Winter 2009 Profiles Veterinary Medicine Veterinarians impact lives every day

In this issue of Profiles Researchers find gene for exercise- induced collapse Experimental therapy for dog with brain cancer New research grants Faculty, staff, student, and alumni news FROM THE DEAN Profiles Dear Friends, Veterinary Medicine This was an extraordinary year for year for the College of Winter 2009 Veterinary Medicine. Research discoveries made international news, and we experienced several noteworthy changes in leadership. Those changes include my appointment as dean of the In this issue College, a role I am both honored and humbled to serve. As dean, I look forward to many years of building collaborative partnerships Researchers Find Gene for that will continue to play a critical role in the lives of the animals Exercise-Induced Collapse 3 and people of Minnesota, the country, and the world.

The College can celebrate numerous successes in research, College works with Medical including an increase in research funding of more than 10 School, Masonic Cancer Center percent. Our researchers have made exciting breakthroughs, including the discovery to Develop Experimental that certain cancers in dogs are caused by the same genetic abnormalities found in Therapy for Brain Cancer 5 humans, and the identification of genes that cause neurologic and muscular diseases in horses and dogs.

Research Discovers Genetic The College of Veterinary Medicine is engaged in strategic planning so that we will be Cancer Link Between Humans, well-positioned to respond to rapidly changing state, national, and world events. For us to meet our goals of discovering and disseminating new knowledge, educating the next Dogs 7 generation of veterinarians and biomedical scientists, and providing innovative services for our stakeholders, we must respond to the ever-changing environment. College College Researchers Awarded leadership, together with faculty and staff, is identifying and implementing a new Major Grants 8 strategic plan for 2010-14 in which collaboration creates solutions to important societal issues. Only by convening higher education, private industry, and public agency stakeholders in dialogue can we gain the diverse perspectives that will bring about Around the College 10 interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems. Our strategic planning involves bringing people together to identify the goals, strategies, projects, and measures of Veterinary Medical Center 13 success that will serve as our road map for the future. This past year brought several changes in leadership: Mark Rutherford was named Graduate Programs 16 associate dean for graduate programs, Al Beitz was appointed interim chair of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences department, and Will Hueston was appointed Faculty and Staff News 18 executive director of the Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership. At the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Jeff Bender was appointed director and Linda Valerie was named chief operating officer. In addition, several faculty and staff received Student News 22 honors and recognition: Scott Dee represented North America on the international PRRS group, Stephanie Valberg won the Distinguished Women Scholar Award, Tim Philanthropy 24 Johnson was awarded the Brian Wilkins Memorial Prize, and Randy Singer testified before the U.S. House of Representatives committee on Agriculture subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Students Aric Frantz received top honors from the Morris Alumni News 25 Animal Foundation and Ian Rubinoff received a student leadership award.

Contact us 27 Your generosity and philanthropic support are always appreciated and will be especially critical for future initiatives. Philanthropy continues to provide the scholarships, fellowships, and other opportunities that promote excellence and innovation throughout On the cover the veterinary and animal science community. As a result, we have much to celebrate Dr. Liz Pluhar performs surgery to remove this year, including fellowships and scholarships that prove to be increasingly important a brain tumor from a dog as Stephen for our students in the stressed economic climate we face today. Your support in this Haines, a neurosurgeon from the area is particularly important at this time because the nation faces a shortage of veterinarians and biomedical researchers. University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, and Brian Rose, a third-year As you read the wonderful stories and updates in this issue of Profiles, please know surgical resident, assist. The procedure that you have been instrumental in helping the College of Veterinary Medicine thrive. was part of an experimental therapy that We are extremely grateful for your support. also included gene therapy and the With warm regards, administration of a vaccine created by John Ohlfest, director of the University’s translational neurosurgery gene therapy program. See the story on page 5. Trevor Ames. D.V.M., M.S. Photo by Sue Kirchoff Diplomate ACVIM Dean RESEARCH Discovery paves way for genetic test– Researchers find gene for exercise-induced collapse udy and Jim Powers understand “This extraordinary research is a great University of Saskatchewan and the firsthand the heartbreak of buying a example of the strong emphasis the University of California-San Diego. Jdog affected with exercise-induced College places on comparative collapse (EIC). EIC, the once-puzzling medicine,” says Trevor Ames, dean. Not only did the researchers identify the neurological syndrome, has become “Discoveries of this magnitude involving gene involved in EIC, they also prevalent in pedigreed Labrador naturally occurring diseases of animals developed and submitted a patent retrievers over the past couple of decades. can help the affected animals as well as application for a genetic test that can humans with related conditions.” identify affected dogs and carriers of the As their 3-year-old dog progressed disease. The $65 test is available through training exercises, he started to EIC involves a mutation in a gene exclusively through the University of exhibit signs of the dreaded condition— critically involved in the communication Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic weakness in the rear limbs during between nerves within the central Laboratory. The test is welcome news strenuous exercise that can spread to the nervous system. because the Labrador retriever is the most forelimbs. If not immediately rested, their common dog breed in the world. The dog would collapse. Since there is no “Communication between neurons occurs American Kennel Club alone issues more treatment for EIC, the Wisconsin couple at synaptic junctions,” says James R. than 120,000 new registrations for removed the dog from training. Mickelson, professor of veterinary Labrador retrievers each year. biosciences and one of the lead Until recently, there was no test for EIC, researchers. “This synaptic While many Labrador retrievers are and while veterinarians, Labrador communication requires structures called genetically susceptible to EIC, some may retriever breeders, and owners of field ‘synaptic vesicles’ to contain necessary never exhibit signs of the disease because trial dogs suspected the syndrome was neurotransmitters. The gene involved they typically don’t reach the level of becoming more common, no one knew with EIC is responsible for making new exercise that hunting and field trial dogs just how prevalent it had become. A synaptic vesicles and enabling nerve achieve. “It takes 5 to 10 minutes of very recent discovery at the College of communication to continue. A naturally strenuous exercise before the first clinical Veterinary Medicine has changed that: occurring mutation in this gene has not signs appear,” says CVM internal Genetic researchers have pinpointed the been identified (in any mammal, medicine specialist Edward “Ned” mutant gene that causes EIC. The including humans) until now.” Patterson. “If you stop dogs right away findings have vast implications, not only when they first become wobbly on their for the Labrador retriever population, but Until recently there was no test back legs, and you rest them, they’ll be also for molecular research in both for EIC...no one knew just how fine. But sometimes, if dogs are not veterinary and human medicine. prevalent it had become. stopped, it affects their front legs, and later maybe their breathing—we are not Mickelson was one of several researchers certain. In severe episodes, a dog can to publish the study in the October 2008 die.” issue of the journal Nature Genetics. G. Diane Shelton, a research team Other University researchers were on the member from the University of team, as well as colleagues from the California-San Diego, was the first to describe the disease. She saw Labrador retrievers affected with EIC in 1990 and presented the condition to the veterinary community three years later. Shelton and Susan M. Taylor, another team member from the University of Saskatchewan,

Ned Patterson and Picabo Photo by Sue Kirchoff RESEARCH

Middle East, and Australia. “EIC occasionally occurs in Labrador retriever crosses, and in two other retriever breeds that are closely related to the Labrador retriever: the Chesapeake Bay retriever and the curly coated retriever,” he says.

