State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey passes

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — On Nov. 26, Ohio Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda shared news of the passing of State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Ohio Department of Agriculture shares the passing of longtime State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey,” Pelanda said. “Dr. Forshey was a leader in animal health; both well known, and well respected.”

Dr. Forshey had a passion and commitment to agriculture and animal health, she said. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University and practiced veterinary medicine for 27 years, with a major interest in swine production. He served as the State Veterinarian and Chief of Animal Health at ODA for 15 years. Dr. Forshey held numerous leadership roles at the national level, serving on the Board of Directors for the United States Animal Health Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture.

“It was a privilege to know Dr. Forshey,” Pelanda said. “He left a lasting mark on the Ohio Department of Agriculture, our state, and our nation.”

The Ohio Agricultural Council inducted Dr. Forshey into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2020. Here is the information they shared in a release announcing his induction:

A mentor to future veterinarians and a champion of preventative measures, Dr. Tony Forshey made invaluable contributions to the betterment of the swine industry in his 27 years as a practicing veterinarian. The swine industry has grown significantly due to his focus on herd health and disease prevention, rather than simply treating sick animals. As an adjunct faculty member of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Forshey mentored countless students, many of whom are now involved in Ohio agriculture as livestock producers or food animal veterinarians.

After leaving his private practice in 2005, Dr. Forshey joined the Ohio Department of Agriculture as the Assistant State Veterinarian, later appointed the State Veterinarian and Chief of the Division of Animal Health. In this position, he is charged with protecting and promoting Ohio’s livestock and poultry industries. Through his leadership, Dr. Forshey has made significant investments in the betterment of the industry, most notably the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board – the most comprehensive livestock care standards in the U.S.

Dr. Forshey has been recognized by the industry on numerous occasions, including the 1998 Ohio Pork Producers Council Service Award for Outstanding Service to the Ohio Swine Industry, the 2010 Ohio Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year Award and as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013.

— Ohio Department of Agriculture
— Ohio Agricultural Council