News

IL set to increase state vet staff

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is ready to hire four new veterinarians after a $750,000 increase in funding.

Currently the state has a Chief Veterinarian and one state field veterinarian. State Vet Dr. Mark Ernst said the increase in staff will help the IDOA be ready to react to a foreign animal disease outbreak.

“This will enable us to have better coverage throughout the state to respond to foreign animal diseases,” he said. “But then also to do traceback work for tuberculosis, brucellosis and those program diseases that we work with USDA.”

Once hired, the vets will be placed around the state and ready to work on a daily basis with producers and other veterinarians to focus on all aspects of animal health.

“There are other duties that these veterinarians need to perform as well,” Ernst said. “We have auction markets that need to be visited and we have buying stations. And there was a time when our vets would visit with private practice vets and let them know about new things to look out for as well. And part of plan is to put some of these veterinarians, if they have an interest in a certain area; swine, equine, beef to have focus of those individual programs.”

Ernst’s credits the state’s livestock industry, including the Illinois Beef Association and the Illinois Pork Producers for getting lawmakers and the Governor’s administration behind the increase in funding.

Steve Bridge reported for Brownfield.