Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Crimes and Offenses § 5549. Assault with a biological agent on animal, fowl or honey bees

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a felony of the second degree if the person intentionally, knowingly or maliciously exposes or causes to be exposed an animal, fowl or honey bees to a virus, bacteria, prion or other agent which causes infectious disease, including any of the following:

(1) Foot-and-mouth disease.

(2) Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.

(3) Avian influenza.

(4) Varroa mite.

(b) Restitution.--The person convicted of violating this section shall, in addition to any other sentence imposed, be sentenced to pay the owner of the afflicted animal, fowl or honey bees restitution in an amount equal to the cost of the financial damages incurred as a result of the offense, including the following:

(1) Value of afflicted animal, fowl or honey bees.

(2) Disposal of afflicted animal, fowl or honey bees.

(3) Testing for disease on existing animal.

(4) Cleanup and sanitization of property and buildings on and in which afflicted animals, fowl or honey bees were located.

(5) Liability insurance for cleanup and sanitization workers.

(6) Soil testing of property.

(7) Loss of revenue for the aggrieved owner of afflicted animal, fowl or honey bees.

(c) Exceptions.--The provisions of this section shall not apply to research or veterinarian services, including immunizations, vaccinations or other treatments administered during the normal scope of practice.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Crimes and Offenses § 5549. Assault with a biological agent on animal, fowl or honey bees - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-18-pacsa-crimes-and-offenses/pa-csa-sect-18-5549/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard