Performs inspection and enforcement work in the maintenance of standards and regulations governing the control of diseases in livestock and port try,

The work evolves the application of specialized knowledge of animal diseases and methods of control including the imposition of quarantines and other legal restrictions or requirements on livestock and poultry owners or dealers. A principal assignment may involve responsibility for inspecting slaughter houses and meat-packing or processing plants to assure compliance with established standards and regulations. Supervision may be exercised over several livestock or meat inspectors. The establishment of good working relations with livestock and poultry owners and dealers, practicing veterinarians, and meat-plant operators is essential to the effectiveness of the overall program. The work is performed under the supervision of a Veterinary District Supervisor who makes assignments and assists in unusual or non-routine situations.

Examples of the duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Inspects livestock markets to see that they are kept clean to reduce the danger of spreading infection and contagion; attends special and regular sales to ascertain that requirements are met regarding the sale of livestock going back to farms and out of the State; prevents the sale of animals having contagious or infectious diseases.
2. Inspects or supervises the inspection of meat processing plants to assure compliance of packing, labeling and operational procedures with established standards and regulations; inspects slaughter houses and carcasses to assure disease-free conditions; prevents the processing of substandard meats and carcasses.
3. Performs initial investigation of reports of disease and outbreaks of disease among animals; studies and diagnoses and cases; ;places contagious disease areas under quarantine and supervises the disinfecting of the area and all vehicles and persons entering or leaving the area; gives instructions for the proper disposition of animals.
4. May perform anti-mortem and post-mortem examinations on various types of livestock and poultry to determine the natures of an illness or death; makes recommendations to owners or practicing veterinarians to prevent further loss.
5. Administers or supervises the administering of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis and Bang’s disease; tags and brands reactors; issues certificates to owners for removal of infected animals to be slaughtered.
6. Answers questions of livestock owners, dealers and other interested parties concerning the diseases of livestock and the State’s part in disease control and eradication; explains State nod Federal rules and regulations to parties concerned.
7. Makes periodic and special reports of findings on various cases investigated, subsequent action taken, and results of the action.

Graduation from a recognized school of veterinary medicine and one year of experience in public inspection and regulatory veterinary work.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine; thorough knowledge of the causes and symptoms of diseases in livestock and methods of control; considerable knowledge of State laws and regulations governing the veterinary field program; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationship with livestock owners and dealers, private veterinary practitioners, and other interested parties.

Last updated: 10/1/61