A new chapter in the history of one of Canada’s leading agriculture focused veterinary services is underway as Prairie Swine Health Services expands into poultry, led by the announcement of poultry veterinarian Dr. Teryn Girard joining the team. Girard brings with her the great relationships she has made with Cargill Animal Nutrition and other poultry industry teams.
“The time is right for our company to expand into poultry health services,” says Dr. Egan Brockhoff, owner of Prairie Swine Health Services. “There are many complementary and synergistic aspects of working across both species. Our team is excited to support poultry producers at an important time of industry evolution and opportunity.”
Strengthening the team
Girard who completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary has been recognized among Canada’s top young poultry veterinarians and has built a strong reputation early in her burgeoning career bringing a wealth of passion and expertise to the role.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Girard to help anchor and direct our poultry services,” says Brockhoff. “She is an excellent fit with the next generation team and vision we are building, adding to our culture of service excellence, teamwork, progressive thinking and innovative approaches to drive success.”
Driving poultry progress
Girard grew up in St. Albert, Alberta. Prior to veterinary school, she completed a master’s of poultry behaviour and welfare at the University of Alberta. During her time at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), Girard was elected class valedictorian and won the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Leadership Award. She practices both poultry and swine veterinary medicine, enjoys presenting at poultry conferences and small flock workshops, and regularly guest lectures at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Prairie Swine Health Services team,” says Girard. “Today’s operations face many new challenges and expectations. At the same time, with ongoing advances in knowledge and strategies, there is excellent potential for innovation to support success in this new environment. I look forward to working with many producers and industry in this new role.” Girard will be spending the majority of her time focusing on the poultry group within Cargill Animal Nutrition in Western Canada.
Building on momentum
The addition of poultry health services comes at a time of continued rising momentum for Prairie Swine Health Services as it celebrates over 20 years in business helping producers operate profitably and sustainably.
The company, founded by Dr. Chris Misutka in 1999, has substantially expanded its team and customer base in recent years under the leadership of Misutka and Brockhoff. The team has built an exemplary track record including most recently Brockhoff being named Food Animal Veterinarian of the Year for 2020 by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Also among new hires over the past year has been Dr. Hollyn Maloney, another University of Calgary product whose range of expertise includes both swine and poultry. Maloney grew up in Calgary and graduated with two UCVM degrees via the joint veterinary medicine and Master of Public Health program. With Girard on board and the expansion into poultry services, Maloney will also now devote a portion of her practice to poultry.
More information on Prairie Swine Health Services, including its growing team and services, is available at www.prairieswinehealth.com.
