Virginia Code Title 3.2. Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food § 3.2-6003. Duty of State Veterinarian when animals are suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease

A. The State Veterinarian, upon receipt of reliable information of the existence of any contagious or infectious disease among animals of the Commonwealth with potential impact on livestock or poultry, shall immediately make an evaluation that may include going to the place where such disease has been reported. The evaluation may include conducting tests of the animals believed to be affected with such disease, and ascertain, if possible, what, if any, disease exists, and whether the same is contagious or infectious.

B. Upon notice by the State Veterinarian or his representative, the owner or custodian of any animal to be evaluated shall isolate and confine the animal if necessary to accomplish the evaluation or to prevent the spread of contagious or infectious disease.