Dr. Beth Thompson, Minnesota’s State Veterinarian and Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is stepping down effective May 8 to become the state veterinarian in her home state of South Dakota.

“We are going to miss Beth’s leadership, but wish her well in South Dakota,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish. “Beth has led the Board of Animal Health through some difficult times, including the pandemic and the avian influenza outbreak, with professionalism, care and expertise.”

Thompson became Minnesota’s first female state veterinarian when she succeeded Dr. Bill Hartmann in 2016. She is only the ninth person to serve as state veterinarian in the board’s 119-year history.

The mission of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is to protect the health of the state’s domestic animals.

Dr. Linda Glaser will serve as interim state veterinarian beginning May 9 and until the Board of Animal Health selects the next state veterinarian.