It is hereby declared that the disease of horses, ponies, mules and asses (and other equine animals) known as equine infectious anemia is of an infectious and contagious nature and that animals infected with, exposed to, or suspected of being carriers of the disease shall be subject to quarantine and identification as required by the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (1973, c. 1198, s. 2; 1997-261, s. 109.)