Dr. Gregg Cutler, a fourth-generation poultry industry professional and triple alumnus of the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, was recognized on April 30 at the annual Spring Showcase with the school's Distinguished Service Award.

Dean Mark Stetter presented the honor, describing Cutler as someone who has "gone above and beyond for decades,” volunteering, advising, and advocating for the school with a consistency that few could match. "I can't think of anybody more appropriate for this award," Stetter said.

A Founding Voice for Poultry Health

Dr. Ashley Hill, Associate Dean for Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Operations and director of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), nominated Cutler for the award. She began her remarks by noting that he was known for his initiative. She recalled that when asked how she met him, she said, "It's actually the other way around. How did Greg find me?”

Cutler is one of the founding members of the lab's external advisory board, representing the poultry industry — and specifically

the egg-laying sector — continuously since 1986. "This is not a high-profile board," Hill noted. "This is not a board that gets a ton of recognition. He has put in hard work, dedication, and commitment, year in, year out, advocating for what he believes is best for the diagnostic lab and for the poultry industry."

Building Something That Lasts

In 2018, Cutler established the Arthur Bickford Endowment, a fund dedicated to supporting an avian disease specialist residency program at CAHFS. Recognizing that the residency — a long-standing program — needed a sustainable funding base, he not only contributed personally but spent years encouraging others in the poultry industry to do the same. Hill announced at the ceremony that the endowment has now reached its target goal and is ready to fulfill its intended purpose. It was, she said, "another example of really just strong, behind-the-scenes service in support of the school and its mission."

Cutler also serves on the Dean's Leadership Council, where he has worked to align the interests of the veterinary school with those of the broader agricultural industry — always, as Hill described it, trying to "move the ball forward."

A Life Intertwined with Davis

“I had a mixed beginning in veterinary medicine,” Cutler said in his acceptance remarks. He was rejected twice by the Davis DVM program before finally being accepted.

Cutler is a fourth-generation poultry person, stretching back to barnyard flocks in the old country to modern operations.

He shared the story of how he stumbled into the inaugural poultry medicine residency through a handwritten note left at a Davis rental property his family has owned since 1970. The renters let him know that there was a note from the late Dr. Henry Adler, who had tracked Cutler down through his father's egg distribution business. The note told him to call, and "that phone call was the application process," Cutler said with a laugh.

His connection to UC Davis extends beyond poultry as well. Dean Stetter noted that Cutler has been instrumental in helping plan new facilities for the California Raptor Center, working to bring the school's education birds into the UC Davis Arboretum so the broader public can enjoy and learn from them.

Both Dean Stetter and Cutler recognized Cutler’s wife Jody, who has been with him since they met at summer camp. Jody had veterinary aspirations even earlier than Gregg, at a time when women were not as welcome in the profession. 

Cutler is one of the most connected poultry people in California. He founded Cutler Associates International in 1988. The practice has now grown to four veterinarians, all specializing in poultry, with offices in North America and in Europe. He has served in numerous association and public roles, including as president of the American Association of Avian Pathologists, and a representative of the American Association of Avian Pathologists on the House of Delegates of the American Veterinary Medical Association, among other appointments.