Clifford Named Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator

May 21, 2004 -- John R. Clifford, DVM, has been named deputy administrator of the Veterinary Services program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Clifford brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as deputy administrator and has served in a number of key leadership positions. Since April 2002, Clifford served as VS? associate deputy administrator for national animal-health and policy programs.?In this position, he led APHIS? efforts to protect, sustain and improve the productivity, marketability and health of the nation?s animals, animal products and biologics, in addition to protecting the nation from the introduction of dangerous and costly pests and diseases.?Before becoming associate deputy administrator Clifford served as VS? assistant deputy administrator.

?We are extremely pleased with this announcement,? said Paul Rodgers, deputy director of policy for the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). ?Dr. Clifford has a long history with the department, and has been actively involved in many key animal-health issues. His knowledge, involvement and leadership will continue to serve the U.S. sheep industry and other animal industries well.?

Clifford most recently spoke with U.S. sheep industry leaders about the forward movement of both the scrapie eradication plan and National Animal Identification System with participants at the 2004 ASI Spring Trip, held late April in Washington, D.C.

He also spoke at the 2004 ASI Convention about the department?s successful deployment of rapid response models for dealing with various animal-health issues such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy and exotic Newcastle disease.

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, (304) 647-9981

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