Maine § 1820-A. - Equine infectious anemia

§ 1820-A.. Equine infectious anemia

1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Official test" means any test approved by the commissioner for the detection of equine infectious anemia. "Official test" includes, but is not limited to, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA test, and the agar gel immunodiffusion, AGID, or Coggins test.   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

B. "Quarantine" means to confine an equine to a stable or pasture in a manner that will prevent the spread of equine infectious anemia.   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

2.  Duties of commissioner.  The commissioner shall:

A. Require a negative Coggins test, taken within 36 months, on all equines raced on, exhibited at or stabled at racetracks or fairgrounds. The commissioner shall require a negative test from all equines entering this State within 12 months before the date of entry and may require any equines to be tested prior to entering the State. Any equine not tested or required by the commissioner to be tested prior to entering this State must be quarantined until tested at the owner's expense;   [PL 2003, c. 386, §16 (AMD).]

B. Require that any equine having a positive test be immediately quarantined and isolated from other equines pending a 2nd test done by a state veterinarian; and   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

C. Require that all other equines on the premises where an equine has tested positive remain on the premises pending an investigation and testing as the commissioner determines necessary.   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

3.  Disposition of reactors.  Any equine that has a positive 2nd test pursuant to subsection 2 must be considered a reactor. A reactor must be:

A. Humanely euthanized within 7 days of the 2nd test. Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or as the commissioner directs. A veterinarian euthanizing a reactor shall report the euthanasia to the commissioner within 2 working days;   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

B. Freeze branded with a brand with an "11 EIA" no less than 4 inches in height on the left side of the neck and shipped directly to a United States Department of Agriculture slaughter facility under a federal order; or   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

C. Freeze branded with a brand with an "11 EIA" no less than 4 inches in height on the left side of the neck and permanently quarantined and isolated from all other equines. The reactor must be kept a minimum of 1/4 mile from the nearest paddock, pasture or barn having an equine species or may be kept within 1/4 mile if the reactor is immediately placed and kept at all times in a screened-in enclosure acceptable to the commissioner.   [PL 2001, c. 572, §49 (NEW).]

4.  Surcharge.  A person submitting a sample to the department for an official test for equine infectious anemia shall pay a surcharge of $4 for each sample tested by the department. The commissioner shall collect the surcharge and deposit all money received under this subsection into the animal welfare auxiliary fund established under section 3906‑B, subsection 16. All revenue collected pursuant to this subsection must be used for investigating alleged cases of mistreatment or abuse of equines and enhancing enforcement of this Part and Title 17, chapter 42 as these laws pertain to equines and for costs associated with department laboratory services needed to control or eradicate diseases affecting equines.