For the purpose of providing proper enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, each county board of health shall act as, or appoint annually on or before July first, a licensed graduate veterinarian or other properly qualified person who shall be known as rabies control officer. In those counties in which there is no county board of health, such appointment shall be made by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Such additional personnel may be appointed and assigned as is deemed necessary. The rabies control officer shall be subject to all rules and regulations for a merit system of personnel administration.