The Florida Senate

585.001  Definitions.

585.002  Department control; continuance of powers, duties, rules, orders, etc.

585.003  Power of department to enter private premises for purpose of inspection, testing, etc.

585.004  Department charged with enforcement of law; duties of state attorneys.

585.005  Courts have power to enforce provisions by mandamus or injunction.

585.006  Interference with department employees.

585.007  Violation of rules; violation of chapter.

585.001  Definitions.--In construing this chapter, where the context permits, the term "department" means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

History.--s. 2, ch. 90-321; s. 48, ch. 92-291.

585.002  Department control; continuance of powers, duties, rules, orders, etc.--

(1)  This chapter shall be enforced by and under the control of the department as provided in chapter 570.

(2)  The department shall have and exercise all the powers, jurisdiction, duties, and authority previously exercised by, or required of, the Florida Livestock Board, and the provisions of this chapter.

(3)  The department, to the exclusion of all other state agencies, shall have regulatory authority over the possession, control, care, and maintenance of ostriches, emus, and rheas domesticated and confined for commercial farming purposes, except those kept and maintained primarily for exhibition purposes in zoos, carnivals, circuses, and other establishments where such species are kept for display to the public.

(4)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter.

(5)  The department shall, by rule, establish a fee schedule to cover the approximate costs associated with carrying out the provisions of this chapter. This shall include establishment of fees for provision of health forms, required certificates, certifications, permits, quality assurance programs, and services. No individual fee shall exceed $200, except that the fee for carrying out the quarantine requirements relating to horses imported from countries where contagious equine metritis exists shall not exceed $1,500. These fees shall be deposited in the department's General Inspection Trust Fund.

History.--s. 2, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 78-95; s. 3, ch. 90-321; s. 31, ch. 92-180; s. 49, ch. 92-291; s. 1, ch. 93-223; s. 1, ch. 94-272; s. 194, ch. 98-200; s. 32, ch. 2002-295.

Note.--Former s. 585.011.

585.003  Power of department to enter private premises for purpose of inspection, testing, etc.--

(1)  For the purpose of carrying out the provisions and requirements of this chapter, and all rules made pursuant thereto, the department, through its duly authorized employees, is empowered to enter upon any grounds or premises in this state to:

(a)  Inspect, test, dip, identify, treat, destroy, quarantine, disinfect, or conduct such other required procedures as are contemplated by this chapter;

(b)  Examine any records or documents which facilitate efforts to determine locations where an animal may have been during the previous 120 days for the purpose of animal disease control eradication programs over which any authority is conferred by law upon the department; or

(c)  Carry out any other provisions of this chapter.

(2)  After reasonable notice from the department or the department's representative, owners or agents having jurisdiction over animals shall present them for such procedures as contemplated by this chapter in accordance with the directions of the department's representative.

History.--s. 16, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2116; CGL 3343; s. 25, ch. 59-457; s. 2, ch. 87-151; s. 4, ch. 90-321; s. 55, ch. 91-220; s. 3, ch. 91-294.

Note.--Former s. 585.35.

585.004  Department charged with enforcement of law; duties of state attorneys.--The department shall see that the provisions of this chapter are carried out. The department may require the state attorney in any circuit or county to institute suits, civil or criminal, for the purpose of enforcing or carrying out the terms of this chapter and the rules of the department, or preventing violations thereof. Any person or officer charged with any duty under this chapter may be compelled to perform the same by mandamus, injunction, or other extraordinary remedy upon the application and in the name of the department. Injunction shall issue without bond.

History.--s. 13, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2113; CGL 3342; s. 26, ch. 59-457; s. 8, ch. 61-408; s. 26, ch. 73-334; s. 5, ch. 90-321.

Note.--Former s. 585.36.

585.005  Courts have power to enforce provisions by mandamus or injunction.--The circuit courts of this state shall have the power to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter and any rule of the department by mandamus, or temporary or permanent injunction, or both, upon the application of the director, against any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter or any such rule.

History.--s. 20, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2118; CGL 3344; s. 27, ch. 59-457; s. 6, ch. 90-321.

Note.--Former s. 585.37.

585.006  Interference with department employees.--Any person who forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, prevents, impedes, or interferes with a duly authorized inspector or representative of the department in the execution of his or her duties under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 16, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 5552; s. 4, ch. 8508, 1921; CGL 7738; s. 29, ch. 59-457; s. 605, ch. 71-136; s. 7, ch. 90-321; s. 932, ch. 97-103.

Note.--Former s. 585.39.

