106-399.4. Imminent threat of contagious animal disease; emergency measures and procedures.

(a) When determined by the State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat within the State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for very serious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public health consequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative may develop and implement any emergency measures and procedures that the State Veterinarian determines necessary to prevent and control the animal disease. Any emergency measure or procedure relating to composting of dead domesticated animals pursuant to this Part shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1(b) and it shall not be necessary for the Department of Environmental Quality to issue individual permits.

(b) Written notice of emergency procedures and measures implemented under this section, including an identification of the disease threat and a description of any potentially infected area and animal, shall be mailed or delivered to news media, farm organizations, agriculture agencies, and any other interested or affected parties as determined by the State Veterinarian. Such emergency procedures and measures may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the transportation of any potentially infected animals, restrictions on the transportation of agriculture products and other commodities into and out of potentially infected areas, restrictions on access to potentially infected areas, quarantines under G.S. 106-401(a), emergency disinfectant and other control measures at all portals of entry into the State, including airports, ports, and other transportation corridors, and any other measures necessary to prevent and control the threat of disease infection.

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

(d) When determined by the State Veterinarian, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and with the approval of the Governor, that there is an imminent threat within the State of a contagious animal disease that has the potential for very serious and rapid spread, is of serious socioeconomic and public health consequence, or is of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products, the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative may enter any property in the State to examine any animal that the State Veterinarian has reasonable grounds to believe is infected with or exposed to a contagious animal disease. The owner or operator of the premises on which the animal is located shall permit entry on the premises by the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative and shall cooperate with the State Veterinarian or an authorized representative. The provisions of G.S. 106-401(a) with respect to obtaining an emergency order do not apply to this subsection.