Commissioner Powell Named to USDA Advisory Committee

New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Ray Powell has been named to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases by Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.

Powell, a licensed veterinarian, will serve for a term of two years. "I am honored and enthusiastic to have been appointed to this very important post. We must protect our people, our agricultural industry, our companion animals and our native wildlife from disease," Powell said.

The committee advises the secretary on policies and programs necessary for preventing the introduction of foreign animal and poultry diseases into the United States. The committee also offers recommendations on planning and emergency management in the event of a disease outbreak.