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Animal Health
The Animal Health Section is responsible for safeguarding the health of
food producing animals and horses and controlling any animal disease transmissible to humans.
Continuous efforts are conducted to control and eradicate diseases specific to each species. The
Animal Health staff also plans and implements long range programs to eradicate livestock
diseases. Veterinarians monitor any new disease which could be transported into Maryland from
another state or country to prevent serious damage to the industry. Certain wildfowl diseases
which pose a potential for serious losses among domestic fowl are constantly monitored by this
section.
Animal Health laboratories are strategically located in Oakland, Frederick, College Park,
Centreville, and Salisbury to provide diagnostic services and assist veterinarians and farmers in
maintaining the highest standards of animal health. When necessary, testing and investigations
are
conducted on farms.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Program field veterinarians and agricultural inspectors are responsible for enforcement of regulations related to animal and poultry health, for execution of State-Federal cooperative disease eradication and other programs, and for consultation with and assistance of practicing veterinarians and producers of livestock and poultry.
Some specific examples of their duties include:
. Inspection at shows, fairs, exhibitions, and auction markets.
. Certification of health for interstate shipment.
. Poultry Testing.
. Coordination of Maryland Johne's Disease Program.
. Drug Residue Testing.
To find out more, call Animal Health at 410-841-5810 or 1-800-492-5590
To find out more about veterinary licensing and practices or to file a complaint against a veterinarian, please contact the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 410-841-5862.
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