Press Release

State Vet Confirms First Equine West Nile Virus Case of 2021

A horse residing in Weld County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV), marking Colorado’s first confirmed equine WNV case in 2021. The horse, which had not been vaccinated against WNV, developed acute neurological signs on July 24, 2021 and is currently recovering.  

USDA Approves Half Million Dollar Grant to Support Rural Mental Health in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is pleased to announce it has received $500,000 from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to support the vitality and mental wellbeing of Colorado's agricultural workers and producers through community-based efforts to manage the increasing stresses on our agricultural communities.

State Fair Seeks First Ever Statewide Youth Master Showmanship Champion

The Colorado State Fair, known for classic events like livestock and horse shows, is adding a new competition to its roster this year: the inaugural Colorado Master Showmanship Competition. The competition will give 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and versatility as they show five different livestock species and take a written exam demonstrating their industry knowledge of each species and overall agricultural expertise. 

Ag Stimulus Funding Listening Sessions This Week

After a record-setting $76 million in funds was appropriated to the Colorado Department of Agriculture as part of the Colorado Comeback stimulus, the Department is seeking input from stakeholders on how to invest the funding. 

Eat Local: Guide to Colorado-grown products in 2021 Farm Fresh Directory

As Coloradans look forward to returning to typical summer activities, farmers’ markets and fresh produce stands are once again becoming the top destinations for outdoor excursions. The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s 37th annual Colorado Farm Fresh Directory helps consumers find farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, and more.

Adams county horse tests positive for rabies

The Colorado Departments of Agriculture and Public Health and Environment, in collaboration with Tri-County Health Department, have confirmed that a miniature horse in Adams county has tested positive for rabies. This is the second case of rabies in domestic livestock in Colorado this year; the first case was a mule in January in Eagle County. Before this year, the last equine rabies case in Colorado was documented in 2013.

Shortly after the miniature horse was euthanized, a skunk acting strangely was found and euthanized on the premises and also tested positive.