Clemson official appointed to USDA animal health panel

Published: December 14, 2010

CLEMSON — Boyd H. Parr, South Carolina state veterinarian and interim director of Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health, has been named to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's Advisory Committee on Animal Health.

"It’s a distinction for Dr. Parr to be a part of this committee," said John Kelly, Clemson's vice president of economic development, public service and agriculture. "Boyd is well respected around the state and very knowledgeable on animal health. He will be a great asset to the secretary and an excellent representative for South Carolina and Clemson."

The committee will advise agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on actions related to prevention, surveillance and the control of animal diseases of national importance. In doing so, the committee will consider the implications of public health, conservation of natural resources and the stability of livestock economies.

Parr was nominated for the two-year term by the American Farm Bureau Federation. His nomination was endorsed by Clemson President James F. Barker, multiple South Carolina farm organizations and the S.C. Association of Veterinarians.

The committee will meet for the first time in January 2011. A Federal Register notice will be published in the next few weeks with all of the meeting details.

Parr joined Clemson Livestock Poultry Health in 2004 to work with livestock and poultry producers and veterinarians. His participation in national animal agriculture organizations gives Clemson University veterinary programs professional recognition at the state and national level.

In 2009, Parr was named state veterinarian and interim head of Livestock Poultry Health. His responsibilities include oversight of Animal Health Programs, which coordinates veterinary extension activities and enforces state and federal animal health laws and regulations to protect animal health in South Carolina. His responsibilities also include oversight of the Veterinary Diagnostic Center and S.C. Meat-Poultry Inspection Department.

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