AASV member and former president Dr. Alex Hogg, Fort Calhoun, Neb., was recently honored with a 2006 Alumni Recognition award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni Association.
The recognition took place at the annual conference of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, Jan 19, in Omaha.
Hogg’s distinguished career as a swine veterinarian and college professor spans more than five decades.
A native of Borgue, Scotland, he immigrated to the United States in 1926. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. With the help of the GI Bill, Hogg attended the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1950.
He began his veterinary career at a mixed-animal practice in Coin, Iowa, where he worked for 20 years. Dr. Hogg attended Iowa State University in 1970 and received a master’s degree in veterinary pathology.
Hogg was a Nebraska swine Extension veterinarian and a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his career at the University of Nebraska, he was internationally recognized as an expert in swine disease and presented at many conferences in Europe. He initiated exchange programs with several European universities and other institutions and invited colleagues from overseas to participate in sabbaticals at the University of Nebraska.
Hogg served as president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians in 1979 and was the original secretary-treasurer during its first years of existence.
In addition to his travels, Hogg developed statewide Extension programs like "Problem Pig Clinics" and "Farrowing Schools for Women." These programs were important in delivering science-based and practical information that helped swine producers resolve numerous health and production issues on the farm.
Hogg retired from the University of Nebraska in 1990 and went on to work at MVP Laboratories in Ralston, Neb., as a technical services consultant. In addition, he was instrumental in the eradication of hog cholera from the United States.
He also wrote, produced and mailed a monthly newsletter called "Hogg Sense" for more than 11 years. The newsletter was distributed to veterinary clinics, hospitals and offices all over the country.