Tuberculosis testing of livestock. Procedures. Liability. Authorized persons to perform testing

(a) At the expense of the state, the commissioner may require and provide for the testing and the control of tuberculosis in livestock in this state. Any condemnation of livestock infected with tuberculosis shall comply with the provisions of section 22-288. The procedures for testing for tuberculosis and the control and disposition of livestock classified as reactors shall conform to one of the following: (1) For goats, cattle, bison and captive cervids, the procedures, methods, testing and the disposition of reactors shall conform to the USDA Uniform Methods and Rules for Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication; (2) for species of livestock other than goats, cattle, bison or captive cervids, the procedures, methods, testing and the disposition of reactors shall be determined by the State Veterinarian; or (3) the most recent USDA approved and published procedures for testing for tuberculosis and the control and disposition of tuberculosis positive livestock. (b) The state shall not be liable for any damage incurred or alleged to have been incurred by any such test performed pursuant to this section. (c) Official testing for tuberculosis shall be restricted to the State Veterinarian, veterinarians employed by the federal government and accredited veterinarians licensed to practice in this state. Surveillance tests may be performed by an employee of the department trained by and under the supervision of the State Veterinarian, provided no condemnation shall be made on the basis of such surveillance tests. The owner of any herd to be so tested shall provide assistance and proper restraint for confining the animals for such testing and during the application of such tests.