REGULATORY SERVICES

Office of Veterinary Services

With offices located strategically throughout the state - in Richmond, Wytheville, Lynchburg and Harrisonburg - the Office of Veterinary Services provides assistance to livestock and poultry producers and animal owners from the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap.

By administering veterinary medical regulatory programs, we work to protect domestic animals and poultry from contagious and infectious diseases and encourage the proper care of livestock and poultry. Producers and practicing veterinarians look to us as a source of livestock disease information and a data bank of animal disease incidence. By enforcing regulations and quarantines, we control the spread of disease through commerce - both in and out of state.

Working closely with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, we coordinate disease eradication programs and activities and share this information with other agencies when these diseases are transmissible to humans.

Frequent contact with other State Veterinarians provides us with current information on the nation's livestock health status and applicable entry requirements thus assisting Virginia producers with the marketing of their animals.

Staff members are also available to assist local officials with investigations of alleged cruelty to animals - both companion and livestock animals. Advice is also available on the requirements for maintaining local government animal pounds and shelters.

Contact the regional office nearest you for detailed information on our programs and services.