NM veterinarians honored for protecting livestock, food supply

Two New Mexico veterinarians whose careers helped build the state’s livestock emergency response system were honored Tuesday for decades of work protecting agriculture, rural communities, and the food supply.

New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte presented the Secretary’s Agriculture Legacy Award to Dr. Tim Hanosh and Dr. John Wenzel during the New Mexico Agriculture Livestock Incident Response Team (NM-ALIRT) conference in Socorro as the organization marks its 20th anniversary in 2026.

“Dr. Hanosh and Dr. Wenzel have dedicated their careers to protecting New Mexico agriculture and supporting the people behind it,” said Witte. “Their leadership has created lasting benefits for producers, veterinarians, and rural communities.”

Hanosh served as a private practitioner, assistant State Veterinarian, director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services division, and meat and poultry inspection director at the New Mexico Livestock Board. Wenzel has served as a New Mexico State University Extension veterinarian and private practice veterinarian. Both were honored for their service to New Mexico agriculture and their leadership in NM-ALIRT since its founding in 2006.

NM-ALIRT is a statewide network of veterinarians and animal health professionals who coordinate rapid response during disasters, disease outbreaks, and livestock emergencies – including wildfires and foreign animal disease threats. The program improves preparedness and response for incidents affecting both livestock and public health.

The Secretary’s Agriculture Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose service has had a lasting influence on New Mexico agriculture and the industries that support it.