The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has selected a veterinarian with almost 40 years experience in veterinary medicine as the new state veterinarian.

Joe Baker, DVM, has held positions with the New Mexico Livestock Board since 2006. He has headed New Mexico’s Food Safety, Meat and Poultry Inspection Division, worked as a field veterinarian, and served for a time as interim state veterinarian. He completed his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in veterinary medicine at Washington State University and also completed an equine reproduction residency at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).

Baker will start with WSDA on Nov. 3.

“Dr. Baker comes to us with the experience and background to be a great state veterinarian,” WSDA Director Bud Hover said. “He has many years in private practice but also has a deep understanding of regulatory medicine and policy, both of which will help him work successfully with the livestock industry