USDA recognizes Presidential Rank Award winners

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The Department of Agriculture on Dec. 13, 2017, recognized two veterinarians as winners of Presidential Rank awards, a program that recognizes employees of the federal government.

Dr. Jere L. Dick (Washington State ’79), associate administrator of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, received the Distinguished Rank Award for, among many things, his role in response efforts to the 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in poultry and his work in developing the USDA’s new program to control feral swine.

Dr. Cyril G. Gay (Auburn ’85), who has led the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s national program in animal health for 15 years, received the Meritorious Professional Award in part for his international recognition as a leading authority in vaccinology and biodefense research.