(a) In response to any outbreak of infectious disease in livestock that could threaten human health, the County Veterinarian, acting under the supervision of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture and in cooperation with the State Division of Animal Health and the County Health Officer when appropriate, may enforce all laws of the State of California and all orders and ordinances of the Board of Supervisors pertaining to that outbreak and for that purpose is hereby empowered and authorized by and with the approval of the Board of Supervisors to establish, maintain and enforce such quarantine, sanitary, testing and immunizing measures or to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be deemed proper and necessary. The County Veterinarian may also supervise examination and testing of animals or premises for the presence of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease.
(b) In the case of any outbreak of infectious disease in livestock that does not threaten human health, the County Veterinarian may request assistance for the County from the State Veterinarian, shall defer to that State official to enforce state laws, and to the extent feasible shall assist that State official. If the State Veterinarian is unable to respond, then the County Veterinarian may require examination and testing of animals or premises for the presence of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease and also investigate, make diagnosis of, and institute control measures for any suspicious case of rabies of animals reported by the Health Officer or any other person or agency. A report of such investigation shall be furnished to the Health Officer.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5726 (N.S.), effective 5-8-80; amended by Ord. No. 8358 (N.S.), effective 3-17-94; amended by Ord. No. 9663 (N.S.), effective 8-14-04; amended by Ord. No. 10098 (N.S.), effective 1-7-11; amended by Ord. No. 10238 (N.S.), effective 1-4-13)