LITTLE ROCK, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Dr. Andrew Fidler will serve as Animal Health Director and State Veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025.
“Today’s announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, and place veterinary expertise at the center of animal health decision-making,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Dr. Fidler’s expertise will help us better serve producers, streamline processes, improve coordination, and protect Arkansas’s animal agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts in the state.”
“The strength of Arkansas agriculture depends on the health and resilience of our livestock and poultry sectors,” said Dr. Fidler. “I look forward to leading our top-notch staff in supporting resilient animal health systems and the animal industries that promote food security, economic prosperity, and public health for Arkansans and our partners.”
As Director of Animal Health and State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler will assist the Department in fulfilling its mission to safeguard human and animal health, assure food safety and quality, and promote Arkansas’ livestock and poultry industries for the benefit of the state’s citizens. He will work closely with producers, licensed veterinarians, and the public on animal health issues and disease prevention programs.
Dr. Fidler brings more than 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and regulatory science. Prior to joining the Department, he served as Director of Pre-Clinical Sciences at the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, advancing Health Tech and Food Tech innovation in partnership with academic and industry collaborators. He also spent seven years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, specializing in animal biotechnology and veterinary drug development.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Fidler held academic appointments at North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas, and served in a leadership role 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.
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Media Contact: Ayden Duncan, (501) 813-6012
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