3.2-6015 - Cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent contagious or infectious diseases.
§ 3.2-6015. Cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture to preventcontagious or infectious diseases.
The Governor is authorized to accept, on behalf of the state, the rules andregulations prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under and inpursuance of section three of an act of Congress approved May 29, 1884,entitled "An act for the establishment of a bureau of animal industry, toprevent the exportation of diseased cattle and to provide means for thesuppression and extirpation of pleuropneumonia and other contagious diseasesamong domestic animals," and to cooperate with the authorities of the UnitedStates in the enforcement of the provisions of the act.
The inspectors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture shall have the right ofinspection, quarantine, and condemnation of animals affected with anycontagious or infectious diseases, or suspected to be so affected, or thathave been exposed to any such disease, and for these purposes are authorizedand empowered to enter upon any ground or premises. Such inspectors shallhave the power to call on sheriffs and peace officers to assist them in thedischarge of their duties in carrying out the provisions of the act ofCongress aforesaid, and it is made the duty of sheriffs and peace officers toassist such inspectors when so requested, and such inspectors shall have thesame powers and protection as peace officers while engaged in the dischargeof their duties.
All expenses of quarantine, condemnation of animals exposed to disease, andthe expenses of any and all measures that may be used to suppress andextirpate pleuropneumonia shall be paid by the United States, and in no caseshall the Commonwealth be liable for any damages or expenses of any kindunder the provisions of this section.
(Code 1950, § 3-16; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-739.1; 2008, c. 860.)