(1) The commissioner, when he has reason to suspect disease in any apiary, may examine all reported or suspected apiaries. If any contagious disease is present, he may examine all apiaries in the same locality and ascertain whether or not any contagious disease exists in the apiaries. If satisfied of the existence of any such contagious disease, the commissioner may burn, sterilize, or medically treat said apiary in strict compliance with rules and regulations pertaining thereto, or the commissioner may require the beekeeper to burn, sterilize, or medically treat said apiary.
(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.