Section 7.27.020. Control of animal diseases transmissible to humans.

	(a)  The standards for animal disease quarantine are  
		(1) if a case of rabies or other animal disease dangerous to the health of individuals is reported as existing in an area, the department may, independently or in cooperation with federal and other state agencies, investigate to determine whether the disease exists and to identify the probable area of the state in which an individual or animal is endangered by it; if the department finds that the disease exists, a quarantine may be declared against all of those animals that are designated in the quarantine order within the area specified in the order, if the quarantine is for the purpose of preventing the spread of rabies or other animal disease dangerous to the health of individuals;  
		(2) following the order of quarantine, the department may make an investigation as to the extent of the disease, the probable number of individuals and animals exposed, and the area found to be involved, if the department determines that a thorough investigation is necessary to ascertain the extent of the disease; as part of an investigation, the department may order euthanasia of one or more exposed animals if the department makes a determination that samples are required for testing and cannot otherwise be obtained;  
		(3) during the period for which any quarantine order is in force, all peace officers are empowered to euthanize, or, in their discretion, to capture and hold for further action by the department all animals in a quarantined area not held in restraint in facilities or on private premises;  
		(4) for the purposes of this subsection, "quarantine" means the strict confinement upon the owners' private premises, in a veterinarian's office or animal hospital, in an animal shelter or pound, or at other locations approved by the department, and under restraint by leash, chain, closed cage, or paddock of all animals specified by the order; "quarantine" may also include limiting access to or egress from an area that is suspected to contain or be a source of a contaminated material that could transmit the disease.  
	(b)  An animal that is required to be vaccinated against rabies is subject to the vaccination standards set out at 7 AAC 27.022. An animal that is suspected to have been exposed to the rabies virus is subject to the rabies quarantine standards set out at 7 AAC 27.022.  
	(c)  If the department determines that an animal may be carrying a disease that may be transmissible to humans and that euthanasia is necessary to conduct an investigation, the animal may be euthanized immediately.  

Authorities

18.05.010;18.05.040;18.15.355

Notes

Authority

AS 18.05.010 AS 18.05.040 AS 18.15.355

History

Eff. 6/10/62, Register 6; am 8/21/74, Register 51; am 6/21/78, Register 66; am 3/28/84, Register 89; am 1/19/96, Register 137; am 2/10/99, Register 149; am 9/29/2002, Register 163; am 12/29/2006, Register 180; am 5/3/2007, Register 182