(Washington, D.C., January 12, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced important leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Dr. Michael Watson, APHIS Administrator, will retire at the end of January after decades of distinguished service, and Dr. Rosemary Sifford, Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services and U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer, has recently retired from federal service after a similarly notable career. Beginning on February 1, 2026, Ms. Kelly Moore will serve as Acting Administrator and effective immediately, Dr. Alan Huddleston will serve as the Acting U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer. Additionally, to ensure continuity during this transition, APHIS Veterinary Services Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Adis Dijab will continue to provide operational oversight of Veterinary Services. APHIS operations continue uninterrupted, guided by science-based policies, strong stakeholder engagement, and experienced acting leaders to ensure program continuity. APHIS remains steadfast in its mission to protect the health, welfare, and value of our Nation’s plants, animals, and natural resources—continuing to deliver solutions and essential services that safeguard U.S. agriculture and support stakeholders nationwide.
“Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford are dedicated public servants and we greatly appreciate their time at USDA, serving American farmers and ranchers, and protecting the national security of the United States. I am so grateful for their extended service to support the Trump Administration during such a critical time for American agriculture,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “The team at APHIS plays a critical role in protecting our food supply from foreign pests like the New World Screwworm, as well as fighting diseases like bird flu. I have the utmost confidence in Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston, and Dr. Dijab in continuing this critical mission and defending American agriculture.”
“Dr. Watson and Dr. Sifford exemplify the best of public service. Their leadership and commitment to collaboration strengthened APHIS and the nation’s animal and plant health systems,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “These are consequential changes at a pivotal moment for the agency, and I am confident that Ms. Moore, Dr. Huddleston, and Dr. Dijab will not only serve as steady hands for program continuity but will lead APHIS into a new era.”
Dr. Watson’s notable career reflects his unwavering commitment to safeguarding U.S. agriculture, building strong partnerships with States and stakeholders, and mentoring future leaders. Beginning his USDA career in 1994 as a plant pathologist with the Agricultural Research Service, he later held key leadership roles across multiple APHIS programs. Dr. Watson consistently championed science-based policy, ensuring APHIS decisions were grounded in rigorous data and research to protect U.S. agriculture and maintain public trust. His legacy is one of collaboration, integrity, and dedication to public service. Dr. Watson will remain with APHIS until January 31 to facilitate a seamless handoff to the incoming Acting Administrator, ensuring continuity and stability during this leadership transition.
Ms. Moore is currently Acting Chief Operating Officer for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area and Acting Deputy Administrator of Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services. She brings extensive operational leadership experience and results-driven management, including a strong foundation of discipline from her prior service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ms. Moore is highly adept at guiding organizations through periods of change and transition and driving efficiency, compliance, and innovation at scale—critical to APHIS’s mission during this pivotal time.
Dr. Sifford began her USDA career in 1997 as a Saul T. Wilson Scholar and held numerous roles across APHIS. Under her leadership and guidance, APHIS advanced major animal health efforts, including combatting highly pathogenic avian influenza—with unprecedented detections in dairy cattle—and strengthening preparedness and response for New World Screwworm. Her direction ensured these efforts were grounded in science-based policy, supported by field-ready guidance, and delivered with transparent stakeholder engagement. A steadfast champion of practical, proven biosecurity, Dr. Sifford worked closely with States and industry to protect animal health nationwide.
Dr. Alan Huddleston will serve as Acting U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer. With deep expertise in epidemiology and program development, Dr. Huddleston will represent U.S. animal health priorities internationally and maintain strong engagement with States and industry.
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