2. Definitions. - In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-
[(1) * * *];(2)"contagious disease" means rinderpest (that is to say, the disease commonly known as cattle plague), anthrax, hemorrhagic septicaemia, [foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, avian influenza (that is to say, the disease commonly known as bird flu)] and includes such other diseases as may be declared by the [State] Government by notification in Official Gazette to the contagious diseases for the purposes of this Act;(3)"infected area" means an area in respect of which a notification under section 5 is in force;[(4) "infective", used with reference to any livestock, means affected by a contagious disease or having recently been in contact with or proximity to such livestock so affected;(4A)"livestock" means-(a)bulls, bullocks, cows, oxen, heifers, calves, buffaloes, sheep, goats and all other ruminating animals, dogs, swine and Includes such other domesticated animals as may be specified in this behalf by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette;(b)poultry and all other birds;(4B)"Livestock Development Assistant" means a Livestock Development Assistant of the State Government performing any of the duties for carrying out the purposes of this Act within the local limits of his jurisdiction and in his absence, includes any officer of the State Government who is authorized in this behalf by the State Government;](5)"prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;[(6) "Veterinary Officer" means a Veterinary Officer of the State Government performing any of the duties for carrying out the purposes of this Act within the local limits of his jurisdiction and in his absence, includes any officer of the State Government who is authorized in this behalf by the State Government.][3. Report of contagious disease. - (1) Every owner or person in charge or having control of the livestock and every veterinary practitioner attending any livestock in the course of his veterinary practice or otherwise, who has reason to believe that such livestock is infective shall forthwith report and any other person who has reason to believe that the livestock is infective, may report the fact to the Pradhan of the Gram Panchayat or the Livestock Development Assistant within the area of which such livestock is for the time being kept.(2)The Pradhan of the Gram Panchayat or the Livestock Development Assistant on receiving any report under sub-section (1) shall without delay communicate such report to the Block Livestock Development Officer who shall, unless for reasons to be recorded in writing he considers that the report is unfounded in fact, instruct the Veterinary Officer to proceed to the place where the livestock for the time being is kept and examine the livestock and inquire into the circumstances of the case, and on receiving such instructions, the Veterinary Officer shall without delay comply therewith.(3)Whenever the Veterinary Officer has reason to believe that any livestock within his jurisdiction is infective, he shall proceed as soon as possible to the place where the livestock is and examine it and inquire into the circumstances of the case, notwithstanding that no report under sub-section (2) in respect of such livestock has been received by him.(4)If after the examination and inquiry referred to in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) Veterinary Officer is of the opinion that any livestock is infective, he shall report the matter in the manner prescribed to the State Government or to such officer of thee West Bengal Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services under the Animal Resources Development Department as the State Government may appoint in this behalf and the Veterinary Officer shall also take such further action under the provisions of this Act may be necessary expedient and at the same time shall send a copy of such report to the Block Livestock Development Officer.]
