Dr. Alton N. Smith

Newfoundland

A native of Cupids Newfoundland, Dr. Alton Smith has served the livestock industry of his home Province in a manner which has earned him the respect and appreciation of all who became associated with him.

Dr. Smith served with the Newfoundland Regiment from 1940-1945 and had achieved the rank of Captain at the time of his discharge. Upon completion of one year (1945-46) at the Ontario Agricultural College, he transferred to the Ontario Veterinary College, and graduated from that institution with his D.V.M. Degree (Honours) in 1950.

Following graduation, Dr. Smith joined the Health of Animals Branch, CDA. He worked and trained in all phases of activity in the Branch. With six years experience in the field with the Contagious Diseases Division in the Atlantic Region, he transferred to the Animal Pathology Division. Posted to the Animal Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) in 1956 he majored in Diagnostics, and organized and developed a diagnostic unit at ADRI to accommodate the National Brucellosis Education Program. He also engaged in research on the incidence of Bovine Leptospirosis in Ontario, and is the co-author of several papers on the disease.

In 1960, Dr. Smith moved from ADRI to direct a Branch Laboratory at the Ontario Veterinary College where he completed post graduate studies for a Masters Degree in Veterinary Science.

In 1965 he accepted an appointment as Provincial Veterinarian for his home Province where he established the Animal Health Division within the Agriculture Branch and where he pioneered Veterinary Service Programs including relevant legislation. Dr. Smith's main interests were directed to Swine and Poultry. He devised and supervised health standards and policies for a Minimal Disease Swine Breeding Herd from which the Newfoundland Swine Industry evolved.

Actively involved in the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association he served as the first President. He has also been very active in the National Veterinary Association (CVMA), serving as Councillor for 1.3 years. He is a Past President of the Kiwanis Club of St. Johns and is currently a member of the Carbonear Kiwanis Club. Retiring in 1984, Dr. Smith and his wife, Isobel, reside in Cupids. They have one son, Sandy, and a grandson, Andrew.

Dr. Smith was the recipient of a citation from the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, in July, 1986, in recognition of his work in pioneering veterinary services and his contribution to the veterinary profession in Newfoundland.