Mr Wheeler, whose election by ATA's board of directors was announced last month at the association 36th annual conference, has been a member of ATA for five years and a director for the past three. As vice president, he will serve as part of ATA's Executive Committee and will participate in managing ATA operations, budget and promotion. Wheeler will also represent ATA at various conferences and will chair the association's next conference in Brussels, Belgium.

A poultry industry veteran who has spent the past 17 years at Aviagen, Mr Wheeler said: "As one who has spent years dealing with the successful transportation of poultry worldwide, I've witnessed first-hand ATA's role in ensuring that animals of all kinds are treated safely and with care during transport. On behalf of Aviagen and others in the food production field, I'm honoured to have been elected to this important post, and I'll work hard to ensure that ATA continues to fulfill its mission."

Lisa Schoppa, PetSafe Manager for Continental Airlines and past president of ATA, commented: "ATA plays such an important role in the international community to ensure that best practices are promoted and communicated in the world of animal transport regardless of species or mode of transport. Aviagen has been a huge supporter of ATA and is a world leader in the movement of chicks, poults and eggs, and we are proud to have Kelly Wheeler take such a prominent role in the future of ATA. The future of safe animal transport continues to look bright and we are grateful to Aviagen for their continued support of our organisation."

ATA provides an important opportunity for individuals, businesses, organisations and groups involved in any phase of animal transportation to become part of an international effort to develop and ensure the best procedures for the safe transport of animals. ATA members range from animal welfare organisations and veterinarians to airlines, trucking firms, breeders, universities and import/export firms. ATA links members to information, resources, contacts and key developments that can help them provide better services and conditions for animals in transit. ATA provides a means for making research needs known, encouraging research, and disseminating findings. The organisation further encourages uniform and effective international regulations and safe handling of live animals, and is an adviser to International Airline Transportation Association (IATA), which regulates any animal flown worldwide.