Media Releases

Ontario Veterinarian Recognized with Distinguished Award for Global Impact in One Health and Public Service

June 26, 2025

Victoria, B.C. – Dr. Kelly Butler was honoured with the 2025 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Distinguished Member Award during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 25, recognizing a career that spans public health, international service, animal welfare, and gender equity in science.

A graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, Dr. Butler has served in diverse roles with national and international impact – from emergency practice and federal laboratories to the World Health Organization (WHO). She was a founding member of the World Women’s Veterinary Association (WWVA), helping elevate the role of veterinary medicine in supporting rural women and children worldwide. “Her path-breaking role in advancing the role of women in science and the impact of her work on disease control is exemplary,” says Dr. Elizabeth McGregor, Order of Canada.

Dr. Butler’s contributions to global public health were especially significant during her time with the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, where she managed a regional laboratory network focused on polio and measles. “She was the best technical staff person I had in 40 years,” said the late Dr. Brian Doberstyn, former Infectious Diseases Director at WHO and former CDC officer, as cited in a letter from Dr. Kwang Soo Park, former WHO epidemiologist.

Her work led to critical findings in public health, including tracing a wild polio virus outbreak to its source and identifying the cause of failure in a malaria diagnostic test. “Dr. Butler observed the inappropriate infection control steps and resolved the issue in the field,” notes Dr. Park.

As a long-time volunteer with Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO), Dr. Butler integrated veterinary and human health care for individuals experiencing homelessness, a model that embodies the One Health approach. “Her unwavering commitment to volunteerism, public health, and the One Health initiative has significantly impacted both human and animal communities,” says Dr. Michelle Lem, CVO founder.

Dr. Butler’s career has also included impactful national work. While at Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, she spearheaded certification of a new federal lab in Winnipeg – now recognized globally for its quality standards and used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early in her career, Dr. Butler co-authored a landmark study identifying pentachlorophenol (PCP) residues in pork linked to treated wood shavings, helping resolve a food safety issue affecting Canadian pork exports to Japan.

The CVMA Distinguished Member Award is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards and Committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.

Contact:      
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org