Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Dr. Jeff Kaisand as the new State Veterinarian within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. [Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 20 Feb 2019]
"The $13.45 billion Iowa animal industry is a significant economic driver that employs thousands of Iowans," said Naig. "Dr. Kaisand’s leadership as State Veterinarian will help ensure the health and vitality of this industry going forward."
As State Veterinarian, Dr. Kaisand will lead the Department’s Animal Industry Bureau, which oversees regulation of animal movement, exhibitions, importation and disease eradication/control. The State Veterinarian also plays an important role in working with partners to prevent, prepare and respond to any foreign animal disease or natural disaster concern. The Bureau also regulates certain commercial companion animal breeders and retailers.
Dr. Kaisand served as Assistant State Veterinarian for six years and has been the Acting State Veterinarian since Dr. David Schmitt’s retirement as State Veterinarian in January 2019. Dr. Kaisand was an integral part of the state’s response to the Avian Influenza outbreak in 2015.
Prior to joining the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Dr. Kaisand held various veterinary supervisor roles with Iowa businesses and had his own veterinary practice.
Dr. Kaisand earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University. He also has a degree in animal science from Iowa State University.