Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the annual award recognizes an AVC member who has made exceptional contributions to the organization, as well as the beef cattle and veterinary medical professions. Merck Animal Health also made a donation to the AVC Foundation in Apley’s honor.
“There is a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise among the membership that is willingly shared with others,” said Apley. “To be selected by this group as one whose service has mattered is very humbling and rewarding.”
“Mike Apley has served AVC and the veterinary profession well by helping educate the public about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic use and food safety issues, as well as providing help and advice to all who ask,” said fellow veterinarian, David Sjeklocha, manager of animal health and welfare for Cattle Empire in Satanta, Kanansas, who nominated Apley for the award.
Eric Moore, D.V.M., beef technical services manager for Merck Animal Health, said, “Throughout his career, Mike has had a vital role in maintaining the health of our nation's cattle supply and, in turn, our food supply. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential veterinarians in the cattle feeding industry.”
Apley began his veterinary medicine career with a general practice in central Kansas, followed by a feedlot consulting/contract research practice in Colorado.
He later joined the faculty at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and worked there until 2005, when he joined Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine as a professor of veterinary clinical sciences.
At KSU, he teaches beef production medicine, large-animal medicine and pharmacology courses.
In addition to his role as an educator, he has conducted industry research focusing on infectious disease, antibiotic efficiency and resistance, drug residues and applications of drugs in food animals.
He is well known for his work with veterinarians and producers throughout the U.S. regarding the use of pharmaceutical drugs in food animals, as well as feedlot health.
“Mike is an extremely valuable and much-needed leader in pharmacology, food safety and regulatory matters,” said Dan Upson, D.V.M., Ph.D., who presented the award with Sjeklocha. “His work has not just benefited our industry, but it also has had a positive impact on the world we live in.” 
—From Merck Animal Health news release