585.007  Violation of rules; violation of chapter.--

(1)  Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter or any rule of the department shall be subject to the imposition of an administrative fine of up to $10,000 for each offense. Upon repeated violation, the department may seek enforcement pursuant to s. 120.69.

(2)  Unless otherwise provided, any person violating the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 19, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 5554; s. 6, ch. 8508, 1921; CGL 7740; s. 10, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 7742(4); s. 34, ch. 59-457; s. 607, ch. 71-136; s. 3, ch. 87-151; s. 8, ch. 90-321.

Note.--Former s. 585.41.

585.01  Definitions.

585.08  General powers of the department; rules.

585.09  Procedure for condemnation of animals and property by department.

585.105  Purchase, distribution, and administration of approved brucella vaccine.

585.11  Cooperation with United States authorities and United States Department of Agriculture accredited private veterinarians.

585.14  Information concerning animal diseases.

585.145  Control of animal diseases.

585.147  Permit for transporting or hauling certain animals or animal products; vehicle and container requirements.

585.15  Dangerous transmissible disease or pest a public nuisance.

585.155  Whole-herd and calf vaccination.

585.16  Powers of division in connection with certain diseases.

585.17  Care of animals with transmissible diseases and liability therefor.

585.18  Duty to report diseased animals.

585.19  Duty of practitioners of veterinary medicine and owners of animals to report dangerous transmissible diseases or pests; penalty.

585.20  Injection of pathogenic organisms into animals.

585.21  Sale of biological products.

585.22  Public notice of general quarantines.

585.23  Owners of animals and premises under quarantine to comply with rules.

585.38  Injuring property used in the eradication of diseases of animals, etc.

585.40  Violation of quarantine regulations.

585.45  Right to declaratory judgment.

585.48  Policy and purpose of ss. 585.50-585.59.

585.50  Garbage feeding prohibited unless sterilized.

585.51  Permitting of feeders of garbage.

585.52  Requirement regarding the collection, transportation, and distribution of garbage.

585.53  Permit revocation.

585.59  Penalties for violation.

585.61  Animal disease diagnostic laboratories.

585.671  Control and eradication of equine infectious anemia and equine piroplasmosis.

585.68  Animals suspected of harboring biological or chemical residues; inspection, testing, and restriction of premises and animals; notice to owners.

585.01  Definitions.--In construing this part, where the context permits, the word, phrase, or term:

(1)  "Approved brucella vaccine" means a Brucella abortus immunization product approved and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for injection into cattle and bison to enhance their resistance to brucellosis infection.

(2)  "Beef cattle" means animals of the genus Bos of various breeds which are raised primarily for the production of meat.

(3)  "Biological products" means all viruses, serums, toxins, and analogous products of natural or synthetic origin, such as diagnostics, antitoxins, vaccines, live microorganisms, killed microorganisms, and the antigenic or immunizing components of microorganisms intended for use in the diagnoses, treatment, or prevention of diseases of animals and sometimes referred to as biologics, biologicals, or products.

(4)  "Biological or chemical residues" means potentially harmful substances and their metabolites not normally present in animal tissues, which result from treatment or exposure to a pesticide, organic or inorganic compound, hormone, hormone-like substance, growth promoter, antibiotic, anthelmintic, tranquilizer, vaccine, or other therapeutic or prophylactic agent.

(5)  "Carcass" means the body of any animal which dies other than by slaughter, or any part of such animal.

(6)  "Cattle" means any bull, steer, ox, cow, heifer, calf, or any other bovine animal.

(7)  "Dairy cattle" means animals of the genus Bos of various breeds which are raised primarily for the production of milk or milk products.

(8)  "Director" means the director of the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The director is also known as the State Veterinarian, the Chief Animal Health Official of the state, and the Chief Livestock Regulatory Official of the state.

(9)  "Division" means the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(10)  "Domestic animal" shall include any equine or bovine animal, goat, sheep, swine, domestic cat, dog, poultry, ostrich, emu, rhea, or other domesticated beast or bird. The term "animal," as used in this chapter, shall include wild or game animals whenever necessary to effectively control or eradicate dangerous transmissible diseases or pests which threaten the agricultural interests of the state.

(11)  "Emergency" means any situation in which the department has declared a pest, a communicable, contagious, or infectious disease of animals, or the presence of biological or chemical residue to be a public nuisance or any situation in which, in the opinion of the department, a pest, disease, or residue endangers or threatens the animals or citizens of the state.

(12)  "Garbage" means all refuse matter, animal or vegetable, byproducts of a restaurant, kitchen, or slaughterhouse; and shall include every accumulation of animal, fruit, or vegetable matter, liquid, or otherwise. "Garbage" shall also include "swill" as commonly used; provided, however, "garbage" shall not include fruit or vegetable matter which does not contain or has not been in contact or mixed with meat or meat parts.

(13)  "Livestock" means grazing animals, such as cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, other hoofed animals, ostriches, emus, and rheas which are raised for private use or commercial purposes.

(14)  "Owner" shall include any owner, custodian, or other person in charge of any animal, domestic or otherwise.

(15)  "Pathogenic organisms" means microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, etc., capable of causing diseases in animals or humans. "Virulent organisms" are pathogenic organisms that are extremely dangerous and are characterized by being highly contagious.

(16)  "Quarantine" means a strict isolation imposed on animals, or premises or other defined geographic areas, to prevent the spread of disease or pests.

(17)  "Technical council" means the Animal Industry Technical Council.

(18)  "Transmissible," "communicable," "contagious," and "infectious" all refer to diseases which are readily transferred between or among animals in a group or to susceptible animals in proximity to diseased animals. Such transference may be directly from one animal to another, by contact with objects contaminated by disease-causing agents, or by insect (vector) transmission of disease-causing agents from diseased animals into susceptible animals or humans.

(19)  "Violative levels" means levels above the tolerances established by the United States Food and Drug Administration or the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as adopted by department rule.

History.--s. 5, ch. 9201, 1923; s. 2, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3321, 3323(2); s. 1, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 1, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 246, ch. 71-377; s. 1, ch. 78-57; s. 10, ch. 90-321; s. 4, ch. 91-294; s. 1, ch. 92-206; s. 50, ch. 92-291; s. 63, ch. 93-169; s. 8, ch. 96-231; s. 1188, ch. 97-103.

585.08  General powers of the department; rules.--The Division of Animal Industry is authorized to:

(1)  Establish, maintain, and enforce quarantine areas within the state, or the entire state. The department may restrict, regulate, or prohibit the movement or transportation of animals found, determined, or suspected by it to be carriers of any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, or of the vectors of such disease, into, from, and within such quarantine areas, when necessary for the prevention, control, or eradication of any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease among domestic or wild animals, or for carrying out any of the other purposes of this chapter.

(2)  Adopt, amend, repeal, and enforce rules:

(a)  Governing the introduction of animals into or within the state, which rules, when deemed necessary by the department, may require that all animals moved into the state be covered by an official certificate of veterinary inspection and requisite test chart approved by the chief livestock regulatory official of the state or country of origin; and

(b)  Governing the disposal or destruction of carcasses of animals which are condemned or die from or while afflicted with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, in such manner as to prevent the spread or continuance of the contagion or infection.

(3)  Condemn and destroy any animal affected with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, or which has been exposed to and is liable to spread any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease.

(4)  Condemn and destroy any barn, yard, shed, corral, or pen which, in the opinion of the department, is liable to convey infection or contagion.

(5)  Condemn and destroy any animal that is liable to spread any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease based upon sound epidemiological facts and conclusions to prevent the further spread of disease when a state or agricultural declaration of emergency has been declared by the Governor or the Commissioner of Agriculture.

History.--ss. 5, 11, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2105, 2110, 2111; s. 6, ch. 9201, 1923; CGL 3322, 3323(6), 3339, 3340; ss. 5, 6, ch. 17273, 1935; s. 4, ch. 23775, 1947; s. 2, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 3, ch. 59-457; s. 1, ch. 61-408; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-257; s. 1, ch. 87-151; s. 11, ch. 90-321; s. 9, ch. 96-231; s. 33, ch. 2002-295.

585.09  Procedure for condemnation of animals and property by department.--Condemnation and destruction of animals, barns, yards, sheds, corrals, and pens, as provided in s. 585.08, shall take place only after a fair appraisal of the value of the property. The value shall be determined by the department and the owner; provided, however, should the department and the owner be unable to agree on a value, the value shall then be determined by three disinterested appraisers, one to be appointed by the department, one by the owner of the property, and the third to be selected by these two. The appraised price shall be paid by the department as other expenses are paid. If the owner of such animal, barn, yard, shed, corral, or pen fails or refuses to name an appraiser within 5 days after requested by the department to do so, or refuses to permit the property to be condemned and destroyed, the department may make an order to the sheriff of the county wherein the property lies, directing her or him to destroy such animal, barn, yard, shed, corral, or pen, in the manner to be prescribed in the order. The order shall be immediately executed by the sheriff. Upon the destruction of the property by the sheriff, the department shall have the right to recover, from the owner of the property destroyed, all costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with the destruction.

History.--s. 11, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2111; s. 11, ch. 9201, 1923; CGL 3340; s. 5, ch. 23775, 1947; s. 4, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 90-321; s. 933, ch. 97-103; s. 34, ch. 2002-295.

585.105  Purchase, distribution, and administration of approved brucella vaccine.--

(1)  The department is hereby authorized and required to purchase approved brucella vaccine, to enhance the resistance of cattle and bison to brucellosis (Bang's disease) infection, in such units as deemed advisable at the lowest and best bid or bids, from one or more reliable manufacturers producing a high-quality product.

(2)  The department shall distribute through employees of the division, licensed veterinarians, and recognized and approved agents of the state and federal governments, an approved brucella vaccine without cost to any owner of cattle in Florida making application therefor upon blanks to be furnished by the department and approved by the administrator of the vaccine if the cattle are part of a recognized herd and are not in channels of trade at the time of vaccination.

(3)  Whenever the vaccine is distributed as provided in subsection (2), the administrator shall identify each and every animal to which the vaccine is administered by means of a permanent identification. The department shall designate one or more proper means of identification to be used for this purpose. It shall be unlawful for any person to administer the vaccine to any animal bearing such identification or to any animal known to the administrator to have been so identified.

History.--s. 2, ch. 22517, 1945; s. 136, ch. 26869, 1951; s. 36, ch. 59-457; s. 14, ch. 90-321; s. 10, ch. 96-231.

Note.--Former s. 585.44.

585.11  Cooperation with United States authorities and United States Department of Agriculture accredited private veterinarians.--The department may cooperate with:

(1)  The authorities of the United States in the enforcement of all acts of Congress for the control, prevention, suppression, and eradication of contagious, infectious, and communicable diseases affecting animals, or animal diseases which may affect humans, and in connection therewith may:

(a)  Appoint inspectors of the United States Department of Agriculture as temporary assistant state veterinarians or livestock inspectors; provided, they shall first consent to act without compensation or profit from the state;

(b)  Accept aid or assistance from the United States in conducting work related to the control or eradication of tuberculosis, brucellosis, pseudorabies, hog cholera, and any other such dangerous disease, or from any of its officers, representatives, or agents, in carrying out such work.

(2)  The officials of the United States Department of Agriculture in the control or eradication of tuberculosis, brucellosis, pseudorabies, and hog cholera and with the owners of animals, who accept indemnity for animals found to be diseased and slaughtered in accordance with the ¹special Acts of Congress now in effect and appropriating funds for this purpose, or that may hereafter be available from such source.

(3)  The United States Department of Agriculture in carrying out the provisions of the National Poultry Improvement Plan and the National Turkey Improvement Plan in Florida, and in connection therewith, may promulgate rules necessary to carry out the provisions of the National Poultry Improvement Plan and the National Turkey Improvement Plan in Florida.

(4)  Appointed United States Department of Agriculture accredited private veterinarians in conducting work related to the control or eradication of contagious and infectious diseases, who may be compensated for services.

History.--s. 12, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2112; s. 12, ch. 9201, 1923; CGL 3341; s. 7, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(7); s. 1, ch. 22581, 1945; s. 3, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 6, ch. 59-457; s. 2, ch. 61-408; s. 15, ch. 90-321; s. 36, ch. 2002-295.

¹Note.--As enacted by s. 7, ch. 17273, Acts of 1935.

585.14  Information concerning animal diseases.--The department shall collect, preserve, and disseminate information concerning infectious, contagious, communicable, and other diseases of animals, their origin, locality, nature, appearance, manner of dissemination or contagion, and method of treatment required for the successful eradication and control thereof.

History.--s. 4, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2104; s. 4, ch. 9201, 1923; CGL 3320; s. 7, ch. 59-457; s. 3, ch. 61-408; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 16, ch. 90-321.

585.145  Control of animal diseases.--

(1)  The department shall take such measures as may be necessary and proper for the control, suppression, eradication, and prevention of the spread of contagious, infectious, and communicable disease and to protect animals in the state. The department shall also quarantine such animals as it shall find, or have reason to believe, to be infected with or exposed to any such disease.

(2)  No animal shall be imported into the state, moved within the state, or the ownership thereof transferred within the state without the owner, broker, or transferor first obtaining such health tests, official certificates of veterinary inspection, or other certificates and documents as shall be required by rules adopted by the department. Evidence of compliance with this subsection shall accompany the owner or agent having jurisdiction of such animals imported, moved intrastate, or to which ownership is being transferred. However, unless an emergency is declared, the department may not require Florida residents to carry evidence of compliance in intrastate travel for privately owned domestic canines or domestic felines which are not offered for sale. The department may provide by rule specific exceptions to this subsection upon finding that certain importations, intrastate movements, or transfers pose no threat to affected industries in Florida.

