(A) When in the judgment of the commission a serious threat, or the potential for it, to the health of the state livestock-poultry industry exists, it may impose an immediate quarantine upon the affected livestock or poultry, or both, or other means whereby the disease may be transmitted or take other appropriate measures. The owner, or his agent, of the livestock or poultry or alternatively the owner or operator of the facility where the livestock or poultry is located or the transport operator must be notified of the exact geographic limit of the quarantine, the means or facilities involved, the anticipated length of the quarantine, and tests or remedial measures known and required. The quarantine is effective as of the date and time of actual notice to the parties provided in this subsection and must be confirmed in writing. The quarantine may be released in writing only by the commission.

(B) A person who moves or causes to be moved quarantined livestock or poultry from its quarantine location without prior written approval of the commission is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished in accordance with Section 47-4-130.

(C) An authorized representative of the commission may cause suspected diseased livestock or poultry to be segregated from healthy livestock or poultry and withheld from sale pending a final decision by an accredited veterinarian. Segregated animals must not be removed from the premise until the decision is made or other arrangements are made satisfactory to the commission.

(D) The authority to quarantine extends to livestock and poultry contaminated by radioactivity or another cause or source which presents significant health hazard to humans or other livestock and poultry.

(E) A person providing goods, services, tests, or premises for use by quarantined livestock or poultry has a lien upon the livestock or poultry for the reasonable value of the goods, services, tests, or use of premises.

(F) Livestock or poultry quarantined for lack of proper health certification and not claimed by the consignor, consignee, or owner within ten days after notification of clearance is deemed to be abandoned and must be disposed of by sale at the next sale at the nearest market in accordance with standard market procedures. After satisfaction of all charges, liens, fees, or other costs, the balance of the proceeds must be held in escrow pending written agreement between the consignor, consignee, or owner or court order.

HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 362, Section 1, eff May 3, 1994.