Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould announced today the appointment of Scott Leibsle, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian following the retirement of Bill Barton, DVM.

“Dr. Barton showed his deep love of agriculture through years of service and with steadfast commitment to all Idahoans,” said Gould. “He will always have a special place within this agency and among producers. I am honored to have worked alongside Bill these many years.”

Dr. Barton worked for the ISDA for 14 years. Among his successes as State Veterinarian, Barton and his staff efficiently responded to animal disease events, supported service to a growing livestock sector, and worked on behalf of our producers to maintain a functional marketplace in Idaho and beyond.

“As sad as I am to see Dr. Barton’s departure from the agency, I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Leibsle as State Veterinarian and administrator of the ISDA’s Animal Industries Division,” said Gould. “I am incredibly grateful to have someone with his energy, intellect and experience. Scott has my complete confidence. He will be a great fit for this important role.”

Dr. Leibsle received his veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Leibsle worked in Idaho for the first time in 2005, when he practiced for two years at Sawtooth Equine Service in Bellevue. He then went on to become the third generation of his family to practice large animal medicine at Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic in Wisconsin. After five years of dairy and equine private practice, Leibsle moved back to Idaho in 2011 to join the ISDA as the Deputy State Veterinarian. In his most recent position, Leibsle played an active role in the oversight of Idaho’s dairy industry, coordination of animal care training for Idaho law enforcement and the development of Idaho’s livestock traceability program. Leibsle is one of only 55 veterinarians nationwide to be board certified in equine practice.

Idaho’s State Veterinarian also serves as the administrator for the ISDA’s Division of Animal Industries, which oversees livestock health, dairies and dairy processors, rangeland services and other aspects of animal-related agriculture. Dairy and beef cattle production are Idaho’s largest agricultural sectors. The two sectors make up over half of Idaho agriculture’s total farm gate receipts.

Dr. Leibsle’s appointment is effective immediately.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2021

Contact: Chanel Tewalt

chanel.tewalt@isda.idaho.gov

Phone: (208) 332-8615