Now that a test is available to identify carrier and affected dogs, breeders will be able to breed dogs in such a way that no offspring receive two mutated genes.

“Most breeders and buyers will want the test done,” says Beverly Garcia, who breeds Labradors in Georgia. “The ethical person will want to give a guarantee to the buyer of the puppy that it is not an affected dog.” FRAN HOWARD The EIC research team included Katie Minor and Anna Tchernatynskaia with Labrador retrievers Gretel, Grace, and Picabo (front row); and Jim Mickelson, Kari Ekenstedt, and Ned Patterson (back row). Points of Pride Research Days began investigating EIC, analyzing or so genes nearby. Within eight months event honors researchers owner questionnaires and evaluating of narrowing the area down, the team On March 25-26, 2008, the College affected dogs in an attempt to determine isolated the responsible gene: dynamin 1. hosted its annual Points of Pride the root of the problem: muscular, Research Days event, which included cardiovascular, or neurological. They The prevalence a poster competition, seminars, and compared symptomatic dogs with The next step was to determine how award presentations. asymptomatic dogs during and after prevalent EIC was in the breed. To do The recipient of the 2008 Pfizer strenuous exercise, but found that that, CVM researcher Katie M. Minor Research Excellence Award was clinically, both populations are identical: traveled to field trials in Minnesota, Michael Murtaugh, a professor in their blood is normal, their hearts and Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, and Taylor the Veterinary and Biomedical lungs are normal, and no pathology is traveled to trials in western and central Sciences department. Murtaugh’s found in their muscle. Suspecting the Canada throughout the summer of 2007, research centers on infectious diseases syndrome had a genetic basis, Shelton collecting DNA samples from the cheeks in swine, where he has done and Taylor turned to the University of of dogs enrolled in competitive events. extensive work on the molecular and Minnesota researchers in 2001. “We went to seven field trials in the area cellular components of the immune and we swabbed almost every dog there,” response. The breakthrough says Minor. The group also tested dogs Chand Khanna, who completed his ”We suspected EIC was an inherited that exhibited signs of EIC that were seen Ph.D. in pathobiology at the condition and that it might be inherited at veterinary hospitals. University of Minnesota, received the by a single gene based on the pedigrees,” Distinguished Research Alumnus says Patterson. That led researchers from “That’s when we started getting a really Award. Khanna is now with the the University of Minnesota and the strong idea of the frequency of this National Cancer Institute, where he University of Saskatchewan to solicit mutant gene in Labrador retrievers,” says heads the Tumor and Metastasis blood samples and pedigrees for the Mickelson. The group’s estimate is that 3 Biology Section in the Pediatric genetic research. to 5 percent of all Labrador retrievers are Oncology Branch and is director of affected and carry two copies of the the comparative oncology program. The genetic research team had to isolate mutant dynamin 1 gene. Another 30 which of the 20,000 or so genes might be percent are carriers with just one bad Poster competition winners included graduate students Rebecca LaRue, responsible for the syndrome by testing gene. “That’s true of field trial and Terri Mattila, and Meetu Seth; genetic markers spread throughout the hunting dogs and show dogs, as well as postdoctoral fellow Mike Olin; and dog’s chromosomes. In the fall of 2006, pets,” Mickelson adds. Summer Scholar Aric Frantz. five years after beginning their work, the research team found a linked marker in a The team also found EIC-affected The 2009 Points of Pride Research small area of one chromosome, with 10 Labrador retrievers from Europe, the Day is scheduled for March 25.

4 RESEARCH

College works with Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center to develop experimental therapy for dog with fatal brain cancer Results of two-step therapy may further treatment for people with brain tumors esearchers with the University of had been diagnosed with a cancerous The procedure team: Minnesota College of Veterinary brain tumor which, left untreated, would RMedicine, Medical School, and have been fatal. • Liz Pluhar, associate professor., Masonic Cancer Center have successfully performed the surgery. Pluhar performed the first steps of an The August 5 three-hour procedure specializes in veterinary orthopedics experimental procedure to treat a dog involved removal of as much of the brain and neurosurgery at the College and with brain cancer. The team’s two-fold tumor as possible, followed by the conducts veterinary cancer research goal: cure or extend the life of the patient injection of a gene therapy around the through the Masonic Cancer Center. and gain information that will advance perimeter of the tumor area. The injection scientific knowledge about brain tumors served to prime the remaining cancer • Stephen Haines, a neurosurgeon at the for treatment of animals and humans cells for a vaccine, which was developed University of Minnesota Medical with this disease. in the research laboratory using tumor Center, Fairview, who operates on tissue removed during surgery. In humans diagnosed with brain tumors, The patient, a 10-year-old shepherd-mix September, Batman received three assisted Pluhar with the surgery. dog named Batman (for his black, injections of the vaccine. pointed ears that resemble the superhero)

5 RESEARCH

• John Ohlfest, director of the University’s translational neurosurgery gene therapy program, provided the gene therapy and created the vaccine. Ohlfest conducts brain cancer research through the Masonic Cancer Center.

To date, research has involved separate investigations of the impact of gene therapy and vaccines on brain tumors. The University of Minnesota scientists and clinicians conducting this research think that surgery followed by combining the two experimental agents in one study—a one-two punch of gene therapy followed by vaccine—may have a greater impact on the cancer. If this two-step process works, it could have significant importance for improving treatment for brain tumors in both animals and people.

The gene therapy was a modified virus that cannot replicate but expresses the protein interferon gamma (IFN-g). IFN-g John Ohlfest, director of the University’s translational neurosurgery gene therapy program, primed the tumor site, making the tumor and Stephen Haines, a neurosurgeon at the cells more visible to Batman’s immune University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, system. examine an MRI of Batman’s brain above. At right, Liz Pluhar, a veterinary surgeon, injects the gene “The problem with brain tumors is that therapy as Brian Rose, third-year surgical resident, observes. Below, Ohlfest and Pluhar visit with they can hide from the immune system Batman after his second vaccination five weeks because the cancer cells typically don’t later. Photos by Sue Kirchoff have surface proteins that allow the immune system to recognize and kill them,” Ohlfest says. “IFN-g should reverse this, exposing the tumor to the immune system and allowing the vaccine to work at peak efficiency.”

The tumor cells taken during the surgery were killed in the laboratory to make one part of the vaccine. The other part of the vaccine was an immunogenic portion of DNA derived from bacterial DNA called CpG ODN.

