R58-17-10. Quarantine of Aquatic Animals and Premises

  (A) If evidence exists that the aquatic animals in any facility are infected with or have been exposed to pathogens listed in R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3), then either quarantine or removal from the approval list (R58-17-2 (17), depending on the pathogen, may be imposed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian. Any action other than a quarantine must be approved by the Board.

  (1) Lifting of the quarantine imposed on a facility infected with or exposed to emergency or prohibited pathogens requires the creation and implementation of a biosecurity plan that specifies action to control the pathogen and includes testing requirements of all lots of aquatic animals to verify the absence of the pathogen. In addition, the Department may require decontamination of the facilities and equipment in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, the Blue Book, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

  (2) If the Department has reasonable evidence that the contagion is still present pursuant to R58-17-11, then quarantine, closure, or other measures such as decontamination of the facility and equipment, destruction of aquatic animals, etc. may be imposed. Such measures will be in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, the Blue Book, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

  (B) A quarantine may be imposed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian where aquatic animals are possessed, transported or transferred in violation of this rule, wildlife rules, or statute and consequently pose a possible disease threat; or where a quarantine is reasonably necessary to protect aquatic animals within the state. This action may be reviewed by the Board for recommendations to the Department.

  (1) Quarantines imposed on facilities for rule or statute violations or for purposes of protecting aquatic animals may be lifted once sufficient evidence is presented to the State Veterinarian's satisfaction that infection is not present at the facility or that biosecurity control measures are being followed which will control further spread of the pathogen, and that removal of the quarantine does not create a risk to other aquatic animal populations. In addition, the Department may require decontamination of the facilities and equipment in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, Blue Book procedures, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

  (2) If the Department has reasonable evidence that the contagion is present pursuant to R58-17-11, then quarantine, closure, or other measures shall be imposed pursuant to R58-17-10(A)(2).

  (C) Any person, licensed pursuant to R58-17 and affiliated with a facility under quarantine, who delivers aquatic animals from health-approved sources for other public or private aquaculture facilities may, with written permission from the Department, use their hauling trucks if the operator either houses the truck off the quarantined facility, or sanitizes the truck according to Department recommendations each time it leaves the quarantined facility.