California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross toured the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Turlock last week, escorted by State Veterinarian Annette Whiteford, Lab Director Richard Breitmeyer, Turlock lab Branch Chief Bruce Charlton, dairyman and former CDFA Undersecretary Chuck Ahlem and CPF President Bill Mattos. The Turlock lab serves the vast poultry industry primarily in the north Valley, (but receives birds from throughout the state and the West Coast) and is located in some of the oldest buildings in the lab system. The government, University of California and industry are pursuing ways to expand the lab at a new location and include all livestock diagnostic services. Ross was impressed with the facility personnel and the work accomplished in Turlock. She assured everyone that she would like to see a new facility at some time and would continue working with industry and the University to make it happen.
From left: Chuck Ahlem, Richard Breitmeyer, Karen Ross and Bruce Charlton.