”The CpG ODN serves to trick the dog’s immune system into thinking it has a bacterial infection, only we co-injected tumor cell proteins along with the CpG ODN so the immune system goes after the tumor with similar vigor that it would against bacteria,” Ohlfest says. We expect that tumor-specific immune cells will then migrate into the brain to kill the remaining cancer cells.”

6 RESEARCH

Research discovers genetic cancer link between humans and dogs Studying cancer in dogs may translate into greater insight into cancer risk, diagnosis, and prognosis in humans

ancer researchers at the University of Minnesota and North Carolina CState University have found that humans and dogs share more than friendship and companionship—they also share the same genetic basis for certain types of cancer. Furthermore, the researchers say that because of the way the genomes have evolved, getting cancer may be inevitable for some humans and dogs.

Professor Jaime Modiano, Al and June Perlman Oncology Chair, and Matthew Breen, a gneomics professor at North Carolina State University’s Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, collaborated on the research, which was funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Their findings are published in a special edition of the journal Chromosome Research that explores comparative cytogenetics and genomics research by scientists from around the world.

Genomes are divided into chromosomes, which act as nature’s biological filing cabinets, with genes located in specific places.

“Many forms of human cancer are associated with specific alterations to the number or structure of chromosomes and the genes they contain,” Breen explains. “We have developed reagents to show that the same applies to dog cancers, and that the specific genome reorganization that occurs in comparable human and canine cancers shares a common basis.”

More specifically, Breen and Modiano found that the genetic changes that occur in dogs diagnosed with certain cancers of the blood and bone marrow, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, are virtually identical to genetic abnormalities in humans diagnosed with the same cancers. Jaime Modiano examines a patient. Modiano’s research has found a genetic cancer link between humans and dogs. Continued on page 8

7 RESEARCH Genetic cancer link between College rese humans and dogs continued Sagar Goyal, professor and “We believe the implication of this “Interestingly, we found that the same co-chair of the finding is that cancer may be the translocation of chromosomes happens in Veterinary consequence of generations of genetic dogs as in humans for the three blood and Population evolution that has occurred similarly in bone marrow cancers we studied,” Medicine dogs and humans,” Modiano says. “This Modiano says. department, means that, to some degree, cancer may has been be inevitable in some humans and dogs Breen and Modiano conclude that despite awarded a just because of the way our genomes have millions of years of divergence, the National developed since the separation from a evolving genomes of dogs and humans Institutes of common ancestor. Since we know now seem to have retained the mechanism Health grant that dogs and humans seem to share a associated with cancer, and that the for more than common pathogenetic basis for some conserved changes in the genomes have $1.4 million Sagar Goyal cancers, we believe that studying dog similar consequences in dogs and for a study of cancers may allow us to identify cancer- humans. the measurement of particle sizes associated genes more easily in dog associated with airborne viruses. The populations than in human populations. “Like people, our pet dogs suffer from a study will develop methods to quantify Once identified, we may be able to wide range of spontaneous cancers. For the amount of viruses associated with translate these findings to human cancers thousands of years, humans and dogs airborne particles of different sizes and as we seek to provide a greater level of have shared a unique bond,” says Breen. the survivability of these viruses in the insight into cancer risk, diagnosis, and “In the 21st century, this relationship is environment. These methods will then be used in swine barns and health-care prognosis.” now strengthened to one with a solid biomedical basis; the genome of the dog facilities to measure particle sizes associated with both viable and non- According to Breen and Modiano, dogs may hold the keys to unlocking some of viable viruses to which workers may be nature’s most intriguing puzzles about are good research subjects because they exposed. This improved understanding cancer.” develop the disease spontaneously, and of virus behavior will help prevent many of the modern breeds have Trevor Ames, dean of the College, says virus transmission in health-care developed over the past few hundred facilities, animal facilities, public that the research findings will potentially years using restricted gene pools. This venues, and other workplaces. selective breeding has preserved the lead to better treatment options for diseases that affect humans and animals. genetics of the breeds. It has also made Shaun some breeds more susceptible to certain Kennedy, cancers. These factors, coupled with the ”It is unique discoveries like this that assistant high degree of similarity between the involve parallel health conditions of professor, genomes of dogs and humans, provided humans and animals that will help us Veterinary the researchers with an opportunity to continue to move medical research from Population compare the genomes and study the the laboratory into mainstream medical Medicine, and evolutionary genetic changes associated practice,” Ames says. “This is a crucial director, with cancer. step in assuring that the University of National Minnesota and the nation remain at the Center for Food The human genome has 46 forefront of human and animal health Protection and chromosomes, and the dog genome research as we continually search for new Defense, was contains 78 chromosomes. Sometimes, in and better ways to treat diseases like awarded a the normal duplication process of cells, cancer.” Shaun Kennedy $607,569 grant chromosomes can become rearranged or from the relocated. This rearrangement or The next step for Breen and Modiano is Department of Homeland Security for relocation is called translocation. It can to use grants received from the National National Biosurveillance Integration System (NBIS) needs assessment, lead to a cell losing its normal function, Cancer Institute to start pinpointing risk system review, and tool development. becoming abnormal, and possibly factors for cancer in various breeds of The one-year project will investigate developing into cancer. dogs. FRAN HOWARD the current biosurveillance environment and available resources and explore case studies to aid in the near-term improvement and long-term 8 RESEARCH earchers awarded major grants utility of the NBIS through an integrated is currently a effects on the national bTB eradication process of needs assessment, data access scourge of program. and availability investigation, options Vietnamese swine planning, fundamental system, and basic production. A Other College of Veterinary Medicine to applied research. better researchers were also recently awarded understanding of grants of $100,000 or more: The NBIS combines health data from the the etiology and Centers for Disease Control and pathogenesis of • James Collins, director of the Prevention, agricultural data from the PHFD is urgently Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, was U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), needed to help awarded $300,000 from the USDA food data from a combination of the protect the swine Animal and Plant Inspection Service USDA and the Department of Health and industry from its for evaluation of avian influenza A Human Services, and environmental potential virus matrix, H5 AI RT PCR, and H7 monitoring from BioWatch to improve introduction into Michael Murtaugh AI RT PCR diagnostic tests in swine detection and response. the United States. samples. The overall goal Krishona Martinson, assistant professor, of the research is to rapidly identify • Han S. Joo, professor, Veterinary Animal Science, Molly McCue, assistant nucleic acids and proteins that are Population Medicine, was awarded professor, Veterinary Population diagnostic for PHFD for immediate $108,578 from MJ Biologics Inc. for Medicine, Jim Mickelson, professor, development of diagnostic tests and evaluation on productive immunity of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and further investigation of molecular procine reproductive and respiratory Stephanie Valberg, professor, Veterinary pathogenesis. syndrome virus envelope proteins in pigs. Population Medicine, and director of the Equine Center, were awarded a $500,000 Wells was awarded $200,000 for the • Tom Molitor, co-chair of the National Research Initiative integrated evaluation of the cost-benefit of the use of Veterinary Population Medicine genomics grant for an integrated research Johne’s disease (JD) vaccine while department, received $202,620 from and extension program for equine considering effects on bovine tuberculosis. Pfizer Inc. for pathogen investigation, metabolic syndrome and shivers. There is an urgent need to evaluate the surveillance, and acquisition. economic impact of JD vaccination on the Michael Murtaugh, professor, Veterinary control of the • Srirama Rao, associate dean for and Biomedical Sciences, and Scott disease and its research and professor, Veterinary and Wells, associate professor, Veterinary impact on bovine Biomedical Sciences, was awarded Population Medicine, were awarded tuberculosis $357,938 from the National Institutes research grants by the USDA Cooperative (bTB) eradication of Health for a study of serotonin (5- State Research, Education, and Extension due to the high HT) and 5-HT2A in allergic Service’s Critical Issues program to herd prevalence inflammation. perform research related to time-critical, of JD and the • Mark Rutherford, associate dean of emerging plant and animal pest and emergence of graduate programs and associate disease issues. The program is designed to bTB in the professor, Veterinary and Biomedical provide one-time seed funding to help United States. If Sciences, received $229,500 from the initiate work requiring immediate economically USDA for doctoral training of attention until other, longer-term advantageous, JD veterinarian scientists in animal resources can be secured to address the vaccine has the infectious agents and zoonoses. issue. Scott Wells potential to reduce losses and • Vicki Wilke, assistant clinical expedite control programs for individual Murtaugh was awarded $200,000 to study specialist, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, herds, but not at the expense of the bTB the etiology and molecular pathogenesis received $129,985 from Solace Pharm eradication program. Information for of porcine high fever disease (PHFD). Inc. for evaluation of a novel Mycobacterium avium subsp. Since its appearance in the spring of compound for use in the control of 2006, PHFD has devastated the swine paratuberculosis transmission parameters will be collected from existing field osteoarthritic pain in dogs. Wilke was industry in China, causing severe also awarded $119,672 from the Morris economic hardship to swine producers studies. This information will be used to develop a JD vaccination simulation Animal Foundation to study and increased prices for the principal chromosomal regions and genes protein source in the Chinese diet. It has model framework and to evaluate the cost-benefit of JD vaccination, including associated with cranial cruciate since spread to neighboring countries and ligament rupture in dogs. 9 AROUND THE COLLEGE

