When the animal slaughtered was suffering from infectious or contagious disease and it appeared that the owner was not negligent in respect to the care of such animal so as to prevent it from becoming infected with infectious or contagious disease, compensation shall be paid the owner. The compensation paid shall not exceed the value of the animal and the exact amount of compensation shall be fixed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, provided that the Government of the Virgin Islands shall not be liable for payment of any compensation if the owner receives full compensation from any Federal agency or department of the Federal Government.