The American Horse Council (AHC) confirmed today (Aug. 10) that Bob Hillman, DVM, will be a speaker for the AHC Issues Forum, which will be held on Sept. 25 in Austin, Texas. Hillman currently serves as the Texas state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health’s Advisory Subcommittee for the National Animal Identification System.

“We are excited about Dr. Hillman’s participation in this informative meeting,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “Dr. Hillman will be presenting as part of the afternoon Equine Identification and the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) session, and he will sit on the ‘Ask the Experts’ panel. He will be discussing where Texas currently stands with the NAIS and any plans Texas may have for participation in the system.”

Hillman graduated from Texas A&M Veterinary School in 1971 and worked in a private practice in Northwest Texas and Southern Idaho during the 1970s. In 1981, he went to work for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and served as assistant state veterinarian for nine years. In 1990, he became state veterinarian and sdministrator of the Division of Animal Industries for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, where he served until coming back to Texas as the state veterinarian in April of 2003.

The AHC Issues Forum in Austin is being held to discuss current issues facing the horse industry, such as the National Animal Identification System and its impact on horse owners. This meeting will also address the recent EVA outbreak, new developments in taxes for horse owners and breeders, the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and access to trails. The meeting will conclude with and Ask the Experts panel