Animal Health

The health of our animals is of vital concern to everyone. The Animal Health Division, led by the State Veterinarian, seeks to prevent the spread of disease through import requirements, movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. Thanks to staff efforts, Tennessee is known for complete eradication of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis, swine brucellosis and pseudorabies, and a reduction in cases of equine infectious anemia.

The Division also works with the Agricultural Crime Unit to investigate livestock welfare issues, and cooperates with other agencies and non-governmental organizations to train and credential responders for Disaster Animal Response Teams.

Furthermore, the Division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection among people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.