The National Pork Producers Council has named a new assistant director of science and technology. This NPPC news release says Dr. Daniel Kovich will focus on food and feed safety and animal handling issues.
Kovich comes to NPPC from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where he managed state animal welfare and control programs, including animal control officer training and technical support, animal care inspection services, emergency animal sheltering and regulatory enforcement activity. He previously was staff veterinarian for animal health and welfare in the department’s Office of Veterinary Services and served as a foreign animal disease diagnostician.
Prior to working for the state of Virginia, Kovich served in the U.S. Public Health Service – attaining the rank of lieutenant – where he was detailed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service as a supervisory public health veterinarian. He also worked as a research assistant for the University of Minnesota’s Center for Animal Health and Food Safety and for Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science.
“Dr. Kovich brings considerable practical experience in and knowledge of animal health and welfare,” said Audrey Adamson, NPPC vice president of domestic policy issues. “I know he’ll be a tremendous asset to our public-policy team because of his work in food safety and animal welfare. On those issues, he adds to the depth NPPC already has with Dr. Wagstrom, our chief veterinarian.”
NPPC officials say Kovich’s background and skills will make him a valuable resource for U.S. pork producers.