Here, we provide timely and essential information to keep you informed about urgent matters that impact our local community. Stay up to date on upcoming events, safety notices, resource availability, and critical local developments.
Colorado Animal Health & Biosecurity Updates
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) recently reported detections of HPAI in two wild birds — the first cases we’ve seen in several months. Nationally, there’s been an uptick in both backyard and commercial poultry cases across the upper Midwest, northern states, and Utah.
Now is the time to prepare your poultry stakeholders for another active season through the winter.
– The Extension Foundation has shared a variety of helpful biosecurity resources for poultry producers.
– Additional guidance and updates are available on the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website.
New World Screwworm (NWS)
There are no changes in import regulations for cattle, bison, or horses from Mexico. A second case of NWS was confirmed in Nuevo León, approximately 100 miles south of the previous detection site.
See the latest map update here. Please note that timely updates and detailed data may be limited for now.
Additionally, Zoetis has received conditional approval for an NWS prevention and treatment product.
Other Diseases of Note
- Anthrax cases have been reported in North Dakota — a timely reminder for producers in areas of Colorado where it has been seen before.
- If you have concerns about a reportable disease, visit the CDA’s newly updated Veterinary Medical Officer contact map to connect with your regional representative.
Upcoming Local & Regional Events
- October 21: CCA Ag Water Network Webinar — Recovering from Rangeland Fire (featuring Retta Bruegger!) → Register here
- October 24: Eastern Colorado Grassland Coalition Soil Health & Ranching Educational Workshop, Kit Carson → Register here
- October 30–November 5: U.S. Animal Health Association Annual Meeting, Denver → More information here
- November 18–19: Virtual Stockmanship & Stewardship Event → Register here
Wildfire + Disaster
After the Disaster Guidebook
Disasters can happen to anyone at any time. Being prepared and knowing your resources are key to recovery. Here is the link to San Miguel County/ CSU Extension After the Disaster Guidebook.
Recording of Wildfire Workshop held in Norwood, March 8th
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i_0m1sAWatdM7PicES1AjBPc45a4R2Rp/view?usp=drive_link
Wildfire Resilience Workshop: Post – Attendee Resources
Workshop Resources:
- Horse Alert: A resource to protect your livestock in case of wildfires. Visit Horse Alert
- West Region Wildfire Site Visits: Free site visits for San Miguel County residents. Learn more at West Region Wildfire Site Visits
- Wildfire Preparedness Video: What to do when wildfire is near your home, available on YouTube: What to Do When Wildfire is Near Home
- Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board: Check out the draft core and map, and provide comments: WRCB Draft Core and Map
- West Region Wildfire Council Newsletters: Stay informed by signing up here: West Region Wildfire Council Newsletters
- Donate to West Region Wildfire Council: Support the efforts of the West Region Wildfire Council here: Donate to West Region Wildfire Council
- Firehouse Consultations: Firehouses in the region offer free advice on wildfire mitigation—take advantage of this valuable resource!
- Visible Address Sign: Make sure your property has a visible address sign. Home Depot offers reflective fire retardant stickers for addresses. We also found some online.
Emergency Alerts & Preparedness:
- SMC Alerts: Opt-in for geo-targeted alerts for San Miguel County: SMC Alerts
- Reachwell App: Provides alerts in over 100 languages. Search for San Miguel County here: Reachwell App
- Go Bags List: Make sure you’re prepared with the essentials: people, pets/livestock, prescriptions, personal computers, photos and memorabilia, plastic and paperwork (birth certificates, passports, car titles, property deeds), and phone.
- Ready.gov: For disaster preparedness guidelines: Ready.gov
- CDC Pet Disaster Kit: Don’t forget your pets in your emergency plan. Find the checklist here: CDC Pet Disaster Kit
- Ready, Set, Go! Program: Find the Action Guide in both English and Spanish: Ready, Set, Go! Program
- San Miguel County Emergency Management: Contact OEM for emergency management in San Miguel and West Montrose Counties: oem@sanmiguelsheriff.org, 970-369-8628
Stay Connected
For further updates, be sure to check back frequently. We will post important news, safety tips, and other community-driven updates as they arise.
If you have any urgent concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the San Miguel Basin Extension Office. Our team is here to help.
San Miguel Basin Extension Office Contact Information:
- Phone: (970) 327-4393
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM