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Bonnie Johnson
October 30, 2025
Media ArticleThe Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Fidler as the new State Veterinarian, effective October 27. His leadership marks an important step in strengthening Arkansas’s efforts to protect animals and public health.
“Dr. Fidler brings extensive experience in animal health, regulatory science, and agricultural research that will be invaluable to the Department and to Arkansas’s livestock and poultry industries,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Animal health is vital to the success of Arkansas agriculture, and we look forward to his leadership as we continue supporting producers across the state.”
Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing more than $25.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. Animal agriculture makes up nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts, ranking Arkansas 10th nationally in earnings from animals and animal products.
As a State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler will lead efforts to promote livestock and poultry health, enhance food safety and quality, and support disease prevention programs across the state. He will collaborate with producers, veterinarians, and the public to strengthen Arkansas’s animal health systems.
Dr. Fidler brings over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and regulatory science. Before joining the Department, he served as Director of Pre-Clinical Sciences at the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, where he advanced health and food technology innovation.
He also spent seven years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, specializing in animal biotechnology and drug development.
Earlier, Dr. Fidler held academic positions at North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas, and worked with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. He is a Diplomate (emeritus) of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Dairy Practice and holds degrees from Cornell University, the University of Tennessee, and North Carolina State University.
His appointment underscores the Department’s mission to protect and promote Arkansas agriculture through innovation, education, and leadership in animal health.
Photo by: agriculture.arkansas.gov
