The following procedures shall be followed when brucellosis has been identified in a herd of cattle:

(a) An official veterinarian shall conduct an epidemiological investigation of the infected herd and premises involved in order to determine the specific methods and actions necessary to eradicate the disease from the herd.

(b) Upon request of the owner of the infected herd, the investigation provided for in subdivision (a) shall be conducted with the assistance and participation of a licensed veterinarian selected by such owner.

(c) An official epidemiological report shall be prepared which shall specify the methods and actions necessary to eradicate the disease, and shall include reasonable guidelines for timing the accomplishment of the various tasks associated with such activity.

(d) Any person who is aggrieved at any determination made pursuant to this section may appeal in writing to the director within five days after notice of such determination. The director may affirm, reverse or modify such determination after his review of the epidemiological report and the issues involved.

(e) The epidemiological report required by subdivision (c) shall become the basis for a memorandum of understanding which shall be developed between the owner of the infected herd and the department covering the following points:

(1) Herd management practices that will be employed to facilitate the disease eradication effort.

(2) Any physical facilities modification that will be required in the eradication effort.

(3) Specific dates for accomplishing the various tasks required in the eradication effort.

This memorandum of understanding may be developed with the participation of a licensed veterinarian if such veterinarian participated in the epidemiological investigation pursuant to subdivision (b).

(Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 646.)