Animal & Livestock Diseases

Division of Animal Health

Missouri’s livestock and poultry industries continue to be essential parts of the Missouri’s agricultural economy with annual cash receipts consistently exceeding $2.25 billion. The statutory duty of the State Veterinarian under the Diseased Animals Law is to develop and implement animal health programs to improve and protect the health of Missouri’s livestock.

Programs administered by the Division of Animal Health are designed to control and eradicate the most economically damaging diseases. Missouri loses an estimated $300 million annually as a result of livestock disease and parasites. The Division of Animal Health is on guard against disease as the expanding frontier of animal trade requires continual surveillance. Division staff develop and implement disease control programs that best suit the needs of Missouri’s livestock producers.