Kentucky has a new state veterinarian. Dr. Steve Velasco was selected by the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture and was announced on Tuesday.
Dr. Velasco has a lot of experience working with larger animals. He spent the first six years of his career as a racetrack veterinarian in Louisiana and Arkansas. He then returned to South Texas where he spent the next 20 years at a large animal ambulatory practice. He has also spent time in the equine sports medicine and stocker cattle industries.
With the recent death and injuries to horses around big races, Kentucky Agriculture Commission Ryan Quarles said animal safety will be key.
“We put animal safety first, no matter what the breed, whether its livestock production on a farm or at the racetrack, so it’s important we have a state veterinarian that’s going to work with industries, solve problems and also make sure they make the right calls.”
Quarles said that experience will be valuable, beyond horses.
“Another important thing about Kentucky is we are the biggest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, so we need to have someone who has some dirt on their boots and understands the beef cattle industry.”
Dr. Velasco replaces Dr. Katie Flynn, who announced her resignation from the department in February.
He has veterinary licenses in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky. He is expected to join KDA in mid-June.
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