Emergency

Colorado State Veterinarian Now Requiring HPAI Testing of Commercial Dairy Cow Operations

In an effort to curb further spread of the HPAI virus and implement additional control measures to protect the dairy and poultry industries and public health in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is implementing mandatory statewide surveillance for all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) licensed commercial cow dairies. This action will help identify any additional infected dairies with the virus with the goal of preventing further spread of the disease.

Colorado Ag Commission Approves Avian Influenza Emergency Rule

Yesterday, the Colorado Agricultural Commission approved, and Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg adopted an emergency rule to help limit the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Colorado. Since the initial detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in March 2024, the virus has spread to dairies in at least nine states, including Colorado.

Is your farm or ranch prepared if disaster strikes? Learn how to prep for emergencies.

In the 1980s, G.I. Joe: Real American Hero animated TV series concluded each cartoon episode with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for children: “Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!” 

Emergency preparedness and disaster management for a farm, ranch, or ag business follows that same mantra. If you know how to prepare, respond, and recover from an animal disease incursion or a natural disaster like flooding or wildfire, then you just need to follow your plan and act accordingly. 

CDA Hires First-Ever Permanent Ag Emergency Coordinator to Lead Crisis Response Team for Disasters Impacting Rural Colorado

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired Dan Frazen to serve as the Agriculture Emergency Coordinator for Colorado, a position CDA created this year after approval by the legislature to build out the Department’s emergency response capabilities. In this new position, Frazen will lead the Department’s response to all-hazards incidents that impact agricultural communities and coordinate with other government agencies and stakeholders for all phases of disaster management.