Missouri Revised Statutes Title XVII. Agriculture and Animals § 267.600. Animals under test or investigation not to be removed--holding period permitted, when

1. Animals, livestock or birds under test or investigation for a contagious and infectious disease or condition may not be removed from the premises until the results of the tests are known and the owner of such animals, livestock or birds receives a record of the test from the veterinarian certifying that the animals or birds are free of the disease or specified condition and until any infected animals or birds are sold for slaughter on permit and as may be required by the state veterinarian, or until such animals or birds are recovered and incapable of spreading the disease or condition or until the animals or birds in the herd or flock have been released by the state veterinarian or his representative. The method of eradicating the disease or condition shall be at the discretion of the state veterinarian and in accordance with such procedures as may be outlined by the state veterinarian or his representative.

2. The state veterinarian or his or her representative may implement a holding period for the premises  1 until the investigation and confirmation of the contagious and infectious disease or condition is completed.

3. Once investigation and testing is complete, animals or birds shall be released from the holding period or placed under permanent quarantine by the state veterinarian or his or her representative.