United States Animal Health Association – October 12-18, 2023

Event

The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) held its 127th annual meeting from October 12-18, 2023, in National Harbor, Maryland.

Program

The meeting, held jointly with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, drew more than 1,200 attendees. Ray Starling, Raleigh, North Carolina, presented the keynote address, based on his book, “Farmers vs. Foodies.” The presentation took a look at outside forces forging the future of farming and food and evaluated food production and consumer preferences.

Awards

USAHA Federal Partnership Award

Dr. David Suarez (Auburn ’88), Athens, Georgia. Dr. Suarez works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, serving as the acting laboratory director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory. He was honored for his work in poultry diseases, especially his development and support in the implementation of rapid molecular diagnostic tests for avian influenza and Newcastle disease that changed the way these diseases were diagnosed in the United States and across the world. Dr. Suarez is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

USAHA Medal of Distinction

Kimberly Sprout, Newark, Delaware. Sprout is a senior strategic account manager at Zoetis. She was recognized for her contributions to the USAHA, serving as a keystone for the resolutions process for more than 20 years.

APHIS Administrator’s Award

Dr. Lanny W. Pace (Mississippi State ’82), Pearl, Mississippi. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, Dr. Pace recently retired as executive director emeritus of the Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory System. He also served several years as a professor of pathology in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, heading the department for two years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Pace worked at Murray State University and the University of Missouri. He is a past president of the Mississippi VMA.

National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials Service Award

Drs. Brigid Elchos (Mississippi State ’99) Lumberton, Mississippi, and Ralph Zimmerman (Ross ’87), Albuquerque, New Mexico. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Dr. Elchos recently retired as deputy state veterinarian with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. She was recognized for her service and leadership in regulatory veterinary medicine. Dr. Zimmerman recently retired as New Mexico state veterinarian. He was recognized for his work in program development and enhancement via connecting partners from multiple sectors to achieve common goals during challenging circumstances, while creating an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Business

Twenty-one resolutions were approved. They are available in the resolutions section of the USAHA website.

Officials

Dr. Steve Crawford, Concord, New Hampshire, president; Dr. Peter Mundschenk, Las Vegas, president-elect; Dr. Charles Broaddus, Richmond, Virginia, first vice president; Dr. Justin Smith, Manhattan, Kansas, second vice president; Dr. Kathryn Simmons, Washington, D.C., third vice president; Dr. Beth Thompson, Pierre, South Dakota, treasurer; and Steve Rommereim, Alcester, South Dakota, immediate past president

A version of this story appears in the May 2024 print issue of JAVMA