State Veterinarian Dr. David Schmitt to retire Jan. 10

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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018

STATE VETERINARIAN DR. DAVID SCHMITT TO RETIRE JAN. 10

Nationwide search to take place to find replacement; Dr. Jeff Kaisand to serve as acting State Veterinarian

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today thanked State Veterinarian Dr. David Schmitt for his nearly 20 years of service to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Schmitt has been with the Department since 1999 and has served as the State Veterinarian since December 2007. Schmitt has announced that he will retire on Jan. 10, 2019.

“Dr. Schmitt has provided strong, consistent leadership for the Department’s Animal Industry Bureau as it serves our state’s livestock farmers. Dave’s passion for the industry and his extensive experience both in private practice and with the State Vet’s office will be missed,” Naig said. “Animal agriculture contributes more than $13 billion in sales to our state’s economy and we will be conducting a nationwide search to make sure we find the right person to serve in this important role.”

Dr. Jeff Kaisand, the current Assistant State Veterinarian for Iowa, will serve as the acting State Veterinarian during the search for a permanent replacement. Kaisand has been with the Department since 2013.

Schmitt led the Department’s Animal Industry Bureau, which oversees regulation of animal movement, exhibitions, importation and disease eradication/control efforts.  The state veterinarian also plays an important role in preparing for and responding to any foreign animal disease or natural disaster concern. The Bureau also regulates certain commercial companion animal breeders and retailers.

Dr. Schmitt graduated from high school in Hampton, Iowa and earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University in 1973. He worked in a private veterinary practice for more than 25 years before joining the Department as an Assistant State Veterinarian.

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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov