Whenever in the course of the inspections or investigations made or carried on by the department as provided in this chapter, it shall become aware of the existence of disease as defined in section 4:6-1 of this title in any apiary or colony of bees, it shall notify the owner or manager of the infested or diseased apiary or colony of the character of the infestation and of the treatment to be administered for the eradication of such disease.