KS Board of Veterinary Examiners merged into state's department of ag

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has merged the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners into the Kansas Department of Agriculture in a two-year trial established by Senate Bill 278. State legislators believe the move will allow for greater efficiency within the animal health industry.

“This trial merger for the next two years will demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency that can be possibly be achieved by working under the umbrella of the Kansas Department of Agriculture,” says Bill Brown, DVM, Kansas animal health commissioner, in a release from the department of agriculture. “The intent of the merger is to promote consistency and efficiency in policy making and administration of the veterinary and animal health industries, while allowing the board to continue to retain responsibility and authority in regulating the practice of veterinary medicine. It is important that we provide the utmost service to the working veterinarians in Kansas.”

The Kansas department of agriculture says the ag industry contributes $10.6 billion to the state’s economy annually. The state will also be home to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) currently under construction on the campus of Kansas State University. The high-risk research facility will be built on a 500,000-square-foot site with a price tag of approximately $1.255 billion.