In recognition of his persistent pursuit of improved animal health, Indiana State Veterinarian Bret Marsh (PU DVM ’84), recently was awarded the National Pork Board’s Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually at the National Pork Industry Forum to recognize an outstanding leader’s lifelong contribution to the pork industry. Dr. Marsh received the award March 5 in Kansas City, Mo., during the forum’s annual business meeting.
“Bret has transformed the way producers work with government officials on regulatory issues,” said David Newman, National Pork Board president and a producer representing Arkansas. “What he was able to do in Indiana, and then transfer to a national level, has not only improved animal health and well-being, but his efforts have elevated the industry’s working relationship with state and federal government agencies.” Click here to view a video about Dr. Marsh’s award that includes excerpts of interviews with David Newman and Purdue alumnus and swine practitioner Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PU DVM ’77).
Dr. Marsh grew up in rural Indiana and attended Purdue University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and his DVM degree. After graduating in the DVM Class of 1984, he began his career in regulatory medicine as the director of swine health programs at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and was appointed as the state veterinarian in 1994.
Dr. Marsh has served as a leader in multiple aspects of the pork industry, including co-chairing a working group to address influenza in exhibition swine, participating on a special detail to the U.S. secretary of agriculture’s homeland security staff, serving on both the national PEDV Task Force and the National Swine Disease Council, and helping make Indiana one of the first states to implement mandatory premises identification.