Isolation of infective animals, examination by Veterinary Surgeon etc.

(1) Where an Inspector has reason to believe that any animal is infective, he may, by order in writing, direct the owner or person in charge of such animal to keep it where it is for the time being, or to remove it or allow it to be removed to such place of isolation or segregation as may be specified in the order: Provided that where there is no person in charge of the animal and the owner is unknown or the order cannot be communicated to him without undue delay, the Inspector may seize the animal and remove it to a place of isolation or segregation. (2) The Inspector shall forthwith report to the Veterinary Surgeon every order or seizure made under sub-section (1). (3) On receipt of a report under sub-section (2), the Veterinary Surgeon shall as soon as possible examine the animal and all animals with which it has been in contact or to which it has been in close proximity, and for this purpose may submit any animal to any test which may be prescribed in this behalf. (4) (a) If after such examination the Veterinary Surgeon is of opinion that any animal is not infective, the Inspector shall forthwith return it to the person who in his opinion is entitled to its possession: Provided that where such person cannot in the opinion of the Inspector be found after reasonable inquiry, he shall send the animal to the nearest cattle pound or deal with it in such other manner as may be prescribed. (b) If after such examination the Veterinary Surgeon certifies in writing that any animal is affected with rinderpest the Inspector shall destroy the animal or deal with it in such other manner as may be prescribed. (c) If after such examination the Veterinary Surgeon certifies in writing that any animal is infective though not affected with rinderpest, the animal shall be subjected to such treatment, if any, and be otherwise dealt with in such manner as may be prescribed.