Lex Carroll

2012 Distinguished Past Student Award winner

Raised on a cattle property at Injune, attending Queensland Agricultural College was a logical step for Lex Carroll, who received his Distinguished Past Student award for service to the veterinary industry.

Lex graduated from the College with a Queensland Diploma in Animal Husbandry (1st Class Honours) in 1960 followed by a Bachelor in Veterinary Science (1st Class Honours and University Medal) in 1965.

Subsequently, he was awarded a MANZCVSc and FAICD by examination in 1979 and 2001 respectively.

During these years Lex started his working life as an associate veterinarian at a Bendigo, Vic. mixed animal practice.

From 1969 until 1980, he was a partner in the firm Tatura Veterinary Clinic and senior partner from 1975-1980, where the majority of the work concentrated on the equine industry, 70% of which involved stud work and 30% medical and surgical.

Practice experience included the planning and implementation of preventative medicine programs, the detailed investigation of disease problems in collaboration with laboratory personnel, and the utilisation of herd based disease control measures.

From 1981-83, Lex was VO – Equine Species Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Victoria before being appointed Principal Veterinary Officer (Intensive Livestock Health) Deptartment of Agriculture Victoria.

In 1984 until 1986, Lex was the acting Chief of Division of Veterinary Field Services, Victoria – Chief Veterinary Inspector and Chief Inspector of Stock, delegated duties as Chief Veterinary Officer.

He was responsible for implementation of animal disease control programs in Victoria, including coordination of eradication of virulent Avian Influenza (Fowl Plague) in 1985.

Lex left the Department of Agriculture in 1986 to take up a successful land selection ballot at Rolleston in central Queensland, where he became a beef cattle grazier, part time veterinary consultant and participated in agripolitics.

Lex has had a very wide involvement in the equine and beef cattle industries, taking part in research, teaching, producing a large list of publications, post graduate training as well as professional interests and industry organisations.