Earlier this month, UEP welcomed three new members to UEP’s Scientific Advisory Committee for Animal Welfare. These accomplished individuals bring a wealth of experience to the program.

Dr. Yuko Sato

Dr. Yuko Sato is an assistant professor in veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University and a board-certified poultry veterinarian. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Berry College and received a Master in Poultry Diagnostic Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University.  Dr. Sato is involved in both academia and industry. Her extension program focuses on infectious disease diagnosis, prevention, and investigation, and she has received nearly $500,000 in grants to conduct applied research. She is a highly sought national speaker, presenting at over 50 conferences in the last few years. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, trail riding, and baking and declares, “Yes, I use a LOT of eggs!”

Dr. Janice Siegford

Though new to the SAC, Dr. Janice Siegford is certainly not new to the layer industry. She is an accomplished professor in the Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Michigan State University with nearly 100 publications, mainly focused on poultry welfare. However, like many animal welfare experts, she brings perspective from work across species. Dr. Siegford's research examines the impacts of management practices and housing environments on production animals' behavior and welfare, and she collaborates to develop technology to help monitor animals on farm. Dr. Siegford received her doctorate in neuroscience from Washington State University and completed her postdoctoral research fellowship at Michigan State University. Originally from Montana, Dr. Siegford enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking and watching her daughter play ice hockey.

Dr. Daniel Wilson

Dr. Dan Wilson established Wilson Veterinary Company to serve the needs of poultry producers who do not have access to veterinary services. With a focus on laying hens, the practice has locations in Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota, serving commercial egg farms in 11 states. Before starting his practice, Dr. Wilson was the corporate veterinarian and director of nutrition for Rose Acre Farms. He attended Purdue University, receiving his B.S. in Animal Sciences and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wilson serves as the American Association of Avian Pathologist liaison to UEP and is a PAACO approved auditor. Dr. Wilson’s practice is located outside of Indianapolis, where he lives with his wife and two children. When not working with hens, Dr. Wilson enjoys CrossFit to stay in shape and has an addiction to pizza, making CrossFit a necessity.