Virginia Code Title 3.2. Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food § 3.2-6015. Cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent contagious or infectious diseases

The Governor is authorized to accept, on behalf of the state, the rules and regulations prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under and in pursuance of section three of an act of Congress approved May 29, 1884, entitled “An act for the establishment of a bureau of animal industry, to prevent the exportation of diseased cattle and to provide means for the suppression and extirpation of pleuropneumonia and other contagious diseases among domestic animals,” and to cooperate with the authorities of the United States in the enforcement of the provisions of the act.

The inspectors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture shall have the right of inspection, quarantine, and condemnation of animals affected with any contagious or infectious diseases, or suspected to be so affected, or that have been exposed to any such disease, and for these purposes are authorized and empowered to enter upon any ground or premises. Such inspectors shall have the power to call on sheriffs and peace officers to assist them in the discharge of their duties in carrying out the provisions of the act of Congress aforesaid, and it is made the duty of sheriffs and peace officers to assist such inspectors when so requested, and such inspectors shall have the same powers and protection as peace officers while engaged in the discharge of their duties.

All expenses of quarantine, condemnation of animals exposed to disease, and the expenses of any and all measures that may be used to suppress and extirpate pleuropneumonia shall be paid by the United States, and in no case shall the Commonwealth be liable for any damages or expenses of any kind under the provisions of this section.