(1)The State Government [or such officer not below the rank of Deputy Director of Veterinary Services as may be authorised by the State Government in this behalf] [Inserted by Section 2 of M.P. Act No. 27 of 1961.] may, by notification, declare any area in which horse sickness has broken out or any area within which in the opinion of the State Government [or such officer] [Inserted by Section 2 of M.P. Act No. 27 of 1961.] there is a danger of the outbreak or spread of the disease, to be an infected area.(2)Every notification under sub-section (1) shall specify the limits of the area which is declared to be an infected area.(3)Upon the issue of a notification under sub-section (1), all horses in the infected area shall become liable,-(a)for being examined, tested, compulsorily inoculated against horse sickness and marked for the purpose of identification in such manner as the State Government may specify; and(b)for being subjected to such preventive measures as the Veterinary Officer may deem fit.(4)If as a result of examination and testing it is found that the horse is affected with horse-sickness, the Veterinary Officer shall destroy it or cause it to be destroyed.(5)Every person in charge of the horse shall give reasonable assistance to the Veterinary Officer and his subordinates for the examination, testing, inoculation, marking and adoption of other preventive measures under sub-section (3).
