Dr. Kristin Haas will guide national animal health organization

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets (VAAFM) State Veterinarian and Director of Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr. Kristin Haas, assumed the role of United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) president upon the conclusion of the group’s annual meeting yesterday, Oct. 24 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Hired by VAAFM in 2007, Haas has guided the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division protecting Vermont consumers, livestock and poultry industries for 11 years. Haas works closely with Vermont veterinarians, farmers and state officials to monitor potential public safety and consumer protection issues.

Two achievements mark Haas’ time as Vermont’s State Veterinarian. She implemented the Vermont Food Animal Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program, which helps ensure adequate food animal veterinary coverage across the state. Haas also brought the Food Armor® program to Vermont, which provides education and technical assistance to veterinarians and farmers regarding judicious use of veterinary medications in food-producing animals.

“I’m excited to continue contributing to the national conversation around animal health and food safety with a new platform,” Haas said. “I enjoy the professional collaboration and potential to have an impact on a large scale, so I feel as though this important role supports the agriculture industry in Vermont, and across all 50 states.”

Comprised of 1,100 members, the USAHA is a science-based, non-profit, voluntary organization of state and federal animal health officials, national allied organizations, regional representatives, and individual members. USAHA works with state and federal governments, universities, veterinarians, livestock producers, national livestock and poultry organizations, research scientists, the extension service and several foreign countries to control livestock diseases in the United States. USAHA represents all 50 states, 4 foreign countries and 34 allied groups serving health, technical and consumer markets. More about this important association can be found here.