Scott Zaari, DVM.

Scott Zaari, DVM, has been appointed Manitoba’s new chief veterinary officer, charged with spearheading efforts to safeguard animal health, food safety, and public health in the province. In his new role, Zaari will manage programs and guide legislation focused on animal welfare, disease prevention, and food quality.

“Manitoba’s chief veterinary officer must be a leader when it comes to animal care, the connection between animal and human health, and how all of those issues connect into the overall strength of our province’s agriculture and agri-processing sectors,” says Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.  “Dr. Zaari brings a tremendous amount of experience in veterinary services and in working with governments to manage animal health programs.  It is an honour to welcome him to this new role in our province.”

Zaari received his DVM from the University of Calgary, where he specialized in ecosystem and public health, and completed a veterinary internship with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in Paris. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and immunology from McGill University.

Originally from southern Alberta, Dr. Zaari began his career in mixed animal practice, providing veterinary services for cattle producers. His work has since taken him internationally, including a three-year stint with the OIE in Southeast Asia, where he contributed to large-scale disease control programs targeting foot-and-mouth disease and rabies. He joins Manitoba Agriculture from his most recent position as a clinical and welfare veterinarian at Animal Care Centers of NYC.