§ 17-2-32 NMSA 1978

The department of game and fish [department of wildlife] may restrict hunting and trapping of rabbits in any area when notified by the department of public health [department of health] that rabbits in the area are infected with bubonic plague. Any restriction under this section shall be terminated when the department of public health [department of health] notifies the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] that danger, of public health significance, no longer exists in the area with respect to these diseased rabbits.