LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Fidler as the new State Veterinarian, effective Monday, October 27.
“Dr. Fidler brings extensive experience in animal health, regulatory science, and agricultural research that will be invaluable to the Department and to Arkansas’s livestock and poultry industries,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Animal health is vital to the success of Arkansas agriculture, and we look forward to his leadership as we continue supporting producers across the state.”
Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing more than $25.6 billion to the state’s economy each year. Animal agriculture drives much of that success, accounting for nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts and positioning the state 10th nationally in cash receipts from animals and animal products.
As State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler will assist the Department in fulfilling its mission to safeguard human and animal health, assure food safety and quality, and promote Arkansas’s livestock and poultry industries for the benefit of the state’s citizens. He will work closely with producers, licensed veterinarians, and the public on animal health issues and disease prevention programs.
Dr. Fidler brings more than 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and regulatory science. Most recently, he served as Director of Pre-Clinical Sciences at the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, where he helped advance Health Tech and Food Tech innovation through academic and industry collaboration. Prior to that, he spent seven years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, where he specialized in animal biotechnology and veterinary drug development.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Fidler held academic appointments at North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas, and served in a leadership role with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. He is a Diplomate (emeritus) of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Dairy Practice, and holds degrees from Cornell University, the University of Tennessee, and North Carolina State University.
The State Veterinarian plays a key role in the Department’s work to protect animal and public health, prevent and respond to animal disease outbreaks, and support the state’s livestock and poultry industries. These efforts contribute to the Department’s mission to protect and promote Arkansas agriculture.
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Media Contact: Ayden Duncan, (501) 813-6012
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