Dr. Mike Apley Recognized by Peers for Outstanding Industry Support
May 3, 2013 12:57 pm ET
Recognized for his leadership in beef cattle health and food safety, Kansas State University professor Mike Apley, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.C.V.C.P., recently received the 2013 Outstanding Service Award from the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC). Dr. Apley was honored for dedicating his career to improving animal health and veterinary medicine by sharing his insights and expertise on antibiotic use in livestock.
Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the annual award recognizes an AVC member who has made exceptional contributions to the organization, as well as the beef cattle and veterinary medical professions. In support of the company’s long-standing commitment to honoring those who have made an indelible mark on the industry and supporting future leaders, Merck Animal Health also made a donation to the AVC Foundation in Dr. Apley’s honor.
“There is a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise among the membership that is willingly shared with others,” said Dr. Apley. “To be selected by this group as one whose service has mattered is very humbling and rewarding.”
“Mike Apley has served AVC and the veterinary profession well by helping educate the public about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic use and food safety issues, as well as providing help and advice to all who ask,” said fellow veterinarian, David Sjeklocha, D.V.M., manager of animal health and welfare for Cattle Empire in Satanta, Kan., who nominated Dr. Apley for the award. “He is truly a credit to our profession, and we are fortunate to have him as an advocate and representative.”
Eric Moore, D.V.M., beef technical services manager for Merck Animal Health, echoed the praise for Dr. Apley’s numerous contributions. “Throughout his career, Mike has had a vital role in maintaining the health of our nation’s cattle supply and, in turn, our food supply. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential veterinarians in the cattle feeding industry.”
Dr. Apley began his veterinary medicine career with a general practice in central Kansas, followed by a feedlot consulting/contract research practice in Colorado. He later joined the faculty at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and worked there until 2005, when he joined Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine as a professor of veterinary clinical sciences. At KSU, he teaches beef production medicine, large-animal medicine and pharmacology courses.
In addition to his role as an educator, he has conducted industry research focusing on infectious disease, antibiotic efficiency and resistance, drug residues and applications of drugs in food animals. He is well known for his work with veterinarians and producers throughout the United States regarding the use of pharmaceutical drugs in food animals, as well as feedlot health.
“Mike is an extremely valuable and much-needed leader in pharmacology, food safety and regulatory matters,” said Dan Upson, D.V.M., Ph.D., who presented the award with Dr. Sjeklocha. “His work has not just benefited our industry, but it also has had a positive impact on the world we live in.”
About Merck Animal Health
Today’s Merck is a global healthcare 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. Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges 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 merck-animal-health.com.
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Media Contacts:
Stephanie Meyers, 816-410-5162, stephanie.meyers@osbornbarr.com
Kelly Goss, 913-422-6846, kelly.goss@merck.com
Editor’s note: A high-resolution photo is available upon request. Photo caption:
Congratulating the 2013 AVC Outstanding Service Award winner Dr. Mike Apley, second from left, are left to right: Dr. Eric Moore, Merck Animal Health; Dr. Dan Upson, winner of the 2009 AVC Outstanding Service Award and former professor of Dr. Apley; and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha, who nominated Dr. Apley.
Photo courtesy of Bovine Veterinarian