1. (1) Groups or individuals releasing pen-reared gamebirds through regional supervisor approval or under a Gamebird Release Wildlife Document shall:

   1. (a) Obtain pen-reared gamebirds from a Commercial Gamebird Facility within Utah licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Food, or a holder of a Pen-reared Personal Possession Wildlife Document;
   2. (b) Import pen-reared gamebirds into Utah following Department of Agriculture and Food requirements in Rule R58-1; and

   3. (c) Verify negative tests from the seller with documentation or test a representative sample of birds not more than 30 days before release for:

      1. (i) Avian Influenza virus; and

      2. (ii) Salmonella pullorum-typhoid; and

         1. (A) Salmonella pullorum-typhoid testing is only required if any other domestic poultry or gamebirds on the facility did not originate from an NPIP source flock certified for Pullorum-Typhoid.
         2. (B) Avian Influenza testing is provided by the Department of Agriculture for Commercial Gamebird Facility License holders and NPIP certified flocks. The operator is responsible for conducting and funding testing if they do not meet these requirements.
      3. (v) Any additional diseases identified by the Division or Utah Department of Agriculture and Food as threats to wildlife or domestic birds if the wildlife document holder has been notified of additional requirements.
2. (2) If any birds are kept longer than 30 days, or are housed in the same facility that has contained any birds for more than 30 days, operators must obtain a statement from a veterinarian within 30 days before release, or verification of quarterly testing done by the Department of Agriculture and Food that a representative sample of birds have tested negative for the diseases listed in Section R657-4-11.

3. (3) In the case of game birds testing positive for diseases listed in Subsection (1)(c) game birds may not be brought into, out of, or released from any holding facilities before disease free status has been established.

   1. (a) Facilities are not considered to be disease free until 30 days after a negative test result is received as specified in Subsection (2).
4. (4) Testing per Subsection (2) is additionally required before release after positive disease tests.
5. (5) Additional measures may be applied as deemed appropriate by the Division in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Food.
6. (6) Any person possessing pen-reared gamebirds shall notify the Division of any large or unusual morbidity or mortality events affecting at least 25% of the flock due to infectious disease, diet, or unknown cause within 48 hours of the event. Confirmed or suspected cases of diseases listed on the Utah List of Reportable Conditions for Animals must be reported to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

KEY: wildlife, birds, game laws, aviculture

Date of Last Change: August 7, 2025

Notice of Continuation: April 4, 2022

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-5-302; 23A-2-305; 23A-2-304