This is the expert level of the series. As a licensed Veterinarian, positions are responsible for public health protection in an assigned area of the state through the control and eradication of livestock diseases, or diseases of captive exotic wildlife or natural wildlife, identification and control of zoonotic diseases, investigation of violative residues, or the detection and prevention of pathogenic microorganisms in animal food products. Performs individual and herd examinations, establishes quarantines, and investigates animal welfare complaints or custom meat violations.

Investigates violations of laws pertaining to livestock and poultry diseases and assists in prosecution of violators;

Acts as liaison between the State Veterinarian and livestock groups, transportation representatives, livestock sales-market operators and others, for the purpose of benefiting general livestock health;

Investigates and prepares cases for fines or prosecution of violations of custom meat facilities law;

Investigates FSIS meat drug residue findings as dictated by the FDA; educates the producer so that the violation does not occur again; completes investigational records for the FDA;

Acts as expert resource to the Food Safety Program;

Investigates animal welfare complaints; provides unbiased information to general public, special interest groups, media, etc., on animal husbandry practices as related to animal welfare;

Gathers statistical data;

Reviews current livestock disease research reports and recommends new practices and procedures;

May supervise lower level staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Positions require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and three years experience in practice of agricultural animal veterinary medicine.

Note: Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry in the state of Washington.

New class replaces 45910 Veterinarian, Animal Health; effective June 1, 2005.