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Dive into the world of veterinary medicine and food safety with Dr. Sammy Hullock, New Mexico's State Veterinarian, as she shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a small Carlsbad cattle ranch to safeguarding the health of livestock across the entire state.
Dr. Hullock pulls back the curtain on the critical yet often unseen work of protecting our food supply, revealing how her 15 years as a mobile livestock veterinarian prepared her for monitoring and managing animal health on a statewide scale. With candor and expertise, she addresses the most pressing challenges facing New Mexico's livestock industries today, including the looming threat of New World screwworm – a devastating parasitic fly that can kill animals within days if untreated.
The conversation takes us through the fascinating science behind screwworm eradication efforts, including the release of millions of sterile flies weekly in Mexico and the rigorous border inspection protocols designed to prevent its reintroduction to the United States. Dr. Hullock also discusses other significant health concerns, from tuberculosis to avian influenza, and shares how the state's Ag Livestock Incident Response Team (ALERT) stands ready to identify and address foreign animal disease outbreaks.
Beyond disease management, Dr. Hullock highlights recent legislative successes in addressing rural veterinarian shortages and explains how her role extends to modernizing decades-old regulations to meet current agricultural needs. Her passion for supporting the hardworking producers who feed the world shines through, especially when she confesses her love for that quintessential New Mexican favorite – the green chile cheeseburger.
Whether you're involved in agriculture or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to ensure a safe, sustainable food supply for generations to come. Listen now to gain a deeper appreciation for the complex systems that bring beef from pasture to plate.