HIGHLIGHTS: UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

Brodersen Retires from Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center

Lincoln, Neb. —Bruce Brodersen, director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC) and professor of veterinary medicine, retired Feb. 28 after 31 years of service to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Brodersen joined what was then called the Department of Veterinary Science, now the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in 1985 as a graduate student and pathology resident. He began his work toward a master’s and then a Ph.D. and was hired as an instructor at UNL in 1992. He was ultimately promoted to professor.

Brodersen brought to UNL a strong background in swine health, having worked as a veterinarian in a practice with a caseload that was 70 percent swine. As part of the NVDC, he collaborated with researchers working to develop vaccines for swine. For 13 years, he chaired the popular George A. Young Swine Conference for producers.

In early 2019, Brodersen was named director of the NVDC. Under his leadership, the NVDC became a Level I National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab, elevating the status of the laboratory and opening avenues for increased funding.

Loy to Lead Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center

Lincoln, Neb. —Dustin Loy has been selected as the next director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His appointment was effective beginning March 1.

Loy succeeds Bruce Brodersen, who spent more than 30 years on the UNL faculty and has led the center since 2019.

Loy grew up on a small beef operation in central Iowa. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary degree in food animal medicine, and doctoral degree in veterinary microbiology from Iowa State University. In addition, Loy is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists with specialties in bacteriology, virology and immunology.

His currently a professor, veterinary diagnostic microbiologist and faculty supervisor for the bacteriology and molecular diagnostic laboratories in the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center. Prior to joining UNL, he worked at a biotech startup developing RNA-based vaccines for animals.

NVMA Legislative Update from Zulkoski Weber

On March 9, the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association held an advocacy day at the Nebraska State Capitol. A session was held in the Capitol where NVMA members met with Governor Jim Pillen, Director of Agriculture Sherry Vinton, State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, Health and Human Services Legislative Committee Chair Senator Ben Hansen, and Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Senator Teresa Ibach. Following the session, the association hosted a luncheon for lawmakers and their staff, which was also attended by Governor Pillen. Members enjoyed a positive discussion on issues ranging from workforce incentives to pending animal ID regulations.

The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association shared with policymakers that members stand ready to serve as a resource as issues relating to animal health and welfare, public health, scope of practice, prescription drugs, small business, and taxation are considered.

The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association appreciates the leadership of the Governor and Legislature to provide tax relief. The Legislature is expected to pass legislation this session that will reduce the top individual and corporate income tax rate to 3.99% and provide further property tax relief—without imposing any new sales taxes.

While efforts to address our state’s workforce shortage challenges are appreciated, NVMA opposes legislation that would undermine our state’s licensure standards. Specifically, this session NVMA testified in opposition to LB16 as drafted, which would require professional licenses be given to individuals based on work experience or licensure in another state. NVMA testified that licensure for veterinary technicians varies significantly from state to state, and the NVMA wishes to protect our state’s licensure standards and the authority of the Nebraska Board of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. An amendment has been filed that would resolve concerns by removing automatic licensure based on work experience or private certification for professions credentialed under the Uniform Credentialing Act.

It is our pleasure to represent the NVMA, and we are proud of the great work you all are doing across our state. If you have questions on any legislative matters, please do not hesitate to reach out:

NVMA Legislative Day participants with Governor Jim Pillen. From left: Dr. Orval Gigstad, Dr. Jessika Benes, Dr. Dustin Loy, Governor Pillen, Dr. Ron Wallman, Dr. Jennifer Glaesemann, Dr. Roger Dudley, Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, Dr. Scott McVey, Dr. Anna Fitzwater, and Dr. Rich Cockerill