(a) The department may, with the approval of the Governor, cooperate with officials of the United States Department of Agriculture or with officials of other states in the conduct of pest or disease investigations outside of this state in the interest of the protection of the agricultural industry of this state from any pest or disease which is not generally distributed in this state.

(b) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture to carry out a program for the prevention and control of avian influenza. The department shall, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, adopt any regulations necessary to implement program requirements set out in the agreement.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 104. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)