Whenever any such nuisance, foul or noxious odors, gases or vapors, water in which mosquito larvae exist, source of filth, or cause of sickness or disease is found on private property, the department of health shall cause notice to be given to the owner to remove and abate the same at the owner’s own expense within such reasonable time as the department may deem proper. A duplicate of the notice so given shall be left with one or more of the tenants or occupants of the premises. If the premises are unoccupied, notice shall be mailed to the last known place of residence of the owner if residing in the State. If the owner resides out of the State or cannot be reached with notice speedily, notice left at the house or posted on the premises shall be sufficient. If the owner thus notified does not comply with the notification or order of the department, or its agent, within the time specified, the department or its agent may apply to the district court of the circuit in which the property is situated for an order authorizing the department to execute and carry out the notice or for an order to abate the nuisance and remove, destroy, or prevent the cause of the foul or noxious odors, gases or vapors, water in which mosquito larvae exist, source of filth, or cause of sickness or disease, or other thing detrimental to public health.

The department may recover by appropriate proceedings the expenses incurred by it in the abatement, removal, destruction, or prevention, from any person who has caused or allowed the nuisances, source of foul or noxious odors, gases or vapors, water in which mosquito larvae breed, source of filth, or cause of sickness or disease, or other thing detrimental to the public health, and from any owner, tenant, or occupant of the premises, who, after notice, has failed to abate, remove, destroy, or prevent the nuisance, source of foul or noxious odors, gases or vapors, water in which mosquito larvae exist, source of filth, or cause of sickness or disease, or other thing detrimental to the public health within the time specified in the notice. In no case shall the department or any officer or agent thereof be liable for costs in any action or proceeding that may be commenced in pursuance of this part.