The disease which is named by the director in a written response to the appeal may be abated pursuant to this chapter. Pending the determination of the director, the time which is specified in the abatement notice shall be extended by the number of hours between the forwarding of the representative specimen and the receipt of the written determination from the director by the inspector, and the service of a copy of the written determination upon the owner or bailee that made the written appeal. If the owner or bailee cannot be found after due diligence, the extended time shall expire when a copy of the director’s determination is served by posting it in the apiary.