DENVER - Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on July 5, 2024, in response to an avian flu outbreak in a commercial poultry facility in Weld County, ensuring that the state can provide the support and resources needed for Colorado’s essential agriculture industry.

This declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate State actions to assist with response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Specifically, it unlocks the resources necessary to help affected poultry facilities respond to and contain outbreaks of avian flu.

More information about the state’s response to avian flu can be found at ag.colorado.gov/HPAIresponse.