AU Poultry Scientist Earns National FBI Award

AUBURN, Ala. — Robert Norton, associate professor in Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science and research leader in the Poultry Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory, has been selected to receive the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director’s Award for Community Leadership for the Mobile District in recognition of a national food security information network he has developed and maintains.

Norton’s Web site, Ag-Security.com, was launched in 2002 and uses existing, new and developing technology to detect, identify and respond to both natural disease outbreaks and agriculture-based bioterrorist attacks.

The objective of Ag-Security.com is to improve the methods of protecting animal agriculture so the consumer is better assured of the continuation of a safe, readily available and economical food supply. Communication, training and outreach are key components of the program, as Norton, through his Web site, compiles data, studies trends and disseminates information throughout the U.S. to agriculture, industry, government, law enforcement and universities.

Norton, who joined the AU faculty in 1995, is a veterinary microbiologist with research interests in poultry diseases caused by bacteria and parasites and in finding non-drug solutions to these economically important diseases.

Timothy Munson, special agent in charge of the Mobile FBI field office, presented the award from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III to Norton Tuesday on the Auburn campus. One individual or organization from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices was selected to receive the Director’s Award for Community Leadership for 2004.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu

11/04/04

For immediate release