Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 1/25/16


Dr. John Clifford, who has served for the past 12 years as chief veterinary officer and deputy administrator for veterinary services for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is transitioning from this role to become the chief trade advisor for veterinary services national import export services beginning March 1.

In a letter to stakeholders, APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea explained the change would “allow Dr. Clifford to focus more on global trade issues at a time when international work has become ever more crucial to our mission.”

In the wake of last year’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, Clifford spent several weeks traveling overseas and meeting with numerous agricultural officials across Asia with the goal of addressing trade restrictions on behalf of the poultry industry. Those discussions helped maintain poultry trade with several Asian countries.

As chief trade advisor, Clifford will continue to work with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) on behalf of U.S. producers.

Clifford has been with APHIS for more than 30 years in both field and headquarters positions. Shea said he would announce Clifford’s successor closer to his transition date in March.

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