(3)  A person who forges, counterfeits, simulates or alters, or who knowingly possesses, uses, presents or utters, any forged, counterfeited, altered or simulated official certificate of veterinary inspection or any other document relating to animal health requirements or substitutes, represents, or tenders an official certificate of veterinary inspection or any other document relating to animal health requirements of one animal for another animal commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(4)  Official certificates of veterinary inspection may be completed only by a veterinarian accredited under the National Veterinary Accreditation Program. The department may, as prescribed by rule, deny a veterinarian the authority to issue health certificates for the importation, movement, or transfer of ownership of animals into or within the state as required by this section for one of the following causes:

(a)  The revocation of such veterinarian's license to practice veterinary medicine in the state;

(b)  Forging, counterfeiting, altering, or misrepresenting an official certificate of veterinary inspection; or

(c)  Failure to report, or the negligent handling of, any reportable disease.

History.--s. 16, ch. 90-321; s. 5, ch. 91-294; s. 2, ch. 94-272; s. 11, ch. 96-231; s. 33, ch. 2001-279.

585.147  Permit for transporting or hauling certain animals or animal products; vehicle and container requirements.--

(1)  No person shall engage in the business of transporting or hauling any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animal; any product of an animal that died other than by slaughter; or any inedible animal product not meant for human consumption without having first applied for, and obtained from the department, a permit, which shall expire on June 30 of each year.

(2)  All vehicles used in the transportation of carcasses or refuse on public highways shall be of such construction as to prevent seepage or residue from escaping.

(3)  All barrels or other containers used for transportation and storage of carcasses or refuse shall be clearly marked "INEDIBLE" with letters not less than 2 inches in height.

History.--s. 3, ch. 98-396.

585.15  Dangerous transmissible disease or pest a public nuisance.--The department may declare by rule that a certain pest or disease of animals is a public nuisance. When a pest or disease is thus determined to be dangerous, transmissible, or threatening to an agricultural interest of the state, it shall be known as a "reportable disease." Each reportable disease shall be included by rule on the department's dangerous transmissible disease list. When necessary because of the possible impact of an animal disease on public health, the department may consult with the Department of Health regarding an animal disease that is transmissible to humans.

History.--s. 3, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(3); s. 4, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 8, ch. 59-457; s. 1, ch. 63-356; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 84-72; s. 17, ch. 90-321; s. 12, ch. 96-231; s. 256, ch. 99-8.

585.155  Whole-herd and calf vaccination.--

(1)  All female calves born in the state that are to be used for dairy breeding purposes shall be vaccinated with an approved Brucella abortus vaccine by state or federal regulatory officials or licensed, accredited veterinarians.

(2)(a)  All calves officially vaccinated with Brucella abortus vaccine shall be permanently identified at the time of vaccination with the official shield tattoo "V," registered by the United States Department of Agriculture, in the right ear, preceded by the numeral of the quarter of the year and followed by the last numeral of the year.

(b)  In addition, each calf shall be individually identified at the time of vaccination, if not already identified by tattoo or brand, by an official vaccination ear tag in the right ear. The tag shall include the designated state prefix, followed by the letter "V," two additional letters, and four numerals. Registration tattoos or individual brand numbers may be substituted for the official ear tags. This identification shall be accurately recorded on the official vaccination record.

(c)  Duplicate reports covering these vaccinations shall be immediately furnished to the department and shall constitute the official record of vaccination.

(3)  Each owner of a herd of cattle in this state shall enroll the herd in a program to determine whether the herd is infected with brucellosis. When reactors or suspects are disclosed in a herd, the department and the owner must develop a plan to eliminate the infection in accordance with the Uniform Methods and Rules for Brucellosis Eradication and the rules of this state. The plan shall include the required testing, removal of reactor animals, calfhood vaccination and whole-herd vaccination to clear the herd of infection. The department shall provide for the establishment of low brucellosis incidence areas and brucellosis free areas which can be recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as having Class "Free," Class "A," or Class "B" status under the Uniform Methods and Rules for Brucellosis Eradication.

(4)  Only an approved vaccine produced under license of the United States Department of Agriculture shall qualify for vaccination purposes under this section.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-202; s. 1, ch. 79-102; s. 417, ch. 81-259; s. 18, ch. 90-321; s. 64, ch. 93-169; s. 13, ch. 96-231; s. 34, ch. 2001-279.

