AVMA Board meets USDA Undersecretary Ibach

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​(Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

The AVMA Board of Directors met with Greg Ibach, the U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, Jan. 4 ahead of the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago. A key discussion topic was ways of improving animal health in the upcoming 2018 Farm Bill, such as by increasing disease detection and response capabilities, providing adequate funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and establishing a livestock vaccine bank. Also discussed was the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and programs enhancing animal welfare and promoting food safety. Ibach, seen here with Board Chair Michael Whitehair, was Nebraska's director of agriculture until his appointment as undersecretary last October.