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News Release 10-4-2002 |
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PEERS ELECT COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE GUS R. DOUGLASS CHAIRMAN OF ANIMAL HEALTH COMMITTEE West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass recently was elected chairman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases Advisory Committee, a distinguished group of academics, veterinary professionals and other leaders in livestock and poultry health. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman reappointed Douglass to the committee last year in the wake of the British Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, because of Douglass’ extensive knowledge of human and animal health issues and his longtime advocacy of agricultural biosecurity. He recently was presented a certificate of appointment by Ron DeHaven, associate administrator of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). “I’m very honored that Secretary Veneman saw fit to reappoint me to the committee, and I’m very gratified that my colleagues elected me to chair this very important group,” said Commissioner Douglass. “I’m extremely proud of the work being done by this committee, which is of the utmost importance to our security as a nation. The introduction of a foreign animal disease to our shores – either accidentally or by intent – could have devastating consequences for American agriculture and the consuming public.” The advisory committee develops plans to detect, confine and eradicate
any animal disease that might make its way to our shores, jeopardizing
America’s food supply and the health of livestock, poultry
and humans. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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