585.16  Powers of division in connection with certain diseases.--Whenever the department determines, pursuant to s. 585.15, that a pest or disease is dangerous and transmissible, or whenever the department determines it necessary or advisable to dip, examine, test, identify, treat, or destroy an animal or other property defined in s. 585.08(4), the division or its representatives and agents may dip, examine, test, identify, treat, or destroy any infected, exposed, suspected, or susceptible animal and any goods, products, or materials that may carry contagion, or may quarantine on or in, for or against any premises, areas, or localities within the state.

History.--s. 4, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(4); s. 8, ch. 23775, 1947; s. 9, ch. 59-457; s. 2, ch. 63-356; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 19, ch. 90-321.

585.17  Care of animals with transmissible diseases and liability therefor.--

(1)  No person shall knowingly sell or offer for sale, or knowingly or willfully transport or move, or knowingly or willfully allow or permit any animal to stray or drift within the state, knowing that animal to be suffering from, afflicted with, or affected by any pest or disease that the department determines, pursuant to s. 585.15, is dangerous, transmissible, or threatening to an agricultural interest of the state, without first obtaining written permission from the department.

(2)  No person shall knowingly or willfully transport or move, or knowingly or willfully allow or permit any domestic animal to stray or drift from any quarantine area, without first obtaining written permission from the department.

(3)  In addition to the penalty provisions provided in this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be liable to the department for all expenses associated with its enforcement and to any owner of an animal who is injured by such violation.

History.--s. 9, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2109; CGL 3338; s. 5, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(5); s. 9, ch. 23775, 1947; s. 5, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 10, ch. 59-457; s. 20, ch. 90-321; s. 14, ch. 96-231.

585.18  Duty to report diseased animals.--

(1)  Any person who has knowledge of the existence in or among animals of any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease which is included on the department's dangerous transmissible disease list shall, immediately upon gaining such knowledge, report the same to the State Veterinarian.

(2)  No person who has knowledge that any animal is afflicted with or suffering from any such disease shall conceal or attempt to conceal such animal, or knowledge or evidence that such animal is afflicted with or suffering from any such disease, from the division or its agents and employees, or shall remove or attempt to remove such animal from the reach, care, or control of the department or its agents and employees.

History.--s. 8, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2108; CGL 3337; s. 11, ch. 59-457; s. 21, ch. 90-321; s. 15, ch. 96-231.

585.19  Duty of practitioners of veterinary medicine and owners of animals to report dangerous transmissible diseases or pests; penalty.--

(1)  Any practitioner of veterinary medicine who knows or suspects that an animal is afflicted with or suffering from a disease or pest designated on the department's dangerous transmissible disease list shall immediately report the same to the State Veterinarian in the manner which the department shall prescribe.

(2)  Any owner who knows or suspects that her or his animal is afflicted with or suffering from a disease or pest designated on the department's dangerous transmissible disease list shall immediately report the same to the State Veterinarian in the manner which the department shall prescribe.

(3)  All reports related to a disease or pest designated on the department's dangerous transmissible disease list shall be made in the manner which the department shall by rule prescribe.

(4)  Any veterinarian or owner of an animal who is convicted of willfully failing to report an animal as required in subsection (1) or subsection (2) is guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 7, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2107; CGL 3336; s. 6, ch. 25358, 1949; s. 12, ch. 59-457; s. 4, ch. 61-408; s. 22, ch. 90-321; s. 16, ch. 96-231; s. 1189, ch. 97-103.

585.20  Injection of pathogenic organisms into animals.--No person shall inject or otherwise administer to any animal that may be used as food for humans or whose products may be used as food for humans any virus or other substance containing pathogenic or disease producing organisms of a kind that is virulent to humans or which would cause any disease listed by the department as a dangerous transmissible disease in animals, except with the written permission of the State Veterinarian.

History.--s. 9, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(9); s. 13, ch. 59-457; s. 24, ch. 90-321; s. 17, ch. 96-231; s. 1190, ch. 97-103.

585.21  Sale of biological products.--

(1)  Each biological product intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes for animals which is manufactured for sale or sold in the state shall first be officially approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and shall have written permission of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services prior to sale in the state.

(2)  The following biological products for animals shall not be manufactured for sale, sold, or distributed in the state without written permission of the department:

(a)  Virulent hog cholera virus;

(b)  Modified live virus hog cholera vaccine;

(c)  Inactivated (killed virus type) hog cholera vaccine;

(d)  Contagious ecthyma vaccine;

(e)  Fowl laryngotracheitis vaccine;

(f)  Anthrax spore vaccine;

(g)  Brucella abortus vaccine;

(h)  Brucella abortus antigen;

(i)  Pseudorabies vaccine;

(j)  Pseudorabies antigen;

(k)  Equine infectious anemia antigen; or

(l)  Any other biological product which the department may by rule prohibit.