At the College commencement ceremony in May are Barbara Brandt, assistant vice president, Academic Health Center; John R. Finnegan, dean of the School of Public Health; Trevor Ames, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine; Jane Goodall; Robert Bruininks, president of the University of Minnesota; and Dallas Trevor Ames Bohnsack, member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Photo by Sue Kirchoff appointed Jane Goodall presents presented scholarships, and recognized permanent dean commencement address the generous support of donors. The University of Minnesota Thanks to a generous gift from an In addition to more than $160,000 in Board of Regents officially anonymous donor, renowned scholarships, these awards were approved the appointment of primatologist Jane Goodall was the presented: Trevor Ames as dean of the commencement speaker at the College’s College of Veterinary Medicine in annual commencement ceremony at • Caleb Dorr Medal: Leah Renne June. Northrop Memorial Auditorium on May 3. In addition to 91 D.V.M. degrees, 8 • Carl J. Norden Distinguished “Trevor has done an outstanding D.V.M./M.P.H. degrees, 6 Ph.D. degrees, Teaching Award: Jane Quandt, 4 M.S. degrees, and 1 D.V.M./Ph.D. job as interim dean, and I believe assocate clinical professor degree were awarded. Dean Trevor Ames that he has the experience and gave the opening and closing remarks, • Mark of Excellence: Cathy Carlson, skills to lead the College of and University of Minnesota President Veterinary Medicine,” said Frank professor, Veterinary Population Robert Bruininks gave the welcome. Dr. Medicine B. Cerra, senior vice president Goodall was introduced by Sue Miller, a for health sciences. member of the graduating class of 2008, • Outstanding Service Award: Joni and Mary McKie presented the response Scheftel, state public health Ames had been interim dean for the class of 2008. Teresa Hershey, veterinarian, Minnesota Department of president of the Minnesota Veterinary since June 2007. Previously Health (class of 1982) chair of the College’s Veterinary Medical Association, administered the veterinarian’s oath, and congratulatory Population Medicine Veterinary Clinical Sciences teaching remarks were presented by Barbara department, he joined the awards were presented to Drs. Leslie Brandt, assistant vice president of the faculty in 1981. A diplomate of Sharkey, Jane Quandt, and Susan Academic Health Center. Jack Risdahl, the American College of president of the Alumni and Friends Simmerson, and Veterinary Population Veterinary Internal Medicine, he Society, welcomed the group to the Medicine teaching awards were presented received his D.V.M. in 1978 from Minnesota Alumni Association. to Drs. Susan McClanahan, Stacy the Western College of Tinkler, and Christie Ward. Veterinary Medicine at the Annual awards ceremony University of Saskatchewan and In a new category of teaching awards for his master of science degree in salutes accomplishments course coordinators, the recipients were The College’s annual spring awards 1981 from the University of Dr. Jeff Bender in public health, ceremony, held at the St. Paul Student Minnesota. Dr. Leslie Sharkey in veterinary clinical Center on April 24, celebrated the pathology, and Dr. Robert Washabau in accomplishments of students and faculty, veterinary physiology.

10 AROUND THE COLLEGE Veterinarians and students come to aid of animal shelter osing your home and belongings in adding that she was particularly a flood can be devastating, but impressed by the way the community Lhaving to abandon your pets came together after losing the only because you can’t take them with you or animal shelter the town had. “Just seeing no longer can afford to care for them can such a system that functioned as well as it make the pain unbearable. It can also did—just being part of the animal-care overload animal shelters. To help ease the team, since I think that during disasters, pain of flood victims—human and animal animals are often forgotten—was Dr. Larissa Minicucci assesses a terrier at a alike—the University of Minnesota humbling. People were comforted temporary shelter for animals displaced by floods Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) deployed knowing their animals had a place to go.” in Iowa. two teams of veterinarians and students to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to help staff a temporary shelter for animals displaced by floods in June and July. In response to a request from David Schmitt, Iowa’s state veterinarian, Larissa Minicucci, program director and assistant professor in veterinary population medicine at the College, deployed the first team of three veterinarians June 27 to July 1 to help Iowa’s response team. A second team consisting of two veterinarians and two veterinary students led by Roberto Novo, associate professor in small animal surgery, left June 30 and returned July 3.

“Our mission was to provide some assistance to the core group working in Cedar Rapids and to provide continuous Clinicians, residents, technicians, and students gathered for a group photo after the August 2008 dentistry care of the animals,” says Minicucci. wet lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine. In the front row are Dr. Jim Hinrichs of the College of Dentistry, Dr. Gary Goldstein of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nick Lowe, a third-year resident in the “They were interested in a team that periodontology advanced education program, and Donnell Hansen, resident in veterinary dentistry and could provide continuous care, and by oral surgery. going through the University, they were able to find a team that could commit a longer period of time. We can respond Dental collaboration students with an interest in periodontics rapidly by sending emergency veterinary he University of Minnesota take a three-month course in advanced crews when they’re requested by College of Veterinary Medicine periodontal surgery at the School of Minnesota or other states. It’s nice as a Tand School of Dentistry have been Dentistry, culminating with a hands-on faculty member to be able to get out and working together the past four years provide that service.” sharing facilities and resources to teach wet lab at the College. dental students and veterinary dental and After the town’s existing animal shelter oral surgery residents. The University of “This shows how the University of was destroyed due to flooding, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center Minnesota and Academic Health Center community created a large makeshift (VMC) is one of only eight veterinary can partner and take advantage of all our shelter at Kirkwood Community College, schools across the country that offer a resources,” says Gary Goldstein, associate where more than 650 animals were cared full-time veterinary dentistry curriculum. professor of veterinary dentistry and oral for. Most animals were companion Because of the close proximity of the surgery and associate medical director at animals such as dogs and cats, but some School of Dentistry (only six university the VMC. The veterinary dentistry were exotic pets such as birds, hamsters, systems in the country have both a dental service offers many of the same guinea pigs, rabbits, and lizards. school and veterinary school on the same procedures that are available to human campus), the College forged a partnership dental patients, from scaling and “For me, it was sobering to see a disaster with Dr. Jim Hinrichs in the department polishing to root canals and crowns to like that first-hand,” says Minicucci, of periodontics. Each year, senior maxillofacial surgery.

11 AROUND THE COLLEGE

In memory: Walt Mackey CAHFS hosts ‘One alter J. Mackey, one of the Health’ workshop, College’s founding fathers and Wthe curator of the Minnesota awards seed grants Veterinary Historical Museum, died on early 50 attendees from higher Oct. 19, 2008, at age 84. education, private industry, N commodity groups, government, Many remember Mackey for being and non-profit associations participated instrumental in founding the College of in a “Global One Health” workshop, Veterinary Medicine and for the “Embracing the Interdependence of thousands of hours of dedicated work he Animals, Humans, and the donated to the Minnesota Veterinary Environment,” sponsored by the Center Historical Museum. for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) at McNamara Alumni Center After serving in the Navy during WWII, on May 14. Supporters of the One Health Mackey attended the University of initiative urge greater understanding of Minnesota, where he earned his where risk exists globally and recognition bachelor’s degree in 1949, his D.V.M. in of the next 1951, and his master of public health Walt Mackey at the dedication of the Ben Pomeroy threat. degree in 1968. He started his veterinary Student-Alumni Learning Center on Oct. 26, 2007 Workshop career in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Photo by Sue Kirchoff presenters and had a private practice for 13 years in Mackey is survived by wife, Phyllis, of revealed that 13 Hayfield, Minnesota. He then became 55 years; children Cathleen Quinn, of the last 14 director of the University’s Research Kevin Mackey, Carol Kujawa, and human health Animal Division, followed by a position Steven Mackey; six grandchildren; and epidemics came teaching anatomy at the College. He many other relatives and friends. from animal finished his career working as assistant Memorials may be made to the species. veterinarian for the Minnesota Board of Minnesota Veterinary Historical Animal Health until retiring in 1992. Museum. The CAHFS also administers a Global One Health Leadership Fund that catalyzes new public, private, and academic partnerships focused on the NCFPD hosts exercise on food protection increasingly complex dilemmas at the ifty participants from Canada, Population Medicine, and director of the convergence of animals, humans, and the France, Germany, Japan, the United NCFPD. “The participation of environment. To help kick off several of FKingdom, and the United States government officials from five countries, these new collaborations, seed grants of attended a three-day exercise on food international organizations, and food $10,000 each were awarded to: supply protection hosted by the National system experts is emblematic of the Center for Food Protection and Defense public/private partnerships that will be • Katie Pelican, assistant professor, (NCFPD) May 27-29. The exercise aimed necessary to defend the food system from Veterinary Population Medicine, for to strengthen coordination, cooperation, intentional contamination.” “Long-term Ecological Monitoring and communication between G8 (Group Plots as Sentinel Sites for Emerging of Eight) nations in the event of an Established in 2003 and led by the Infectious Disease.” intentional attack on the food supply. The University of Minnesota, the NCFPD is a G8 is an international forum for the Department of Homeland Security Center • Julia Ponder, executive director, The governments of Canada, France, of Excellence. The Center is a consortium Raptor Center, for “Training One Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United of academic, public sector, and private Health Scientists: Developing a New Kingdom, and the United States. sector partners tasked with developing Paradigm.” technologies and strategies to prevent, “The increasing global integration of the respond, and recover from intentional • Michelle Willette, staff veterinarian, food supply makes food defense an issue contamination of the food system in order The Raptor Center, for “Integrating without borders, as the G8’s interest in to mitigate the public health and Wildlife Health-Strategic Planning this exercise illustrates,” says Shaun economic impact of the event. Workshop.” Kennedy, assistant professor, Veterinary

12 VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER Veterinary Medical Center singled out as innovative employer rian Rodrigues’ wide grin may be one reason his supervisors Bdescribe his performance as “service with a smile,” but it certainly is not the only one. A member of the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) barn crew since October 2007, Rodrigues looks the part in his steel-toed boots, straight-leg jeans, plaid flannel shirt, and John Deere baseball cap. The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) recently honored the lanky 29-year-old along with his supervisor Sergio Gonzales and the VMC.

GCDD recognized 10 innovative employers at its Oct. 1 meeting held on the St. Paul Campus. The council chose the featured employers from 45 nominations based on two main selection criteria: the employer must provide direct employment to an employee with a developmental disability; and the position must be a permanent year-round job.

“Brian is a pleaser,” says Sheryl Ferguson, VMC manager. “He is service with a smile. We are very pleased to have him as an employee and we are honored to have been chosen as an innovative employer by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.”

Rodrigues also couldn’t be more pleased, both with the recognition and with his position as a member of the barn crew. Landing a position with the University of Minnesota is no easy feat, but Rodrigues had a proven foot in the door when the Brian Rodriques with a horse at the Leatherdale Equine Center. Inset: Sergio Gonzales, Brian Rodrigues, barn crew position opened up. He began and Sheryl Ferguson Photos by Sue Kirchoff his work at the University in July 2000, but all of his positions were either “Brian helps me a lot,” says Gonzales, Rodrigues says he does not favor one temporary or seasonal. And all were who supervises a crew of 22 workers who species of large animal over another, and orchestrated by Merrick, a non-profit clean and disinfect stalls as well as feed he finds barn crew work more exciting organization dedicated to providing those and exercise animals. Typically, than the duties he had at his previous with developmental disabilities veterinary students, who are limited in positions. “I know some about bulls,” employment networking opportunities. the number of daytime hours they can Rodrigues says. “I used to bull ride with When Ellen Otto of Merrick found out work, fill barn crew positions. “Brian fills my friends.” That was in high school, but that the VMC was opening its new the gap between shifts when the students it gives him plenty to talk about with Equine Center, she knew Rodrigues are in classes,” Gonzales notes. “He’s my Gonzales, who is a top-10 bull rider from would be perfect for the job because of his right hand.” Guatemala. love of farm animals. FRAN HOWARD

13 VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER Tapir visits VMC for MRI A Malayan tapir from the Minnesota Zoo was one of the more unusual patients at the Veterinary Medical Center in recent months. The 5-year-old female had a swelling on her right mandible and was brought to the VMC for an MRI on March 26. ”Radiographs were suggestive of root infection of one or more teeth, but were not diagnostic enough to guide treatment,” explained Micky Trent, associate professor, Veterinary Population Medicine. “The MRI gave us more complete and Veterinary Medical Center and Minnesota Zoo staff watch the detailed information, and we were able to tapir emerge from her travel crate. eliminate the teeth as the source of the After being anesthetized, the tapir is scrubbed swelling.” Photos by Sue Kirchoff clean in preparation for the MRI.

Hoisting an 800-pound anesthetized tapir from the floor to the table is a team effort.

Will she fit? Veterinary radiologist Travis Saveraid measures the tapir.

Final preparations are made by Ryan Nichols, a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia. The tapir remains anesthetized throughout the procedure. The medical imaging team wheels the tapir into the MRI suite as the anesthesiology team readies monitoring equipment.

14 VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER

West Metro Equine horse owners in the west metro area more University School immediate access to the expertise of the of Veterinary Practice turns two College and the University’s Veterinary Medicine in est Metro Equine Practice, the Medical Center’s cutting-edge Indiana. Board University of Minnesota’s only equipment.” certified in Wsatellite veterinary clinic, “Many of these students get the benefit of oncology, she was turned two in July. Serving the greater seeing horses that they may have already previously a Maple Plain area, the practice is staffed seen in the Veterinary Medical Center,” medical oncologist by board-certified internal medicine Halland adds. “Or they may see a case on at the Veterinary specialist Spring the ambulatory rotation that is referred Specialty Hospital Halland. It into the hospital. It gives the students the of the Carolinas in handles everything North Carolina. Antonella Borgatti opportunity to see a case through its Jeffreys from routine entire process. In this environment, vaccinations to everyone benefits.” Also new to the complex injuries VMC are: and disease. New clinicians join • Dr. Sue Lowum, a 2007 graduate of The practice began the University of Minnesota College of using digital Veterinary Medical Center Veterinary Medicine. Lowum joined radiography last Several new faculty members have joined the General Practice Service. year, which the Veterinary Medical Center: • Dr. Julie Schildt, who has joined the Spring Halland provides Emergency Services team. Schildt immediate results Dr. Antonella Borgatti Jeffreys has recently completed a residency in and sharper images. Over the past year, joined the Oncology Service. Jeffreys emergency medicine at Michigan State Halland has noticed an increase in a received her doctorate in veterinary University. relatively rare condition in horses called medicine from the University of Torino, • Dr. Laura Snyder, who recently “stylohyoid osteoarthropathy.” Without Italy, and completed her residency in completed her residency at North digital radiography, the condition would veterinary medical oncology and master Carolina State University and joined be much more difficult to diagnose. The of science degree at the Purdue the Clinical Pathology Service. disease affects the stylohyoid apparatus, located near the middle ear. If left untreated, calcification and scarring can lead to neurological problems in the head and face.

“If the bone fractures, the result can be seizures or sudden death,” Halland says.

The practice also offers a fertile training ground for veterinary students and veterinarians furthering their carriers through a residency program. Senior veterinary students are required to spend two weeks at the satellite clinic as part of their curriculum.

“The West Metro Equine Practice has Veterinary Medical Center launches been a wonderful addition for the teaching of our veterinary students,” says Advanced Veterinary Imaging Direct Trevor Ames, dean. “It prepares them to The Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) has launched Advanced Veterinary Imaging work in the field by providing them with Direct (AVID), a new outpatient medical imaging service. The service provides an opportunity to work side-by-side with veterinarians with the most advanced veterinary imaging technology in the an equine practitioner affiliated with the nation, with consultation and interpretation provided by the VMC’s team of University of Minnesota. It also provides experienced radiologists. Practitioners can use an online request form at www.vmc.umn.edu/avid/request/request.cfm or call 612-624-9583 for more information. Photo by Sue Kirchoff 15 GRADUATE PROGRAMS Mark Rutherford named Cris Marques receives U of M’s Best Disse associate dean of graduate programs ris Marques, who received her Mark Ph.D. in comparative and Rutherford, Cmolecular biosciences from the associate College in 2008, was the recipient of the professor, University of Minnesota Graduate Veterinary School’s 2008 Best Dissertation Award in and biological and life sciences. Biomedical Sciences, Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, was named Marques graduated with a bachelor’s associate degree in animal science from Rutgers dean of University. When she’s not working on graduate research projects, she can be found with programs in her husband, Mike, and their black lab, Mark Rutherford July. Libby, exploring Ohio. She recently took time to answer a few questions for “Mark possesses tremendous Profiles. enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge of our graduate What was the topic of your Ph.D. programs,” says Dean Trevor research? Ames. “He also has a Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection comprehensive overall knowledge of the brain, which is the leading cause of of graduate education at the fatal encephalitis in immunocompetent University of Minnesota and he patients. Despite the advent of antiviral understands how our graduate therapy, less than 20 percent of surviving programs relate to the College’s patients recover without significant long- overall mission. I believe Mark will term neurological deficits. develop and lead highly successful Cris Marques, recipient of the University of Minnesota Gradua My thesis project investigated the biological and life sciences. Cris received her Ph.D. in compar graduate programs for our Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Photo by Sue Kirchoff College.” immune response to HSV infection of the brain. I worked with a murine model of Why did you choose the U of M for Mark earned his Ph.D. in HSV-1 infection that mimics primary your graduate degree? immunology from the University of herpes encephalitis in humans. The I wanted to experience a new part of the Illinois and did post-doctoral work results from this work suggest that country during graduate school and go at St. Jude Children’s Research microglia are a “double-edged sword” in somewhere with a solid reputation for Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. defense of the HSV-infected brain. These research. It was also important for me to In 1993, he joined the College as resident brain macrophages initiate a join a program that would give me some assistant professor in the cascade of neuroimmune responses that freedom to explore my options during the Department of Veterinary are meant to protect, but can also first year. After my interview, I knew the Pathobiology. He was promoted to contribute to the serious brain damage U of M would be a great fit. associate professor in 2001. A seen during herpes encephalitis. five-year member of the molecular What was the most valuable part of veterinary biosciences graduate How did you get interested in this kind your graduate education? program and senior member of the of research? The people I met. I had the privilege to toxicology and veterinary medicine I’ve always been interested in infectious interact and learn from experts in graduate programs, he received diseases and had some great classes in different arenas who taught me to always first prize for innovative ideas in college that fueled my curiosity and keep the big picture in sight. Thanks to graduate education from the fascination with viruses. After my first my committee, I left graduate school with University of Minnesota Graduate immunology class in graduate school, I a great model of the type of professor and School in 2006. was hooked. mentor that I would like to be. I also made incredible friends and met my greatest treasure, my husband and fellow

16 GRADUATE PROGRAMS ertation Award Carlos Pijoan Graduate New graduate students Student Fellowship Welcome to the following students who joined the College’s comparative and recipient graduates molecular biology and veterinary Maria medicine graduate programs in 2008: Pieters successfully Comparative and molecular defended her biology graduate program doctoral Ph.D. students dissertation Mary Boyce July 21. Claudia Fernandez Maria’s Aric Franz dissertation Willie Greggs “Mycoplasma Adam Nettles hyponeumoniae Sally Robinson Infection in John Schwartz Sow Herds: Jennifer Triemstra Epidemiology and Veterinary medicine graduate Maria Pieters Control,” program demonstrated for the first time the total Ph.D. students clearance of Mycoplasma Abaineh Endalew hyopneumoniae, which occurred by 254 Kristina Kiefer days after infection. Hyeun Bum Kim Nick Phelps Another important aspect of her research Max Sepulveda demonstrated that cross-fostering in the farrowing rooms profoundly affected the Master’s degree students transfer of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Giordana Costa te School’s 2008 Best Dissertation Award in passive immunity in regard to timing for Eva Furrow rative and molecular biosciences from the College of antibodies and of source for cell-mediated Michelle Goulart immunity. Tiffany Granone comparative and molecular biosciences Brian Hardy alumnus, Mike Hendel. Pieters was supported in part through the Abirami Kugadas Carlos Pijoan graduate student Nate Rose What you are doing now? fellowship. The Carlos Pijoan Graduate Megan Swaab I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Student Fellowship in Swine Medicine Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research was named in honor of Carlos Pijoan, Institute in Ohio. who was internationally recognized for Lisa Hubinger recognized his work in the area of swine respiratory as best director of graduate What are your plans for the future? disease and the influence of swine I’ve always wanted to teach and plan to production systems on the dynamics of studies assistant pursue a career in academia, but I’m also microorganisms such as porcine Lisa Hubinger, graduate program open to considering more non-traditional reproductive and respiratory syndrome coordinator, was honored with the opportunities that may arise. virus, Haemophilus parasuis, University of Minnesota Graduate Streptococcus suis, and Mycoplasma School’s Best Director of Graduate What advice you would give students hyopneumoniae. Studies (DGS) Assistant Award in May. just beginning their Ph.D. education? The Graduate School established the Surround yourself with people you can Pieters is currently a postdoctoral award to recognize and reward the learn from and take advantage of the research associate at the University of University’s most outstanding DGS resources at the U. Take on a project you Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She is assistants. Lisa was one of only two believe in and can be excited about for a conducting research in the areas of people campus-wide to receive the award, long time. Go to conferences. Publish. immune responses and disease resistance which included a $1,000 honorarium, a Enjoy the journey. in swine. special plaque, and a reception in her honor.

17 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS University honors scientists at inventor recognition ceremony ollege of Veterinary Medicine • James Mickelson, professor, • Molly E. McCue, assistant professor, inventors were honored when the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Veterinary Population Medicine. University of Minnesota Technology licensed: Glycogen Storage Technology licensed: Method of C Disease Type IV - Mutation in Equines. Detecting a Glycogen Synthase (GYS1) recognized the creative and commercial achievements of its students, staff, and Patent title: Method of Detecting Mutation Associated with Equine faculty at the 2008 University of Equine Glycogen Storage Disease IV Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Minnesota Inventor Recognition Event at McNamara Alumni Center on Sept. 17. • Kakambi Nagaraja, professor, • Robert B. Morrison, professor, The Office for Technology Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Veterinary Population Medicine. Commercialization presented awards to Technology licensed: Avian Technology licensed: Online University of Minnesota inventors who Pneumovirus Vaccine Development Submission for University of had a patent issued, a license signed, or Possibilities. Patent title: Avian Minnesota LIMS System both in fiscal years 2006, 2007, and Pneumovirus Vaccine • Devi P. Patnayak, assistant clinical 2008. They included: • Stephanie Valberg, professor, specialist, Veterinary Population Inventors with both a commercial Veterinary Population Medicine, and Medicine. Technology licensed: director, Equine Center. Technology Influenza A Virus Subtype H2N3 license signed and patent issued licensed: Glycogen Storage Disease Isolated from Swine • James E. Collins, professor, Veterinary Type IV - Mutation in Equines. Patent • Carrie E. Wees, senior scientist, Population Medicine, and director, title: Method of Detecting Equine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Glycogen Storage Disease IV Technology licensed: TaqMan RT-PCR Technology licensed: Online Inventors with a commercial for Simultaneous Identification of Submission for University of North American and European Isolates/ Minnesota LIMS System. Patent title: license signed Strains of PRRSV Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory • Marie R. Gramer, assistant clinical Syndrome Virus and Methods of Use professor, Veterinary Population Inventors with a patent issued Medicine. Technology licensed: • David Halvorson, professor emeritus, • Kurt Rossow, associate clinical Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Influenza A Virus Subtype H2N3 Isolated from Swine professor, Veterinary Population Technology licensed: Avian Medicine. Patent title: Mycobacterial Pneumovirus Vaccine Development • Han S. Joo, professor, Veterinary Diagnostics Possibilities. Patent title: Avian Population Medicine. Technology Pneumovirus Vaccine Also recognized was Lingling Li, a licensed: A Method to Prepare former graduate student at the College Immunizing Substance for Prevention who had a patent issued. Li completed of Diseases in Pigs her Ph.D. in February.

