO Box 2042, Concord NH 03302 -2042
Physical: 25 Capitol Street, Second Floor, Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3551 | fax: (603) 271-1109