The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced upcoming leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), with new appointments taking effect February 1. The changes come as longtime leaders retire after years of service focused on protecting American agriculture, animal health, and national biosecurity.
According to USDA, Dr. Michael Watson, the current APHIS Administrator, will be retiring at the end of January. Ms. Kelly Moore will step into the role and serve as Acting APHIS Administrator beginning February 1. In addition, Dr. Rosemary Sifford, Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services and U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer, has recently retired. Dr. Alan Huddleston will serve as Acting U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer, effective immediately.
USDA also noted that leadership continuity within Veterinary Services will remain in place. According to the Department, “APHIS Veterinary Services Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Adis Dijab will continue to provide operational oversight of Veterinary Services.” This structure is intended to ensure stability during the transition period.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed gratitude for the retiring leaders and confidence in the incoming team. Rollins said, “Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford are dedicated public servants and we greatly appreciate their time at USDA, serving American farmers and ranchers, and protecting the national security of the United States. I am so grateful for their extended service to support the Trump Administration during such a critical time for American agriculture.”
Rollins emphasized the importance of APHIS’s mission, adding, “The team at APHIS plays a critical role in protecting our food supply from foreign pests like the New World Screwworm, as well as fighting diseases like bird flu.” She concluded, “I have the utmost confidence in Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston, and Dr. Dijab in continuing this critical mission and defending American agriculture.”
Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, also praised the retiring leaders and incoming officials. Hoskins said, “Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford exemplify the best of public service. Their leadership and commitment to collaboration strengthened APHIS and the nation’s animal and plant health systems.” He added, “These are consequential changes at a pivotal moment for the agency, and I am confident that Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston, and Dr. Dijab will not only serve as steady hands for program continuity but will lead APHIS into a new era.”
As APHIS moves forward under new leadership, USDA officials say the agency remains focused on safeguarding U.S. agriculture, protecting the food supply, and responding to emerging animal and plant health threats.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.