The department may employ a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine to serve as public health veterinarian of the department. In addition to the duties as public health veterinarian, this person shall aid administratively in the prevention and control of all diseases communicable from animal to man in this State and in combating these diseases in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, the extension service of Clemson University, and any other state or federal agencies engaged in similar efforts to combat diseases communicable from animal to man.