§ 106-399.4. Imminent threat of contagious animal disease; emergency measures and procedures. - North Carolina Statutes

Part 9. Control of LivestockDiseases.

§ 106‑399.4.  Imminentthreat of contagious animal disease; emergency measures and procedures.

(a)        When determined bythe State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agricultureand with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat withinthe State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for veryserious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public healthconsequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animalsand animal products, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative maydevelop and implement any emergency measures and procedures that the StateVeterinarian determines necessary to prevent and control the animal disease.

(b)        Written notice ofemergency procedures and measures implemented under this section, including anidentification of the disease threat and a description of any potentiallyinfected area and animal, shall be mailed or delivered to news media, farmorganizations, agriculture agencies, and any other interested or affectedparties as determined by the State Veterinarian. Such emergency procedures andmeasures may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on thetransportation of any potentially infected animals, restrictions on thetransportation of agriculture products and other commodities into and out ofpotentially infected areas, restrictions on access to potentially infectedareas, quarantines under G.S. 106‑401(a), emergency disinfectant andother control measures at all portals of entry into the State, includingairports, ports, and other transportation corridors, and any other measuresnecessary to prevent and control the threat of disease infection.

(c)        All State agenciesand political subdivisions of the State shall cooperate with the implementationof the emergency procedures and measures developed under this section. AllState agencies and political subdivisions of the State shall comply with theemergency procedures and measures developed under this section.

(d)        When determined bythe State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agricultureand with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat withinthe State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for veryserious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public healthconsequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animalsand animal products, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative mayenter any property in the State to examine any animal that the StateVeterinarian has reasonable grounds to believe is infected with or exposed to acontagious animal disease. The owner or operator of the premises on which theanimal is located shall permit entry on the premises by the State Veterinarianor an authorized representative and shall cooperate with the State Veterinarianor an authorized representative. The provisions of G.S. 106‑401(a) withrespect to obtaining an emergency order do not apply to this subsection.  (2001‑12, s. 1; 2003‑6,s. 1; 2005‑21, s. 1; 2009‑103, s. 1.)