Michael Martin, DVM, MPVM, ACPV

Dr. Martin has been the NC State Veterinarian since August 2021 after serving as the Director of Poultry Health Programs at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for four years. Previously, he was Associate Professor at the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine where he was the head of poultry clinical activities and residency program. He obtained his veterinary degree, Masters of Preventative Medicine (MPVM), and poultry medicine residency training from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis and is a board-certified Diplomate by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.

Saturday, September 20th: 3:15-4:45pm

National and State Update on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak

The current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the United States started in February of 2022. Since that time, all 50 states have identified positive cases leading to the death of over 170 million birds as of the end of May 2025. Many species of animals have tested positive for the disease in our wild and domestic populations. In this presentation, we will go over the outbreak and where we stand in the US. We will also cover many smaller topics such as dairy surveillance, domestic cat exposure, wastewater testing, vaccinations, and media response. It will be a goal to leave time for questions/answers to cover any topic pertaining to this outbreak.

Dale Atkinson, Esq.

Dale J. Atkinson is a licensed Illinois attorney and sole managing member of The Atkinson Firm in Eden, Utah (formerly in Northbrook, Illinois). With over 30 years of experience in regulatory law, he advises not-for-profit associations on operations, licensure programs, disciplinary actions, and model legislation. For over 10 years, Mr. Atkinson has been a valued supporter of our organization. A frequent speaker and author, he also served as Executive Director of the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards for over 21 years, promoting education and public protection in regulation.

“'Minds Shared' captures my commitment to the firm, my dedication to client representation, and comprehensive collaboration with the regulatory community and the public served.”

Saturday, September 20th: 1:30-3:00pm

Top Legal Cases Impacting the Veterinary Profession by Dale Atkinson

Join legal expert Dale Atkinson as he delves into the most significant legal cases affecting the veterinary community. In this insightful presentation, Dale will explore key rulings that have shaped veterinary practice, from malpractice lawsuits to regulatory issues. Gain a deeper understanding of the legal challenges veterinarians face and how these cases influence the future of veterinary care and professional responsibilities. This session is essential for veterinary professionals seeking to stay informed on the legal landscape of their field.