A. The members of the board shall elect a chairman, a vice-chairman, and such other officers as they deem necessary. All officers shall be members of the board.

            B. The board, subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture, shall employ a director, an assistant director, and a state veterinarian, all of whom shall be in the unclassified service. The board, subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture, shall appoint the executive secretary of the board. The commissioner of agriculture shall employ other personnel of the board as necessary. All employees of the board shall be under the direction and supervision of the commissioner of agriculture.

            C. The state veterinarian shall be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state, shall be a graduate of a recognized school of veterinary medicine, and shall have at least five years experience as a veterinarian.

            Amended by Acts 1954, No. 689, §1; Acts 1980, No. 330, §1; Acts 1982, No. 443, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Acts 2013, No. 200, §1; Acts 2018, No. 429, §1.