                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DUTY OF STATE VETERINARIAN WHEN ANIMALS ARE SUSPECTED OF HAVING A CONTAGIOUS OR
INFECTIOUS DISEASE (§ 3.2-6003)

A. The State Veterinarian, upon receipt of reliable information of the existence
of any contagious or infectious disease among animals of the Commonwealth with
potential impact on livestock or poultry, shall immediately make an evaluation
that may include going to the place where such disease has been reported. The
evaluation may include conducting tests of the animals believed to be affected
with such disease, and ascertain, if possible, what, if any, disease exists, and
whether the same is contagious or infectious.

B. Upon notice by the State Veterinarian or his representative, the owner or
custodian of any animal to be evaluated shall isolate and confine the animal if
necessary to accomplish the evaluation or to prevent the spread of contagious or
infectious disease.

C. 1. If a disease is found to be contagious or infectious, the State
Veterinarian, or his representative, may adopt and enforce quarantine lines and
regulations and shall enforce such cleaning and disinfection as may be deemed
necessary to prevent the spread of such disease. Quarantine lines and
regulations, when adopted, shall supersede any similar provisions made by the
governing body of any county under the provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 15.2-1200 et
seq.) of Title 15.2.

   2. The State Veterinarian may issue and enforce a proclamation limiting live
   animal sales and events or the movement of manure, bedding, equipment,
   vehicles, or other material that may be infectious to prevent the spread of
   contagious or infectious diseases to livestock and poultry.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 3-569; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-727; 2008, c. 860.