USAHA Honors Jones and Parr With Medal

The United States Animal Health Association recognized two state veterinarians for leadership and service to the organization.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine

Bold vector editorial illustration of a bronze medallion on a navy velvet cushion beside a crimson ribbon, evoking institutional recognition for veterinary service. — The United States Animal Health Association presented its Medal of Distinction to California State Veterinarian Annette Jones and retired South Carolina State Veterinarian Boyd Parr at its annual meeting. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The United States Animal Health Association, a 126-year-old organization, awarded its Medal of Distinction to Annette Jones, California State Veterinarian, and Boyd Parr, retired South Carolina State Veterinarian. The awards were presented at the USAHA annual meeting.

Why it matters

The Medal of Distinction recognizes outstanding leadership, exemplary service, and significant contributions to USAHA, honoring long-serving animal health officials who shape state and national disease response.

Jones has directed the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division since 2010 and was elected USAHA treasurer in 2011, serving eight years on the executive committee. Parr served 17 years as South Carolina state veterinarian before retiring this past year.

The players

United States Animal Health Association (USAHA)

A 126-year-old organization that brings together state and federal animal health officials to address animal disease issues across the United States.

Annette Jones

California State Veterinarian who has directed the state's Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division since 2010 and served on the USAHA executive committee.

Boyd Parr

Retired South Carolina State Veterinarian who served 17 years in the role and was USAHA president in 2016-2017.

The details

The Medal of Distinction was presented at the USAHA annual meeting to Jones and Parr, alongside the Federal Partnership Award to L. Mia Kim Torchetti, who contributed to responses during the 2015 and 2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea presented the Administrator's Award to Paul Zajicek.

2010: Jones became director of the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division.
2011: Jones was elected USAHA treasurer.
2015: Torchetti contributed to response efforts during a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
2016-2017: Parr served as USAHA president.
2022: Torchetti contributed to response efforts during a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.

Veterinary Leadership

The awards recognize career-long state veterinary leadership within USAHA, an organization that has coordinated animal health policy among states and federal agencies for 126 years. Recognition of recent retirements and long-serving officials reflects continuity in the state-federal network that responds to disease outbreaks.

Pet owners and livestock producers in states with long-serving veterinary leaders may see continuity in state animal health programs as officials transition into retirement. Changes in leadership can affect how disease reporting and vaccination guidance are communicated locally.

The takeaway

Long-term state veterinary leaders often carry institutional knowledge that shapes how outbreaks are handled, so their recognition highlights why stable, experienced public health roles matter for animal and human health alike.