By Andi Anderson
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has announced several organizational updates aimed at improving animal health, emergency preparedness, and food safety across the state. These efforts are designed to support farmers, veterinarians, livestock producers, and businesses connected to animal agriculture.
A key development is the appointment of Dr. Maria Cooper, Assistant State Veterinarian, and Dr. Kelli Werling, Assistant State Veterinarian. These leadership roles strengthen BOAH’s ability to respond quickly to animal health emergencies while continuing important daily programs.
In addition, the agency’s Animal Programs division has been renamed Animal Health & Stewardship (AHS) to better reflect its wide range of responsibilities, including animal welfare, public health support, and regulatory activities. Brandi Hardin, Deputy Director, will lead the division during this transition.
BOAH is also expanding its workforce with a full-time poultry veterinarian and an emergency preparedness veterinarian. These additions follow extensive efforts during highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) response activities, which involved most agency staff during the past fiscal year.
The agency also recognized the dedication of its Meat & Poultry Inspection team, which continues to manage growing demand from processing facilities across Indiana.
During recent board meetings, members approved the appointments of the new Assistant State Veterinarians and supported a funding request of $120 million for upgrades to Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory facilities.
The report highlights continued disease monitoring across multiple livestock sectors. In cattle, Theileria orientalis Ikeda cases were confirmed on three farms, while investigations involving tuberculosis-exposed cattle have been completed.
Dairy operations continue participating in milk testing under the USDA National Milk Testing Strategy, with no H5N1 influenza cases identified on Indiana farms to date.
In the swine sector, commuter herd agreements continue to support livestock movement and disease management. Poultry officials reported no active control zones for HPAI, although significant response efforts have been required over the past year.
The equine industry remains under active disease surveillance, including monitoring for equine herpesvirus and eastern equine encephalitis.
Companion animal programs continue overseeing commercial dog breeders, brokers, shelters, and rescue organizations. Officials also reminded pet owners to keep vaccinations current following several rabies-positive bat detections.
Additional updates include changes in diagnostic testing fees, ongoing surveillance for screwworm threats, chronic wasting disease testing in cervids, scrapie monitoring in sheep and goats, and expanded livestock identification programs.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Indiana’s commitment to protecting animal health, supporting agriculture, ensuring food safety, and maintaining strong disease preparedness throughout the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Indiana, Livestock