Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Dr. Mahesh C. Kumar to the Board of Animal Health. 

Mahesh C. Kumar, of St. Cloud, currently serves as a poultry health consultant.  His current work includes providing consulting services to Burkel Turkey Farms in Becker County.  Dr. Kumar also currently serves as an adjunct associate professor in the department of veterinary pathology at the University of Minnesota. 

Dr. Kumar has been working as a consultant since his retirement from Jennie-O Foods, Inc., in December 2000.  From 1989 to 2000, he was director of veterinary services for Earl B. Olson Farms, a division of Jennie-O.  From 1985 to 1989, he was director of veterinary services for Koronis Mills, a division of Jennie-O. 

Dr. Kumar received a bachelor of veterinary science and animal husbandry degree from Bihar University of Bihar in India (this is the equivalent of the doctor of veterinary medicine degree).  He also received a M.S. and Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology and public health from the University of Minnesota.  He is a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. 

Dr. Kumar is appointed to a Board position for a livestock producer and will serve a four-year term which ends January 5, 2009.  He was first appointed to the board in January 1998, and was reappointed in 2002.  
 
The Board of Animal Health oversees numerous voluntary and mandatory programs that focus on controlling and eradicating animal diseases in Minnesota.  The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor.