DiCicco takes on The Ark’s bio-security compliance work

December 13, 2019

The ARK at JFK announces the appointment of Vincent DiCicco, DVM who will be joining the management team as veterinary and bio-security compliance officer, effective January 2, 2020. In this role, DiCicco will be responsible for ensuring The ARK’s compliance with best bio-security and animal welfare practices throughout

The ARK’s operations, including the ARK Pet Oasis, equine export, equine import and ground handling. He will be the primary contact with USDA-APHIS/VS on compliance matters related to the Memorandum of Understanding for The ARK’s private equine import quarantine facility, as well as VS’ oversight of the Export Inspection Facility/Barn. DiCicco will work closely with Michael Falacara, COO and Elizabeth A. Schuette, managing director.

DiCicco is uniquely qualified for this role, based on his 40-year experience as an equine practitioner at Belmont Park, Yonkers, Saratoga, Aqueduct and Roosevelt equine race tracks. His responsibilities at these facilities include oversight of import and on-site quarantine bio-security. In addition, DiCicco provides practice consulting for small animal veterinarians and is familiar with shipping requirements for companion animals. DiCicco holds a Category 2 USDA Accredited Veterinary License.

Separate and apart from this compliance position at The ARK, DiCicco will continue to provide veterinary medical services to the JFK/NY equine stakeholder community in support of equine imports and provide veterinary care to traveling domestic pets through his private practice. DiCicco will have an office within The ARK’s corporate headquarters at 78A North Boundary Road.

DiCicco received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

The ARK is a full-service private animal health, reception and quarantine facility located in Cargo Area D at JFK International Airport dedicated to the safe and humane transport of animals as cargo by air. It is located directly on the active runway and includes Equine Import and Quarantine, Equine Export, ARK Pet Oasis for domestic pets and in-transit animals, and ground handling disciplines.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.