Merck Animal Health Partners with Academy of Veterinary Consultants to Honor Dr. Bill Swafford

MADISON, N.J., April 20, 2016 – Merck Animal Health, in partnership with the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC), recently honored Bill Swafford, D.V.M., AVC Executive Director, with the 2016 Outstanding Service Award. Dr. Swafford was recognized for his influential role in helping to grow the AVC from a small group of leading beef-cattle veterinarians founded in 1972 to an association of more than 1,000 current veterinarians and student members.
“Over the years, Dr. Swafford has served the AVC in various capacities to provide continuing education to countless bovine veterinarians,” said John Mayer, D.V.M., Technical Services and Pharmacovigilance Manager, Merck Animal Health. “I have personally known Dr. Swafford since joining the AVC in 1984 and have witnessed his dedication to both the veterinary profession and the cattle industry. He has provided tremendous leadership and guidance to hundreds of AVC members throughout his decades of service, and for that reason, we at Merck Animal Health are proud to honor Dr. Swafford for the significant impact he has had on the industry.”
“The AVC and myself personally appreciate the support that Merck Animal Health provides to this organization, the veterinary profession as a whole and the cattle industry,” Dr. Swafford said. “It has been a privilege and honor to serve AVC as President for the past 10 years as Executive Director. I appreciate the efforts of our staff and leadership, as we have maintained a strong position in beef cattle continuing education and, at the same time, have grown AVC’s positive influence within the profession and cattle industry.”
The Outstanding Service Award is announced annually at the AVC Spring Meeting. Presented to current or past AVC members, the award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the AVC and the beef cattle industry. In addition, Merck Animal Health donates $2,000 to the AVC Foundation in the award recipient’s name.

About Merck Animal Health

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Academy of Veterinary Consultants

The Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) is an association of veterinarians involved in beef cattle medicine, herd health programs and consultation. Our mission is to provide continuing education, member support and leadership among various entities of the beef cattle industry. The AVC goal strives for optimum productivity of a safe, high-quality product.