The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Dr. Michael Watson, APHIS administrator, will retire at the end of January and Dr. Rosemary Sifford, deputy administrator for Veterinary Services and U.S. chief veterinary officer, has retired from federal service.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, 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.

“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,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins says. “I am so grateful for their extended service to support the Trump Administration during such a critical time for American agriculture. 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,” says Dudley Hoskins, undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “Their leadership and commitment to collaboration strengthened APHIS and the nation’s animal and plant health systems. 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.”

Watson’s career reflects his unwavering commitment to safeguarding U.S. agriculture, building strong partnerships with States and stakeholders and mentoring future leaders, according to USDA.

Beginning his USDA career in 1994 as a plant pathologist with the Agricultural Research Service, Watson later held leadership roles across multiple APHIS programs. Watson championed science-based policy, ensuring APHIS decisions were grounded in rigorous data and research to protect U.S. agriculture and maintain public trust, according to USDA. Dr. Watson will remain with APHIS until Jan. 31 to facilitate the transition to the incoming acting administrator.

Moore is 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 previous service in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to USDA.

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 combating highly pathogenic avian influenza — with unprecedented detections in dairy cattle — and strengthening preparedness and response for New World Screwworm.

Huddleston will serve as acting U.S. chief veterinary officer. With expertise in epidemiology and program development, Huddleston will represent U.S. animal health priorities internationally and maintain engagement with states and industry.

APHIS administers and enforces the U.S. Horse Protection Act, which aims to stop the practice of horse soring at shows, sales and auctions.