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FRANKFORT,
Ky. — Dr. Robert Stout of Versailles has been
named Kentucky's state veterinarian by the Kentucky
Board of Agriculture.
Dr.
Stout joined the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
on July 1, 2003, in a homeland security position funded
by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I
commend the state Board of Agriculture on selecting
such an outstanding veterinarian to this vital position,”
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “You only
have to pick up a newspaper to understand that Kentucky's
livestock industry is threatened by numerous diseases
that could endanger the livelihoods of thousands of
Kentucky farmers. Kentucky is a national leader in disease
surveillance, and Dr. Stout is the right choice to help
us maintain our leadership position.”
In
his former position with the Department, Dr. Stout conducted
presentations and training sessions on biosecurity and
disaster preparedness. Earlier in 2003, Dr. Stout worked
with the task force charged with eradicating Exotic
Newcastle Disease in California as a supervisor of animal
movement and permits. He served on the disaster preparedness
committee with the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association,
for which he was secretary-treasurer for 12 years.
Dr.
Stout is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College
of Agriculture and the veterinary school at The Ohio
State University. He has been an equine and cattle practitioner
in Versailles since 1974.
A
native of Indiana, Dr. Stout has lived in Versailles
since 1962 except for his term at OSU and an internship
at the University of Georgia.
Dr.
Stout replaces Dr. Don Notter of Harrodsburg, who served
as Kentucky's state veterinarian for 16 years.
At
a reception honoring Dr. Notter's service, Commissioner
Farmer said, “Dr. Notter has led the fight to protect
Kentucky's $2 billion livestock industry from disease,
and I commend him for his years of service to the Commonwealth.”
The
Office of the State Veterinarian enforces state and
federal regulations on livestock movement; maintains
animal health records, livestock dealer licenses and
other records; supervises and inspects livestock dealers,
cattle assembly points and livestock service providers;
and performs other duties.
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