(a) Civil action and relief available.--An animal owner aggrieved by exposure of an animal, fowl or honey bees to any virus, bacteria, prion or other agent which causes infectious disease, including foot-and-mouth disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, avian influenza or varroamite,¹ may, in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction, obtain appropriate relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, reasonable investigation expenses and reasonable attorney fees and other costs associated with the litigation of the action. Upon a showing of cause for the issuance of injunctive relief, a court may issue temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions as may be appropriate under this section. During any period that an action under this section is pending, a court may order the cessation of the complained-of activity.

(b) Exceptions.--The provisions of this section shall not apply to research or veterinarian services, including immunizations, vaccinations or other treatments administered during the normal scope of practice.