Hunter Lang, D.V.M., was honored posthumously by Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners as the 2025 Mentor of the Year during AABP’s Annual Conference in Omaha, Neb.
RAHWAY, N.J. – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) today announced Hunter Lang, D.V.M., has been named the 2025 Mentor of the Year. The award was presented posthumously and accepted by his wife, Laura Lang, at the 2025 AABP Annual Conference, held Sept. 12-14 in Omaha, Neb.
Lang, who passed away on Jan. 29, 2025, was a beloved figure in the bovine veterinary community. The posthumous award honors his lifetime of service, profound impact on countless veterinary careers and enduring legacy.
Lang’s career spanned more than 40 years practicing veterinary medicine in the greater Sauk Prairie community. Before retiring, he owned the Sauk Prairie Veterinary Clinic in Prairie du Sac, Wis. He was also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine. He served on the AABP Animal Welfare Committee, on the AABP Board of Directors for two terms (2013-2018), and as the AABP Delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates from 2021-2025.
“Merck Animal Health is proud to honor those who have had a positive and lasting impact on our profession, like Dr. Lang,” said Dave Sjeklocha, D.V.M., technical services manager at Merck Animal Health and president of the AABP Board of Directors. “He embodied the spirit of mentorship—patience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to the growth of others. We are honored to recognize his lifetime of contributions with this award, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
“Hunter’s mentorship was transformative for so many in our profession. His compassion, commitment to our profession, and the genuine care he showed his clients and mentees set a standard we all aspire to,” said Fred Gingrich II, D.V.M., executive director of AABP. “Though we mourn his loss, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of bovine veterinarians.”
In honor of his legacy, Lang’s family has endowed the Hunter Lang Dairy Welfare Scholarship for third- or fourth-year veterinary students interested in dairy practice and animal welfare. The first $2,000 scholarship was awarded at this year’s conference.
Merck Animal Health maintains long-standing partnerships with educational institutions and associations, like AABP, to ensure the industry’s future needs are addressed. The company annually provides more than $1.4 million in veterinary scholarships and millions of dollars in financial support and grants to universities, associations and foundations.
Founded in 1965, AABP is an international association of more than 5,000 veterinarians and veterinary students who serve as leaders in cattle health, welfare and productivity. To learn more, visit aabp.org.
