(a) As used in this chapter “animal” shall be deemed to include poultry and where the context so requires, animal and poultry products.
(b) Every owner or possessor of animals, every breeder of animals, every person bringing animals into the Virgin Islands, every owner, manager or person in charge of any vessel or transportation company bringing animals into the Virgin Islands, and every veterinary surgeon practicing in the Virgin Islands, shall, on obtaining knowledge of the appearance of an infectious or contagious disease among the animals owned, brought into the Virgin Islands or treated by him, or in his custody, or under his care, give immediate notice thereof to the Commissioner of Agriculture.