A new director has been appointed to lead the Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) Division at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA). Dr. Aaron Phillips, who previously worked as a diagnostician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, started his role on February 16 at NMDA’s Albuquerque facility.
Dr. Phillips brings experience from his previous position at USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he led efforts in wildlife disease diagnostics, research, and surveillance.
“Dr. Phillips brings valuable diagnostic expertise and leadership at a time when animal health surveillance and disease detection are more important than ever,” said Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture. “His background will strengthen the VDS mission to provide reliable, science-based diagnostics that help protect New Mexico’s agriculture industry.”
The NMDA is a state agency connected to New Mexico State University that supports the agricultural sector through divisions focused on biosecurity, food safety, pest management, and marketing. The agency operates laboratories for testing in chemistry, seeds, metrology and petroleum across locations including Las Cruces, Portales and Albuquerque (official website). It also provides diagnostic support for livestock and works to aid the agricultural industry through protective measures against invasive pests and oversight of pesticide use (official website).
With Dr. Phillips’ appointment, NMDA continues its work offering services such as pest management and market promotion for agricultural products while maintaining specialized labs and veterinary support (official website).
