Passing of Dr. Tony Forshey, Ohio State Veterinarian

November 30, 2021 — 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture announced Friday the death of State Veterinarian Tony Forshey. [Source: Fulton County Expositor]

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

He 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.

Forshey was a 2015 Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee.

Prior to his work at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Forshey had been a private practice veterinarian for 27 years based in Fulton County. His Fulton County practice served not only Fulton County but much of the Midwest, with a major focus on swine health.

Many livestock farmers in Fulton County were visited by Dr. Forshey during his private practice years. At the Fulton County Fair, Forshey served as the fair veterinarian. His practice was responsible for inspecting 4-H and FFA livestock prior to weigh-ins.

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