4-3-2003 |
|
|
WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NAMES NEW STATE VETERINARIAN Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass announced that Putnam County resident Dr. Joe Starcher has been named the new State Veterinarian/Animal Health Division Director. He will begin work April 16. In that role, Dr. Starcher is charged with the prevention, suppression and control of any communicable diseases of animals or poultry. He will be in charge of the state animal health laboratory and with certifying health certificates prepared by local veterinarians. Along with Assistant State Veterinarian Jewel Plumley and other Animal Health staff, Dr. Starcher will perform animal health inspections at fairs, festivals, sales and shows throughout the state. In the event of an animal disease outbreak, the Animal Health Division serves as a clearinghouse for information gathered by local veterinarians and as a liaison with federal authorities. “I am very pleased that Dr. Starcher has decided to join the Department of Agriculture staff,” said Commissioner Douglass. “His many years of experience will be hugely important in helping the Department to protect the investments of West Virginia farmers, the food supply of our entire nation and, consequently, the health of human beings who rely on that food supply.” Dr. Starcher, 60, was raised on a farm in Calhoun County and graduated from Calhoun County High School. He attended Glenville State College and West Virginia University, and graduated from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. Since then, Dr. Starcher has worked as a veterinarian in Parkersburg and Cross Lanes. He retired from active practice at the end of last year, turning over the reins to his daughter, also a veterinarian. Over his 35-year career, Starcher has served as president of the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and was chosen West Virginia Veterinarian of the Year in 1992. He currently is president of the West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. He also spent six years on the Putnam County Board of Education, four years on the Putnam County Development Authority and currently serves on the Putnam County Library Board.
|
|
|
|
|
©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
|
|
Contact the Webmaster
|
|
|
|