R657-22-11. Disease Protocol

  (1) The division may:

  (a) investigate any reported disease and take any necessary action to control a contagious or infectious disease affecting domestic animals, wildlife, or public health; or

  (b) order a veterinarian or certified pathologist's report of a suspected disease at the operator's expense, and may order quarantine, immunization, testing, or other sanitary measures.

  (2)(a) The division may order the destruction and disposal of any game bird found to have an untreatable disease which poses a potential threat or health risk to domestic poultry, humans, or wildlife, as determined by the division, the Department of Agriculture, or the Department of Health.

  (b) Actions taken pursuant to Subsection (a) shall be:

  (i) at the operator's expense; and

  (ii) accomplished by following procedures acceptable to the division that ensure the disease is not transmitted to wildlife, domestic animals, or humans.

  (3)(a) Commercial hunting area operators must take reasonable precautions to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases among pen-raised game birds under their control including the requirements as provided in Subsection (b) and Section R657-22-10.

  (b) Commercial hunting area operators must obtain a statement from a veterinarian before release that the birds have tested negative for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Avian Influenza virus and Salmonella pullorum or come from a source flock that participates in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).

  (c) Commercial hunting area operators who have a current CHA certificate of registration must comply with the requirement in Subsection (b) within six months from the effective date of this rule.