The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Avian influenza and other emerging diseases of wildlife are a serious threat to the people of California.
(b) California is home to large populations of migratory birds and other wildlife species.
(c) California is a central part of the Pacific Flyway, and a seasonal home to species of birds that migrate to and from Asia, Central America, South America, and other regions.
(d) Surveillance of wild birds and animals across the state is a key element among efforts to prevent avian influenza and other emerging wildlife diseases from harming the people and the natural resources of the state.
(e) In the interest of public health, the state shall support a surveillance program for avian influenza in wild bird and animal populations.
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 708, Sec. 1. Effective September 29, 2006.)