- Dr. Rosemary Sifford received the 2026 AVMA Public Service Award.
- The honor recognizes outstanding contributions to public health and regulatory veterinary medicine.
- Sifford recently retired as U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Administrator for USDA APHIS Veterinary Services.
- She led national responses to highly pathogenic avian influenza and other major animal health challenges.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has named Dr. Rosemary Sifford, the recently retired U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), as the recipient of the 2026 AVMA Public Service Award.
Established in 1968, the award recognizes an AVMA member for outstanding public service and contributions to public health and regulatory veterinary medicine.
“Dr. Sifford has dedicated her entire career to protecting the health of the nation’s animals, its food supply and the public’s trust in veterinary medicine,” said AVMA President Dr. Michael Q. Bailey. “Her steady, science-based leadership through some of the most complex animal health emergencies in our history reflects the very best of public service.”
During nearly three decades with USDA APHIS, Sifford served in a variety of leadership roles before becoming U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer in 2021. She directed the nation’s response to highly pathogenic avian influenza, including the first detection of the virus in U.S. dairy cattle, helped lead federal efforts to prevent the reintroduction of New World screwworm, and supported continuity of essential veterinary and food supply operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sifford also represented the United States internationally as the country’s delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), helping advance global animal health preparedness and science-based trade.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
