8 CCR 1201-20, pt. 1 - Introduction

Previous outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been associated with considerable economic losses for producers and increased costs to consumers and state and federal government. Losses incurred are the result of increased mortality, decreased production value, depopulation of infected flocks, disposal of carcasses, cleaning and disinfection of infected premises, disease surveillance and testing, institution of quarantine measures and loss of domestic and international trade.

Historically, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses have repeatedly been isolated from the live bird marketing (LBM) system in the United States. Although LPAI virus infections may cause little or no expression of clinical signs of illness in poultry, infections have been proven to result in decreased production, increased mortality and spread of the disease and are of significant concern. In addition, LPAI H5 and H7 subtypes have been shown to possess the potential to mutate into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtypes. Avian influenza virus outbreaks, if they occurred today, could cause serious harm to the Colorado commercial poultry industry.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is responsible for protecting the health of the state's poultry flocks and supporting an environment conducive to trade. Our global trading partners are increasingly wary of importing products from countries with avian influenza virus disease outbreaks. Such trade concerns, along with the risk of disease transmission posed by the virus circulating in the LBM system, have increased the need to prevent and control avian influenza outbreaks in the LBM system.

In order to protect Colorado poultry from avian influenza and prevent interruptions in trade, State and industry officials must cooperate to actively prevent and control LPAI or HPAI. In addition, some cases of human infections of HPAI have occurred in other countries in recent years. Therefore, human health would also benefit from a program that prevents the development of HPAI infections through the control of LPAI infections.

Premises and individual flock identification will be important to the success of this rule; therefore, the USDA Animal Disease Traceability Rule will be an aid in the administration of this rule.

The following goals of this rule apply to all participants in the LBM system, including the suppliers, dealers, haulers, auction markets, wholesalers, and live bird markets. The Colorado Live Bird Market System Program (LBMSP) recognizes three basic components of the LBM system: production units, distribution units, and LBMs.

The three primary goals of the Live Bird Market System Program are to:

1. Diagnose, control, and prevent avian influenza.

2. Help participants to improve biosecurity, sanitation, and disease control in their operations.

3. Minimize the effects of AI outbreaks on the Colorado commercial poultry industry.

Notes

8 CCR 1201-20, pt. 1

39 CR 23, December 10, 2016, effective 12/30/2016 44 CR 13, July 10, 2021, effective 7/30/2021