1. (1) The commissioner, when the commissioner has reason to suspect disease in any apiary, may examine all reported or suspected apiaries. If a contagious disease is present, the commissioner may examine all apiaries in the same locality and ascertain whether or not a contagious disease exists in the apiaries. If satisfied of the existence of a contagious disease, the commissioner may burn, sterilize, or medically treat said apiary in strict compliance with rules, or the commissioner may require the beekeeper to burn, sterilize, or medically treat the apiary.
2. (2) If a dispute arises as to the diagnosis of the disease, a sample shall be taken and mailed to the nearest bee disease and investigation laboratory for positive identification. Should the occasion arise, the commissioner may preserve from destruction diseased colonies for experimental purposes.

Source: L. 73: p. 205, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 7-7-6. L. 90: (1) amended, p. 1595, § 6, effective April 3. L. 2025: (1) amended, (HB 25-1084), ch. 24, p. 113, § 74, effective August 6.