The American Association of Swine Veterinarians welcomes Abbey Canon as director of communications. Canon accepted the position currently held by Harry Snelson, who will assume the position of executive director on June 1 after 13 years as director of communications.

Canon joins the AASV from the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University. At CFSPH, a key aspect of her role is establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. She manages a nationally collaborative project, of which the purpose is to foster partnerships with public health, animal health and youth agricultural organizations to prevent zoonotic influenza and other zoonoses among youth involved in animal agriculture. She also developed new and updated existing training modules for the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service National Veterinary Accreditation Program.

In addition to earning her DVM from Iowa State University in 2011, Canon also holds a master’s in public health and is board certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine. As a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State University’s Swine Medicine Education Center, she trained fourth-year swine veterinary students and developed curriculum primarily focused on food safety, public health and occupational safety. She currently chairs the AASV Human Health and Safety Committee.

“I am thrilled for Dr. Canon to join the AASV staff,” says Tom Burkgren, AASV executive director. “She brings with her a great background in the areas of communication, education and public health within the veterinary medical community.”

During 2012-14, Canon served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, assigned to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health’s Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response. As an EISO, she was responsible for responding to urgent or emergent public health threats and communicating critical messages to lay and scientific audiences.

“I am so excited to serve AASV in this role,” Canon says.  “I enjoy education and outreach, and am looking forward to strengthening relationships within the AASV, the veterinary profession and beyond. If we haven’t met, please introduce yourself in Orlando!”

Canon will start in her new role on Feb. 4. 

Source: The American Association of Swine Veterinarians, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.