The board, any member of the board, the state veterinarian, or the commissioner may examine or cause to be examined under oath all persons believed to possess knowledge of material facts concerning the existence or dissemination, or the danger of dissemination, of disease among domestic animals or nontraditional livestock. For this purpose, the board, members of the board, the state veterinarian, or the commissioner may take depositions, compel witnesses to attend and testify, and administer oaths. Such witnesses are entitled to receive the same fees for attendance and travel as witnesses before the district courts. The commissioner shall pay the fees from legislative appropriations.