AASV Members Honored

April 16, 2008 — 

Dr. Jerome Geiger and Dr. Rick Sibbel were honored at the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's (NIAA) annual meeting on April 1st in Indianapolis, Ind.

Dr. Geiger, U.S. Health Assurance Veterinarian with PIC North America, was presented the NIAA President's Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and dedication to the organization.

"Like all of our committee chairmen, Dr. Geiger gives unselfishly of his time and knowledge for the advancement of animal agriculture," said Michele vise-Brown, NIAA's President and CEO. "What brought Dr. Geiger to the top was his enthusiasm, dedication and industry leadership and his willingness to go beyond the call of duty while chairing the organization's Animal Care Committee. He makes time when no time is available, and this year served as chairman of the annual meeting planning committee."

Dr. Sibbel, Director of Technical Services, Global Ruminant, Schering-Plough Animal Health, was presented the NIAA Meritorious Service Award in recognition of leadership, dedication and contributions to the organization and animal agriculture.

"Dr. Sibbel provided incredible leadership to NIAA at a time when it was most needed," stated 2008 NIAA chairman-elect Dr. Leonard Bull who presented the award. "He is adept at leading people and organizations and has given a tremendous amount of himself and his talent to animal agriculture."

Within NIAA, Dr. Sibbel has served as chairman of the swine health committee, chair and vice chair of the NIAA board of directors and chairman of NIAA's long-range planning committee. He played a key role in the development and launch of the first genetically engineered pseudorabies vaccine, the first influenza vaccine for swine and the first viral-vectored vaccine for poultry. He is a past president of the AASV and a past and current member of various American Veterinary Medical Association Committees.

The NIAA has five species-based committees--cattle, swine, sheep and goat, equine and poultry--as well as six issues-based committees--animal care, animal health emergency management, animal health and international trade, animal identification and information systems, animal production food safety and security, and emerging disease--and one subcommittee--equine identification.

The NIAA's mission is to provide forums for building consensus and advancing solutions for animal agriculture and to provide continuing education and communication linkages to animal agriculture professionals. NIAA is dedicated to programs that work towards the eradication of animal diseases that pose risk to the health of animals, wildlife and humans; promote a safe and wholesome food supply for our nation and abroad; and promote best practices in environmental stewardship, animal health and well being. NIAA members represent producers, veterinarians, scientists, state and federal officials, and business executives. More information is available at http://www.animalagriculture.org.