The director of agriculture of the state of Missouri shall appoint a veterinary surgeon, to aid and assist in developing and protecting the livestock interests of the state of Missouri. Said veterinary surgeon shall be a graduate of some reputable and recognized veterinary college or school, and shall give to the said director of agriculture, before his appointment, good evidence of a recognized, practical and scientific knowledge of contagious and infectious diseases of livestock, and shall hold his office for a term of four years, or until removed by said director of agriculture for cause, as provided in section 267.040.
§ 267.020, RSMo