Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Monday, December 17, 2007

Montpelier, Vt - One of Vermont’s most important animal health positions has been filled. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has hired Kristin M. Haas, D.V.M. as state veterinarian and director of the agency’s division of food safety and consumer protection. In this role, Dr. Haas will oversee the agency’s field inspectors and veterinarians and provide leadership on current health issues and trends.

“I am pleased that Dr. Haas has joined our team in this capacity. It is an important role that has become increasingly challenging with new strains of disease and the heightened threat of food safety,” said Roger Allbee, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “Our vets are on the front lines of managing issues concerning animal health and public safety and Dr. Haas’ leadership and experience will be invaluable to our efforts.”

Most recently, Dr. Haas was an associate veterinarian with Burlington Equine Veterinary Services in Charlotte, Vermont. Prior to that, she worked at Equine Medical Services in Virginia. She has served as a member of the Vermont State Board of Veterinary Medicine since 2004. Dr. Haas received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Dr. Haas replaces Dr. Kerry Rood who left the agency to pursue a teaching position in his home sate of Utah. Dr. Mike Wood has fulfilled the duties of State Veterinarian in the interim.

The Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division serves the state to promote and protect the health and welfare of animals in the State of Vermont and enhance the viability of Vermont's animal industries. Under the leadership of Vermont’s State Veterinarian and Assistant State Veterinarian, the Agency has developed a comprehensive animal health program. Issues that are addressed include increased disease surveillance, farmer education, and regulatory oversight of livestock movement. The primary mission for the Animal Health Section is public health and food safety.