Joseph Connor, a Carthage, Ill., native, was named the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) 2023 Howard Dunne Memorial Award during the association’s 54th annual meeting in Aurora, Colo. The award recognizes an AASV member who has made important contributions and provided outstanding service to the association and the swine industry.
He’s always been interested in livestock and farming and gravitated to swine because of an interest in population medicine and epidemiology. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree and DVM from the University of Illinois, and his MS degree from the University of Minnesota.
Connor founded Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD, after purchasing the CVS practice in 1980. A leading swine veterinarian in the world, he considered it a privilege to be involved in the swine industry during a time of significant transformation and assisted producers in other countries wanting to see similar transformations. He was recognized for his international efforts by being named the first honorary member of the Japanese Association of Swine in 2008.
A true leader in swine health, Connor has led the AASV for decades. After serving on the AASV Board of Directors, he was elected president of the association in 1988. He continues to serve the association as a member of the Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Committee, and Foundation Investment Committee. Colleagues regard Connor as an icon in the swine industry and are grateful for his tremendous contributions and outstanding service to the AASV.
Connor has been recognized by his peers for his exemplary service to swine medicine as the AASV Swine Practitioner of the Year (1995) and as the recipient of the Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award (2004). He was inducted into the PIC Hall of Fame in 2016 and more recently into the Swine Web Hall of Fame.
He has contributed to the greater knowledge of swine medicine for veterinarians and producers as a featured speaker and author of countless peer-reviewed journal articles, abstracts, educational manuals, and book chapters. He delivered both the Alex Hogg Memorial Lecture and Howard Dunne Memorial Lecture at past AASV Annual Meetings.
When asked to comment on what the award means to him, Connor said, “I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the Howard Dunne Memorial Award and have my name added to the list of AASV icons who have served and guided the swine veterinary community through the years. I am indebted to countless mentors, colleagues, and friends who have educated and challenged me along this journey. I would like to thank our clients and industry friends, my veterinary group, and above all my family for contributing support to me in countless ways.”
More from AASV’s Annual Meeting:
Swine Veterinarians Share Wisdom Beyond the Farm at AASV Annual Meeting
AASV Foundation Awards $100,000 for Research Grants
American Association of Swine Veterinarians Names Hollis President
Tara Donovan Named AASV’s 2023 Swine Practitioner of the Year
