Dr. Gerald Wayne Ollis
Former CVO for Alberta
Gerald Wayne Ollis, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1971, also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from WCVM. Following his graduation, he spent three years in mixed veterinary practice in Leduc, Alberta, before moving on to Alberta Livestock Transplants, where he contributed to the development of non-surgical embryo collection techniques from cows.
In 1997, Dr. Ollis returned to Leduc to practice large animal medicine, herd health, and surgery until 1985, when he joined Alberta Agriculture. His early work involved disease investigations and extension services, eventually leading to his management of the Microbiology labs. Dr. Ollis advanced through various management roles and concluded his career as Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian (CPV), serving in the position for nine years.
During his later years as CPV, Dr. Ollis played a pivotal role in Alberta's response to the detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a slaughter cow at a provincially licensed abattoir. He led the development of Alberta’s BSE surveillance program, which included testing on-farm deaths of adult cattle and involved local veterinary practitioners. This program, unique in Canada, significantly increased BSE surveillance numbers nationwide.
In the later years of his career, Dr. Ollis led the development of Alberta’s new Animal Health Act, a comprehensive update to the province’s animal legislation. He retired in 2009 and has enjoyed good health since. Dr. Ollis remains married to Sharon and has two adult children and five grandchildren. His son lives in Edmonton, where Dr. Ollis is actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren.