With the announcement last week that Indiana State Veterinarian Bret Marsh will become the new dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kyle Shipman, a Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus, has been named interim Indiana State Veterinarian. Dr. Shipman will start serving in that role as of November 2, 2024. The decision was made in order to fulfill the duties of the office until members of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) can appoint a permanent successor to Dr. Marsh.
Dr. Shipman currently serves as director of BOAH’s Animal Programs Division. He earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences and his DVM degree at Purdue. Shortly after joining BOAH, Dr. Shipman played a significant role in the agency’s response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza event in Dubois County in 2016. He also has helped lead the extended response to bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Southeastern Indiana.
Dr. Shipman continues to expand his knowledge about responding to diseases of high consequence. In early 2020, he traveled to Uganda to participate in an international, hands-on training course to learn first-hand how to diagnose and respond to cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). He is a USDA-certified and trained Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician. In 2020 he completed Indiana Agri Institute’s two-year Agricultural Leadership Program as part of Class 18.
Meanwhile, a nationwide search is underway to permanently fill the position of Indiana State Veterinarian. Qualified candidates are welcome to apply online at the State of Indiana’s job portal by searching for job posting 451468. More information about the position also is available on the BOAH website.
Dr. Marsh concludes his 30-year career as Indiana State Veterinarian today, November 1. His tenure with the state dates back to 1984, when he earned his Purdue DVM degree and accepted the role of supervisor and training officer for the state meat and poultry inspection program, which was part of the Indiana State Department of Health. Two years later he joined BOAH as Swine Division director before becoming the State Veterinarian. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Marsh oversaw the establishment of the Indiana Center for Animal Policy, which serves as the umbrella agency for BOAH and the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine – the state’s two governor-appointed boards with missions directly impacting animal health and well-being. Dr. Marsh will begin serving as Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean and Hospital CEO Monday, November 4.