Sacramento, California - Dr. Kent Fowler, a CDFA veterinarian and chief of the agency’s Animal Health Branch, has been recognized with a Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

The Distinguished Service Award honors exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization to the benefit of the horse, horse industry or profession of equine veterinary medicine. Dr. Fowler was honored December 4 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 64th Annual Convention in San Francisco.

Dr. Fowler received his veterinary degree in 1977 from the University of California, Davis. Before joining CDFA in 2004, he practiced large animal medicine on the central coast of California.

As host of the monthly National Equine Conference Call, Dr. Fowler facilitates ongoing communication about pertinent veterinary topics between the American Horse Council, AAEP, National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, United States Department of Agriculture and industry. In addition, he works with state animal health officials and the USDA to develop acceptable protocols for treatment and subsequent testing of horses for equine piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that can be fatal. Since the initial discussions of this treatment option, multiple horses have been treated successfully.