The department may quarantine any domestic livestock, captive wildlife or captive estray animals suspected [of exposure] or knowingly [known to be] exposed to a harmful plant. The quarantine shall not exceed a period of ninety-six hours or for such lesser period when the animal’s digestive system can reasonably be expected to be purged of carrying any reproductive part of the harmful plant. The department’s inspector shall examine each exposed animal’s hide or wool for the presence of a harmful plant. At the end of the ninety-six hour period or at the end of such lesser period as provided in this section, the quarantined animals shall be released under conditions established by the department.