Meet our staff veterinarian, Dr. Robin Gilbert, who began her career with the company in 2018. As a staff veterinarian, she is responsible for providing veterinary support and technical assistance on issues of poultry health as it pertains to all aspects of live production and processing.

Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Poultry Science from the University of Arkansas and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Louisiana State University. She also earned a Master of Avian Health and Medicine degree from the University of Georgia and is board certified by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.

While quickly becoming an invaluable asset to the team, her path to poultry didn’t start at Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Gilbert had originally planned to be a small animal veterinarian, but her work with poultry research while studying at the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine led her down a different path. She worked for other commercial broiler integrators, primary breeder and vaccine suppliers prior to joining the company. In her two decades of working within the poultry industry, Gilbert says she’s found it to be a welcoming environment for women.

As evidenced by the company’s stringent protocols for disease control for the purposes of protecting bird health, biosecurity is a top priority at Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Gilbert analogizes biosecurity with the game of football, “you need strong defensive players to protect the line or, in poultry, ‘the line of separation,’” said Gilbert. “Do not allow any opponent or contaminate to cross that line.”

Each new flock of birds presents a new challenge for those charged with their care, and Gilbert loves a challenge. When asked about her favorite part of the job, she said, “finding a new disease or a new presentation of an old disease. Then figuring out how to prevent them.”

At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we ensure our chickens are respected by treating them right and ensuring they are comfortable, fed and well cared for. Each employee plays an important role in caring for our birds and helping to identify any potential issues. “Following our biosecurity program is the most important way each employee can help our veterinary team minimize disease in our flocks,” said Gilbert. “Secondly, be very observant. The sooner we can detect a disease, the better the outcome for treatment, containment and eradication of the disease.”