Since taking over as Michigan State Veterinarian last year, James Averill, DVM, PhD, has made huge changes in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD’s) companion animal programs, particularly in enforcing regulations in poor-performing animal shelters in the state.
Dr. Averill will appear with his staff at the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance’s Getting to the Goal Conference to participate in a Q&A with conference attendees and discuss the successes and challenges of MDARD’s programs.
The conference will be held Sept. 4-5, 2014, in Troy, Mich. For additional information and to register, click here.
About the Presenter
Dr. Averill received his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 2001 from Michigan State University. Upon graduation he went to work for USDA Veterinary Services, Michigan, office as a Veterinary Medical Officer for bovine TB.
Dr. Averill returned to Michigan State in 2002 to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology, which was completed in February 2009. From 2006 to 2008, Dr. Averill worked for the Michigan Department of Community Health as Deputy Coordinator for Pandemic Influenza. In August of 2009, Dr. Averill joined Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division as the Bovine TB Eradication Program Coordinator. In June of 2011, he became the Animal Industry Division Director. Then in June 2013, Dr. Averill assumed the role of State Veterinarian while maintaining Division Director responsibilities.
Dr. Averill resides in Webberville, MI, with his wife, Donna.
