State Veterinarian Dr. Ronald B. Wilson is a leading animal pathologist and veteran diagnostic laboratory director with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).  He succeeded Dr. Robert Hartin who retired at the end of October 1999.

Dr. Wilson is responsible for all animal disease prevention, monitoring and diagnostic services of the agriculture department. In addition to directing the work of the state’s C.E. Kord Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, he is responsible for the certification and enforcement of animal health standards required for interstate and international commerce of livestock and livestock products. He also cooperates with federal animal health officials in accrediting Tennessee’s approximately 1,000 practicing private veterinarians.

Wilson received both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees with high honor from Michigan State University. He conducted his residency in anatomic pathology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Pathology at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine and as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pathology at Vanderbilt University, College of Medicine.

Wilson is active in several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association of which he currently serves as Chairperson of the Regulatory and Public Health Committee. He also holds Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Although he grew up in Michigan, Wilson’s family is originally from White County, Tennessee where his parents operate a commercial beef cattle farm. Wilson and his wife, Debra Ann Wilson, D.V.M., and their three children reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

The State Veterinarian may be contacted at (615) 837-5120.