2012 PRESS RELEASES
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November 29, 2012
STATE VETERINARIAN RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO AGRICULTURE AWARD
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686
Dr. Richard Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation at its annual convention November 28. In a November 29 press release, Farm Bureau President Wayne Pryor said, “Wilkes has been an effective and credible spokesman for animal agriculture at a time when animal activist groups have sought to redefine how farm livestock is treated.”
Pryor listed among Dr. Wilkes’ accomplishments being a key player in the passage of a bill in the 2011 Virginia General Assembly to define standards of care for agricultural animals to ensure that their proper care be defined by science, and leading the development of the Virginia State Animal Response Team for emergency situations. VDACS administers laws and regulations that apply to health requirements for livestock and poultry through its Division of Animal and Food Industry Services. Dr. Wilkes has been a leader in putting in place plans to stop the spread of disease through commerce—both in and out of state—another accomplishment that Farm Bureau cited.
“Dr. Wilkes has had a remarkable career and it is gratifying to see the industry of agriculture recognize him—and by extension, the agency—for significant achievements in the field of animal agriculture,” said VDACS Commissioner Matthew J. Lohr.
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