Dr. Fred Hoerr, director of the State Diagnostic Laboratory, retired Feb. 29 after 31 years with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and Auburn University. Dr. Hoerr served the College of Veterinary Medicine, first as affiliate faculty and later as professor of avian pathology, through a joint appointment with the State Diagnostic Laboratory. He was honored with Professor Emeritus status during his retirement reception on Feb. 28.

In 2010 the American Association of Avian Pathologists selected Dr. Hoerr for the Philbro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award which recognizes research in poultry disease and health over a period of 20 years or more. In 2011 Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine presented Dr. Hoerr its distinguished alumna award. Under his leadership, the Auburn diagnostic laboratory received accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians in 2011. The maximum five-year accreditation brings Alabama up to standards, not only to other laboratories in the United States, but on an international basis.