Bruce Hutton: A day in the life of a WSDA field veterinarian
"No two days are the same. Think you’ve seen everything? Wait ‘til tomorrow." Bruce Hutton, a seasoned field veterinarian with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), knows firsthand how every day in veterinary medicine can be an adventure.
The spontaneity of the job — responding to sudden disease outbreaks, handling animal emergencies, or planning for unforeseen circumstances — adds a unique layer of excitement to each day.
State field veterinarians' role is to keep animals healthy and safe. They work to control and eliminate new or foreign diseases, including ones that can affect humans, and they’re key players in emergency responses when animal-related disasters strike.
With decades of experience, Hutton’s journey, from private practice to a pivotal role in state agriculture, has taught him how to balance hands-on animal care and regulatory responsibilities.
From the farm to veterinary medicine
Hutton’s interest in becoming a veterinarian wasn’t sparked by a single moment. Instead, it was a natural progression from his childhood on a farm in western Montana. “I grew up on a farm caring for livestock, and most farm kids at some point or another, think about being a vet. For me, it just stuck,” he said.
Hutton’s passion for caring for livestock and wildlife eventually led him to earning a degree in wildlife biology from Washington State University and pursuing his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at WSU as well. After years in private practice, including owning his own clinic, Hutton transitioned to working for the state in 2022.
The role of a WSDA field veterinarian
Washington is a top agricultural state, with over 32,000 farms spread across 14 million acres, ranging from large commercial operations to smaller family-run farms. With all these farms, it is up to field veterinarians to follow-up on reportable diseases diagnosed by private veterinarians, educate farmers on disease prevention, and guide them in animal care practices. “As a state agency, our role is to prioritize the safety and well-being of both individuals and the community. We recognize that, without proper oversight, there’s a risk that personal interests may sometimes outweigh the broader good. Our goal is to find a balance — protecting you while also supporting the stability of important industries, like Washington’s poultry industry,” Hutton said.
State veterinarians also help implement biosecurity protocols, like monitoring animal movements and overseeing vaccinations, to prevent the spread of diseases.
Washington state is divided into three regions, each served by WSDA veterinarians. This includes the state veterinarian, assistant state veterinarian, and three field veterinarians. Additionally, two veterinarians specialize in epidemiology and special projects such as animal welfare and small animal imports. In total, WSDA employs seven veterinarians.
“Our focus as a state agency is more about how do we prevent a disease? How do we keep foreign diseases out of the state?” Hutton explained.
Reflecting on the impact of bird flu, he continued, “The first detection in a commercial flock was an eye-opening experience. The process of containing the outbreak, preventing its spread, and helping the producer get back to business was intense, emotional, and required coordination among state, federal, and private entities.”
State field veterinarians play a critical role in preventing or containing diseases impacting Washington livestock. They primarily work with agricultural animals — horses, cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats — and ensure that regulations, health certificates, and livestock auctions are properly managed to prevent disease outbreaks.
The role of a WSDA field veterinarian is to protect and enhance animal health and well-being, promote the economic vitality of the livestock industry by minimizing exposure to animal diseases, and safeguard public health by identifying and limited exposure to zoonotic diseases. It’s a challenging but rewarding career, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on animal welfare and the community. As Hutton puts it, “If you want to make an impact at the state level, becoming a field vet or state vet with WSDA is the way to do it.”
Learn more about the work the WSDA Animal Services Division does.