VETERINARY EPIDEMIOLOGIST

DEFINITION

This is administrative and consultative veterinary work for the Department of Agriculture in directing and coordinating statewide epidemiological efforts relating to livestock diseases.

An employee in this class is responsible for making diagnostic and epidemiological decisions relating to livestock diseases; classifying animal/herd health conditions and ordering control and/or eradication measures such as quarantines, vaccinations or herd depopulation based on analyses and interpretation of laboratory and market test results, historical data and field investigative reports; and providing epidemiological assistance to herd owners and private veterinarians. Work includes participating in the preparation of proposed animal health legislation, regulations and policies, and functioning as liaison with state and federal epidemiologists to ensure that Missouri's animal health programs are in compliance with established national standards. In addition, the employee is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the operation of a complex animal health laboratory. General supervision is provided by the Director of the Division of Animal Health or other designated superior; however, the employee exercises independence and initiative in the performance of duties within established guidelines.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Makes diagnostic and epidemiological decisions and recommendations based upon analysis and interpretation of test results, investigative reports, symptoms and other evidence; orders quarantines, vaccinations, herd depopulation or other measures for the control and/or eradication of livestock diseases.

Provides epidemiological information and assistance to veterinarians, market operators, livestock producers and dealers, professional groups and the general public.

Monitors inter/intrastate movement of livestock; provides assistance to federal epidemiologist monitoring international movement.

Interprets and applies animal health statutes and regulations relating to livestock disease identification, control and/or eradication; develops and recommends revisions to state regulations and division policies.

Prepares and submits epidemiological reports on exposed, infected or quarantined herds to the Division Director or other designated superior.

Provides administrative support and advice to the Division Director on epidemiological issues pertaining to animal disease occurrence and control, animal health programs and services, and surveillance testing procedures.

Directs the operations of a complex animal health laboratory in the performance of serological, histopathological and bacteriological tests to identify livestock diseases such as brucellosis, pseudorabies, equine infectious anemia, pullorum and tuberculosis.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and applications of epidemiology, including epidemiological investigations.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of veterinary laboratory technology, including the basic principles of microbiology, chemistry, bacteriology and serology.

Thorough knowledge of practices and procedures used to control the spread of contagious and infectious livestock diseases.

Thorough knowledge of state and federal animal health statutes, regulations and policies.

Thorough knowledge of livestock management and marketing.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of effective supervision and training.

Ability to analyze complex data and make diagnostic and epidemiological decisions.

Ability to interpret and apply statutes and regulations relating to animal health programs.

Ability to evaluate laboratory operations and initiate quality control guidelines to ensure the accuracy and consistency of reported test results.

Ability to communicate effectively and prepare complete and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, private veterinarians, market operators, livestock owners and producers, dealers, professional groups and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Four years of experience as a veterinarian involving the care and treatment of large animals and/or as a livestock market veterinarian, including or supplemented by two years of experience in epidemiological investigation and reporting; and graduation from an accredited school of veterinary medicine.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

1. Ability to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Missouri.

2. Ability to obtain federal designation as Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologist within timeframes established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

3. Ability to obtain federal designation as Official Pseudorabies Epidemiologist within timeframes established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Rev. 9/1/97)