SEOC, CDA Respond to Rising HPAI Threat Near Logan County Farms

Lt. Governor Primavaera, acting as governor, issued a verbal disaster declaration for an avian flu outbreak after state officials reported an increase in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center is now supporting the Colorado Department of Agriculture as the event remains active, a posture that has direct implications for Logan County poultry producers and backyard flock owners.

The Jan. 30 SEOC update records the state's operational posture: "Response Level 2: State EOC Activated with DHSEM Staff and Emergency Support Function 11: Agriculture" and "Recovery Level 1: State Recovery Task Force Activated." The same update notes that "SEOC is operational Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m." A separate state fragment dated Feb. 5 reiterated that the SEOC is actively supporting the CDA in response to the increase in HPAI.

For Logan County, the activation of Emergency Support Function 11 - agriculture - signals state coordination on animal health, movement and logistics. The SEOC's involvement typically means state-level resources and coordination are being brought to bear alongside county and Department of Agriculture efforts. The SEOC update also lists a "Colorado HPAI Situation Report | January 23, 2026" and a "Colorado CDA Website for HPAI Response" as resources for further information.

State emergency planning documents provide context for how the SEOC is operating. The State Emergency Operations Plan explains that "The SEOC is always activated, but the OEM Director determines the appropriate activation level based on the severity of the incident and the level of effort required to provide the required support and coordination." The plan notes that "The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), physically located in Centennial, CO, is the primary location from which the State provides support and coordination during a disaster or emergency," and that "The SEOC can operate in a remote or virtual mode. SEOC staff members do not have to be physically in the SEOC to work." Operational support functions such as supplies, equipment and logistics fall under the "SEOC Center Support Section," which "is responsible for ensuring supplies, equipment, administrative processes, security, maintenance, and other logistics are in place so that SEOC staff have the resources and capabilities required to perform their roles." The Colorado Business EOC is noted as the vehicle for integrating private-sector resources into response and recovery.

State incident planning also outlines higher activation steps should the situation escalate. The plan defines Level III, Level II and Level I activations; in particular, "Level I –Full activation of the SEOC with representatives from lead and supporting State departments and other agencies. Full 24 - hour a day staffing may be required." The current Level 2 posture does not indicate 24-hour staffing, but it does mean additional state departments could be brought in if needed.

The SEOC update also highlights that DHSEM "continues to provide direct support to western Colorado due to flooding and Rio Blanco County following the Lee and Elk Fires," underscoring that state response capacity is balancing multiple incidents.

What this means for readers: watch for updated guidance from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the SEOC, follow biosecurity practices recommended by state veterinarians, and expect further state coordination if the outbreak grows. Local producers and county officials should stay in close contact with CDA and DHSEM channels for operational notices and any movement restrictions or assistance programs that may be announced.