(3)  Any biological product for animals which is used or proposed to be used in a field test in this state must be approved for such use by the department. Before issuing approval, the department shall consult with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if wildlife are involved and the Department of Health if the disease may affect humans.

History.--s. 8, ch. 17273, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3323(8); s. 1, ch. 57-140; s. 14, ch. 59-457; s. 25, ch. 90-321; s. 32, ch. 92-180; s. 51, ch. 92-291; s. 18, ch. 96-231; s. 257, ch. 99-8; s. 224, ch. 99-245; s. 37, ch. 2002-295.

585.22  Public notice of general quarantines.--The department shall give public notice whenever it places any area of the state under general quarantine. The notice shall in general terms define the quarantine lines established. The department shall publish the notice, at least once, in a newspaper to be selected by the department within each county wherein the quarantined area lies, and post a copy of the notice at the door of the courthouse of each county. The provisions of this section shall not apply to quarantines for tick eradication.

History.--s. 5, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2105; s. 6, ch. 9201, 1923; CGL 3322; s. 15, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 26, ch. 90-321.

585.23  Owners of animals and premises under quarantine to comply with rules.--All persons in charge of quarantined animals, and all owners in possession of any lot, yard, pasture, field, stall, enclosure, barn, or building which has been quarantined, shall comply with all rules prescribed by the department within a reasonable time, and clean and disinfect such animals or premises, and shall destroy carriers, or cause, or means of communicating any contagious, infectious, or communicable diseases affecting such animals or infecting such premises.

History.--s. 21, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 2119; CGL 3345; s. 16, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 27, ch. 90-321.

585.38  Injuring property used in the eradication of diseases of animals, etc.--Any person who shall injure, destroy, or attempt to destroy any property or equipment or facilities owned by any person or county or any property or equipment or facilities owned by the department or the state, used or intended to be used in the prevention, control, suppression, or eradication of any infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases affecting animals, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 21, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 5555; CGL 7741; s. 28, ch. 59-457; s. 604, ch. 71-136; s. 30, ch. 90-321.

585.40  Violation of quarantine regulations.--Whenever the department issues a quarantine, it shall be unlawful for any person, while such quarantine exists, to take, drive, or transport any animal into or out of such quarantined premise without permission of the State Veterinarian.

History.--s. 17, ch. 7345, 1917; RGS 5553; s. 5, ch. 8508, 1921; CGL 7739; s. 30, ch. 59-457; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 606, ch. 71-136; s. 31, ch. 90-321.

585.45  Right to declaratory judgment.--Any owner or custodian of any animal which the department has required to be inspected, tested, treated, or quarantined shall have the right to a judicial declaration as to the validity of the order by bringing an action for declaratory judgment in the circuit court. If the order is affirmed, the cost shall be paid by the person applying for the declaration. In disposing of said cases, the court shall have the power and authority to issue subpoenas to any witness the court may deem necessary or that may be applied for by respective parties.

History.--s. 15, ch. 23775, 1947; s. 37, ch. 59-457; s. 34, ch. 63-512; s. 33, ch. 90-321; s. 19, ch. 96-231.

585.48  Policy and purpose of ss. 585.50-585.59.--Because of the existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of highly contagious, infectious, and communicable diseases in the animals of this state, which threaten their destruction or productivity, and because certain known agents and vectors are instrumental in the spread of certain highly contagious, infectious, and communicable diseases in animals, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary to regulate the feeding of garbage.

History.--s. 1, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 39, ch. 59-457; s. 34, ch. 90-321.

585.50  Garbage feeding prohibited unless sterilized.--It shall be unlawful for any person to feed garbage to animals unless such garbage has been heated, cooked, treated, or processed under such temperature, pressure, process, or method, and for such a period of time, as is necessary to render the same free of any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease which might affect either the animals of this state or the citizens of this state. The department is authorized to promulgate rules covering the method of heating, cooking, treating, or processing, and to prescribe the temperature and time for such heating, cooking, treating, and processing as may be determined by scientific research. The requirements of ss. 585.48-585.59 shall not apply to an individual who feeds her or his own animals only the garbage from her or his own household.

History.--s. 4, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 41, ch. 59-457; s. 35, ch. 90-321; s. 934, ch. 97-103.

585.51  Permitting of feeders of garbage.--No person shall feed garbage without first having applied for and obtained a permit from the department. Each permit shall expire as of July 1 of each year.

History.--s. 5, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 42, ch. 59-457; s. 36, ch. 90-321.

