Colorado state vet supports extending HPAI emergency rules

The Colorado Agricultural Commission approved the recommendation of the commissioner of agriculture and state veterinarian to let the Emergency Rule on poultry shows expire on June 30. The rule was originally adopted on March 30 by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Kate Greenberg. Responding to increased cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), it suspends all poultry shows, including meets, sales, swaps and competitions. The State Veterinarian’s office encourages poultry owners to still take precautionary measures and has issued HPAI Guidance for Poultry Shows, Swaps, and Commingling Events.

“While this rule will expire, the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office recommends that all poultry shows, sales, swaps and commingling events continue to be postponed or canceled at this time,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. “HPAI has affected more than 40 million domestic birds nationwide, and more than 3.5 million chickens in Colorado alone, and we are asking all Colorado bird owners to practice good biosecurity measures, including limiting exposure of domestic flocks to wild birds and other poultry flocks and limiting introduction of new birds into their flocks.” Read more