Dr. Jim Watson graduated from Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 and spent the next  16 years  as a large animal veterinarian in Central Mississippi. In 1998 he became the State Veterinarian, for the State of Mississippi.    As State Veterinarian, Dr. Watson is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health and is responsible for carrying  out the various programs intended to prevent, control or eradicate animal diseases within the State of Mississippi.  In addition, his duties include the development  and implementation of  animal disaster response plans for prevention and control of  diseases exotic to the United States as well as  promoting awareness of animal health issues.  Dr. Watson also serves on various committees and advisory boards of many state and national organizations which seek to resolve animal health and animal disaster issues.