585.52  Requirement regarding the collection, transportation, and distribution of garbage.--Every permitted feeder of garbage shall keep and furnish the department such information as it may require regarding the collection, transportation, distribution, and processing of garbage. Each permitted feeder shall keep and maintain sanitary at all times the vehicles used in the collection, transportation, and distribution of garbage. The department is authorized to promulgate rules as may be necessary to effectuate the purpose of ss. 585.48-585.59.

History.--s. 6, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 43, ch. 59-457; s. 37, ch. 90-321.

585.53  Permit revocation.--Every permitted feeder of garbage who shall violate this chapter or the rules promulgated by the department pursuant thereto shall have her or his permit revoked, canceled, or suspended.

History.--s. 7, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 44, ch. 59-457; s. 6, ch. 78-95; s. 38, ch. 90-321; s. 935, ch. 97-103.

585.59  Penalties for violation.--In addition to the penalties provided by this chapter, any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of ss. 585.48-585.53 shall not be allowed to recover compensation from the department for the confiscation or destruction of any hogs fed uncooked garbage.

History.--ss. 15, 16, ch. 28313, 1953; s. 4, ch. 57-140; s. 45, ch. 59-457; s. 609, ch. 71-136; s. 39, ch. 90-321.

585.61  Animal disease diagnostic laboratories.--

(1)  There is hereby created and established an animal disease diagnostic laboratory in Osceola County and Suwannee County.

(2)  The construction and operation of all the laboratories established by this section shall be under the supervision and control of the department. It shall be the duty of the department to operate these laboratories in an efficient manner so that any person who maintains animals in this state may obtain prompt reliable diagnosis of animal diseases, including any disease which may affect poultry eggs, in this state, and recommendations for the control and eradication of such diseases, to the end that diseases of animals may be reduced and controlled, and eradicated when possible.

(3)  Any person who maintains animals in the state may use the services of the laboratories under the terms of this section and the rules adopted for such use by the department. The department shall require any user of its services to pay a fee not to exceed $300 for any one of the services requested. All laboratory fees collected shall be deposited in the Animal Industry Diagnostic Laboratory Account within the General Inspection Trust Fund. The fees collected shall be used to improve the diagnostic laboratory services as provided for by the Legislature in the General Appropriations Act.

History.--ss. 2, 5, 6, ch. 29889, 1955; ss. 47, 49, 51, ch. 59-457; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 1, ch. 63-476; s. 1, ch. 67-311; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 84-175; ss. 4, 7, ch. 87-151; s. 40, ch. 90-321; s. 65, ch. 93-169; s. 3, ch. 94-272; s. 2, ch. 95-396; s. 20, ch. 96-231; s. 38, ch. 2002-295.

Note.--Former ss. 585.621(2), 585.64, and 585.65.

585.671  Control and eradication of equine infectious anemia and equine piroplasmosis.--

(1)  The department shall formulate a program and promulgate all rules necessary for the successful implementation and administration of a comprehensive program for the control and eradication of equine infectious anemia and equine piroplasmosis within this state. For this purpose, the department may conduct research.

(2)  In the discharge of its duty, the department shall have the power:

(a)  To employ such persons and to make such contracts as are necessary to carry out the purpose of this law.

(b)  To negotiate with officials of institutions of research and to make such contracts as are necessary to conduct research for the purpose of developing and effectuating improved methods of diagnosis, control, and eradication of equine infectious anemia and equine piroplasmosis. Toward this end it may employ such competent guidance as it deems necessary in negotiating said contracts.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 63-442; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 41, ch. 90-321.

585.68  Animals suspected of harboring biological or chemical residues; inspection, testing, and restriction of premises and animals; notice to owners.--

(1)  The department or its duly authorized representatives are hereby authorized to enter, inspect, and test any premises and animals where such animals exist, which are duly suspected of harboring biological or chemical residues, where such residues present the potential likelihood that the resultant meat or poultry products would be deemed adulterated.

(2)  The department or its duly authorized representatives may issue and enforce a restricted premises/restricted animal movement order for premises and animals suspected of harboring biological or chemical residues. This order of restriction prohibits the ingress or egress of animals until there exists full compliance with this section and with the regulations of the department, and until a written notice of release has been issued by the department.

(3)  If any animals that have been restricted pursuant to subsection (2) harbor such biological or chemical residues at violative levels for human or animal consumption, the department is hereby authorized to order the animals destroyed and disposed of in a manner prescribed for the particular biological or chemical residue. Tolerances established by the United States Food and Drug Administration or the United States Environmental Protection Agency shall be complied with in enforcing this law.

History.--s. 6, ch. 91-294.