AVMF/AVMA Congressional Science Fellow in the House

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Dr. Elizabeth Parker, the AVMA's 1999-2000 Congressional Science Fellow, has been serving her fellowship with the House Agriculture Committee, Minority Staff. Her focus is antimicrobial resistance, meat inspection, emerging infectious diseases, and the uses of pesticides. Dr. Parker is also studying bioterrorism as it relates to agriculture for the committee.

Dr. Parker is currently monitoring and evaluating the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. She recently participated in field research studies that included tours of a kosher poultry plant in Pennsylvania — a HACCP model plant for small plants at Pennsylvania State University - and the Goldkist Inc poultry plant in Alabama.

Late this past year, Sen Thomas Daschle (D-SD) and a bipartisan group of senators introduced the latest proposal regarding the interstate shipment of state-inspected meat. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to consider the legislation this spring. Dr. Parker and other house staff members are examining ways to improve the legislation and find consensus among the interested stakeholders.

Dr. Parker's fellowship continues through August 2000.