USAHA News
United States Animal Health Association
Contact:  Larry Mark - (703) 451-3954 - ldmark@erols.com


For immediate release:


TEXAS STATE VETERINARIAN RECEIVES APHIS ANIMAL HEALTH AWARD

	HERSHEY, Pa., Nov. 7, 2005 - Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas State Veterinarian, was 
presented with the APHIS Animal Health Award by Dr. John Clifford, deputy 
administrator for Veterinary Services of USDA?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) during the opening joint general session of the United States Animal 
Health Association (USAHA) and the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory 
Diagnosticians (AAVLD).  More than 1,400 veterinarians, livestock producers, scientists, 
and others concerned with animal health are at the week-long joint conference here, a 
record-breaking attendance for the fourth consecutive year.

	Dr. Clifford presented the award -- also known as the "Administrator's Award" --
on behalf of Dr. Ron DeHaven, APHIS Administrator, who was unable to attend the 
meeting.  Dr. Clifford noted that Dr. Hillman's work with tuberculosis, brucellosis and 
trade issues -- particularly with Mexico -- have been critical to furthering APHIS? mission 
for safeguarding animal health.

	He also cited Dr. Hillman's organizational leadership, noting that he has served as 
president of USAHA, the Western States Livestock Health Association and the National 
Assembly of Chief Livestock Health Officials.  "The knowledge, savvy, and 
organizational acumen needed to fill just one of these roles is considerable," Dr. Clifford 
said.  "Your exceptional leadership is evident in your commitment to animal health, 
combating disease, and facilitating trade; this award is humble recognition of your 
outstanding work."

	Dr. Clifford said the APHIS Animal Health Award is presented each year at the 
USAHA annual meeting to an individual who has made a significant difference in 
protecting and improving the health of animal agriculture in the United States.

                                           ###