The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) held its 128th annual meeting from October 10-16, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. This gathering brought together experts and stakeholders in animal health to discuss pressing issues, honor distinguished members, and appoint new leadership.
The event featured a series of discussions, presentations, and workshops focusing on current challenges and advancements in animal health. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts, share research findings, and collaborate on strategies to enhance animal health across the nation.
Awards and Recognitions
During the conference, USAHA honored several individuals for their exceptional contributions to animal health:
- USAHA Federal Partnership Award: Dr. Steve Olsen, a research veterinary medical officer with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. Dr. Olsen was honored for his research on brucellosis in cattle, bison, elk, and swine, which has directly supported federal and state cooperative brucellosis eradication efforts.
- USAHA Medal of Distinction: Barbara Determan, president of Heartland Marketing Group from Early, Iowa, and a past president of the USAHA. Determan was recognized for her significant contributions through her perspectives as a producer representative of the National Pork Producers Council and her expertise in public relations and marketing.
- APHIS Administrator’s Award: Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota state veterinarian and the executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Dr. Hoefs has an extensive background in equine, mixed animal, and small animal medicine, academia, and has served as an animal humane officer and biosecurity specialist for a broiler company.
- National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials Service Award: Dr. Annette Jones, California state veterinarian and director of animal health and food safety services for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. From 2022-24, Dr. Jones served as president of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials.
New Leadership Appointments
The USAHA also welcomed new officials into its leadership roles:
- President: Dr. Peter Mundschenk, Las Vegas
- President-Elect: Dr. Charlie Broaddus, Richmond, Virginia
- First Vice President: Dr. Justin Smith, Manhattan, Kansas
- Second Vice President: Dr. Kathryn Simmons, Washington, D.C.
- Third Vice President: Dr. Kate Levine, Montpelier, Vermont
- Treasurer: Dr. Beth Thompson, Pierre, South Dakota
- Immediate Past President: Dr. Steve Crawford, Concord, New Hampshire
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