David L. Suarez
Born: 1964

David was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA).  He attended Auburn University at Montgomery and Auburn University for his undergraduate work and Auburn University for veterinary school graduating with his DVM in 1988.  David was an Associate veterinarian in Anniston, AL for three years.   He did his graduate work at Iowa State University under Cecelia Whetstone and received his PhD in Veterinary Microbiology in 1995.  David is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists in both Virology and Immunology.  He joined the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in 1995 and in 2005 was promoted to Research Leader of the Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Disease Research Unit.  He was also acting laboratory director from June 2010-October 2011.

David has been an active virologist for both avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease viruses (NDV).  His research has included an emphasis on rapid diagnostic assays, antigenically matching vaccines for improved protection, and pathogenesis and transmission studies to improve control measures.  His work on real time RT-PCR tests for AIV and NDV has provided the industry with new tools to more rapidly control outbreaks in the United States and worldwide.  David has been active in outbreak response to foreign animal disease and international veterinary medicine.

David has been a leader in AAAP by serving as Guest Editor for four editions of the Proceedings for the International Symposium on Avian Influenza published in Avian Diseases, served as Associate Editor for two editions of Diseases of Poultry, served as Chair of the Respiratory Disease and Biotechnology Committees, and served on Editorial Board of Avian Diseases since 2002.

David has been married to Leslie for over 27 years and they have three children, Samuel, Katharine, and Thomas, and two grand children.  David enjoys softball, pickleball, trivia, and working in his yard.