Dan Sturgill, weapons of mass destruction coordinator for the FBI (second from right) recognized the Division of Agriculture for its help in the fight against agroterrorism. From left, Dustan Clark, extension poultry veterinarian; Rick Cartwright, director of the Arkansas Extension Service; far right, Vic Ford, interim associate director of ag and natural resources for the Extension Service. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo.)
LITTLE ROCK – The FBI has recognized the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture for its help in the agency’s efforts to fight agroterrorism over the last nine years.
Special Agent C. Daniel Sturgill, Fort Smith, Arkansas-based weapons of mass destruction coordinator for the FBI, presented a plaque Feb. 12 to a trio of Division of Agriculture faculty and administrators in a low-key ceremony at the state office of the Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock.
Receiving the plaque were Dustan Clark, associate director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and extension veterinarian for the Division of Agriculture; Rick Cartwright, associate vice president-agriculture-extension; and Vic Ford, interim associate director-extension-agriculture and natural resources.
“Agroterrorism is our No. 1 priority when it comes to biological threats in our state,” Sturgill said. “We have to safeguard our state, our poultry industry, our agricultural industry in our state to ensure our economy does well.
“When it comes to biologicals, we are worried about avian influenza,” he said. “One of the most important things in dealing with agroterrorisim is outreach and getting involved with the poultry industry.” Sturgill said that’s where Clark came in with his knowledge of avian influenza and biosecurity, as well as his contacts with fellow veterinarians and his willingness to provide facilities for FBI programs.
Sturgill also praised John Marcy, extension poultry processing specialist and Heidi Ward, extension veterinarian based in Little Rock, for their partnership in the FBI’s anti-terrorism efforts.
“We are privileged to be able to help in these efforts to keep our people and our food supply safe,” said Cartwright. “And we welcome the opportunity to continue the partnership through use of our experts and facilities.”
For more information on biosecurity in agriculture, visit uaex.edu/farm-ranch/biosecurity/.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