Randy Singer testifies before hearing reviewed advances in animal decreases mortality of animals, decreases House subcommittee health, particularly the use of disease, reduces cost of food, and Randy Singer, antimicrobials in the livestock industry. increases food safety,” says Rep. Leonard associate The subcommittee heard testimony from Boswell, D-Iowa, chair of the professor, federal agency representatives responsible subcommittee. “I believe in science-based Veterinary and for animal and human health as well as research. Healthy animals bring us Biomedical representatives from animal health healthy food, and science plays a huge Sciences, groups, the animal agriculture industry, role in that.” testified before and higher education. Testimony focused the U.S. House of on how antimicrobials are used in animal Scott Dee represents North Representatives agriculture and best management America on international Committee on practices that help producers responsibly PRRS group Agriculture manage their use. Scott Dee, professor, Veterinary Subcommittee on Population Medicine, and director of the “It is clear from today’s hearing and the Randy Singer Livestock, Dairy, Swine Disease Eradication Center, was and Poultry in testimony of producers and veterinarians selected by the Office International des Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25. The in the field that antimicrobial use Epizooties (OIE), the World Organization

18 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

for Animal Health, to represent North America on an ad-hoc meeting on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) at OIE headquarters in Paris in June. The OIE consists Scott Dee of more than 170 member countries and territories. In addition to Dee, veterinary scientists from Asia, Europe, and South Africa participated in the PRRS group.

Stephanie Valberg receives Distinguished Women Scholar Award Stephanie Valberg, professor, Veterinary Dr. Carl Osborne, center, received the WSAVA Healthcare Award at the 33rd annual World Small Animal Population Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Congress in Dublin, Ireland, in August. On Osborne’s left is Hein Meyer, Medicine, and clinical program director for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. To Osborne’s right is Brian Romberg, president of the director of the WSAVA. University of Minnesota Carl Osborne receives Tim Johnson awarded Brian Equine Center, WSAVA Healthcare Award Wilkins Memorial Prize received the Carl Osborne, professor in the Tim Johnson, University’s 2008 Veterinary Clinical Sciences department, assistant Distinguished was the 2008 recipient of the WSAVA professor, Women Scholar Healthcare Award at the 33rd annual Veterinary and Award in sciences World Small Animal Veterinary Biomedical and engineering Association (WSAVA) Congress in Sciences, was in April. The Dublin, Ireland, in August. Osborne awarded the Stephanie Valberg award was presented an overview of his life’s work Brian Wilkins presented at a entitled “State of the Stone: Memorial Prize ceremony held at the Annual Celebration Epidemiologic Shifts in Feline Urolith for outstanding for Women sponsored by the Office for Type.” Robert young scientists University Women at McNamara Alumni Washabau, chair at the Center. Valberg was awarded $2,000 to be of the Veterinary International used for research, scholarly, or artistic Clinical Sciences Plasmid Biology Tim Johnson activities. The Distinguished Women department, Conference in Scholar Award was established to presented a state- Gdansk, Poland, Aug. 30-Sept. 5. acknowledge and honor the of-the-art Eligible scientists are at an early phase of accomplishments of distinguished women address, their career and committed to studying scholars at the University of Minnesota. “Gastrointestinal mobile genetic elements, horizontal gene The program awards one person per year Standardization: transfer, or properties linked to these in two separate areas: sciences and From Endoscopy topics. engineering; and humanities, social to Biopsy and sciences, and arts. Histopathology.” Robert Washabau

19 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS Faculty and staff honored with MVMA awards he Minnesota Veterinary Medical Outstanding Distinguished Service Award: Association honored CVM faculty Faculty of the Dr. Joni Scheftel Tand staff with the following College of This award is given to an MVMA awards in February: Veterinary member who has given special service to Medicine: the profession of veterinary medicine, Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Pat Redig improving the Dr. Carl Osborne This award is profession as a result of that This award is given to well-rounded, given to a faculty service. A state outstanding member who public health members of the provides veterinarian, veterinary outstanding Sheftel is an profession who service to adjunct member have given much Pat Redig Minnesota of the College’s to the profession veterinarians, Veterinary as well as to their gives his or her time and talent to the Population community. veterinary profession, makes a difference Medicine faculty. Osborne is a to the profession, and is a dedicated longtime contributor to organized veterinary professor in the medicine. Redig is a Veterinary Clinical President’s Joni Scheftel Veterinary Sciences professor and cofounder of The Award: Lisa Clinical Sciences Raptor Center. Berg Carl Osborne department. Berg is a longtime staff member in the College’s Veterinary Medical Library.

Greg Anderson Yinduo Ji Roberto Novo Elizabeth Pluhar Jane Quandt Paul Rapnicki Srinand Sreevatsan Arno Wuenschmann

Eight faculty members promoted R.K. Anderson receives romotions for eight College faculty Elizabeth Pluhar, Veterinary Clinical lifetime achievement award members were approved by the Sciences—promoted to associate R.K. Anderson, professor emeritus, PUniversity of Minnesota Board of professor and granted indefinite tenure received the APDT Lifetime Regents in May: Achievement Award from the Jane Quandt, Veterinary Clinical Association of Pet Dog Trainers Greg Anderson, Veterinary Clinical Sciences—promoted to associate clinical (APDT) at the organization’s Sciences—promoted to associate clinical professor educational conference and trade professor show in Louisville, Kentucky, in Paul Rapnicki, Veterinary Population October. A retired professor with the Yinduo Ji, Veterinary and Biomedical Medicine—promoted to full clinical College of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences—promoted to associate professor School of Public Health, Dr. professor and granted indefinite tenure Anderson is the director of the Srinand Sreevatsan, Veterinary University of Minnesota Center to Roberto Novo, Veterinary Clinical Population Medicine—granted indefinite Study Human-Animal Relationships Sciences—promoted to associate clinical tenure at the rank of associate professor and the co-inventor of the Gentle professor Arno Wuenschmann, Veterinary Leader headcollar and Easy Walk Population Medicine—promoted to harness for dogs. associate professor 20 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS College well- represented at AVMA convention The College was well-represented at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) convention in New Orleans in July. Trevor Ames, dean, and Sharon Staton, advancement director, hosted an alumni reception at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and 12 faculty and staff made presentations during the conference. Peggy Root, associate professor and vice chair, Veterinary Clinical Sciences department, was appointed to the AVMA Council on Education, the accrediting body for the AVMA. Margaret Duxbury, assistant clinical professor, was elected to the board of regents of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists at the group’s annual meeting, which was held in New Orleans in conjunction with the AVMA meeting. Jan Swanson, director of continuing education, attended the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals meeting, where she was re- elected to the executive board. Dean Trevor Ames attended the annual summer meeting of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Al Beitz named interim chair of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Al Beitz was named interim chair of the Veterinary and Biomedical Lights, camera, action! Sciences department in August. Beitz earned his Ph.D. Jody Lulich to be featured in commercials at the University for United Negro College Fund of Minnesota and A production crew was at the College in September to shoot commercials for conducted post- the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)—featuring the CVM’s own Jody Lulich, doctoral research Al Beitz professor, Veterinary Clinical Sciences. The ad will be shown at the UNCF’s at Harvard annual “An Evening of Stars” event, which will be televised January 24 and 25. Medical School. His laboratory has several lines of ongoing research, A graduate of Tuskegee University, a UNCF-supported university, Lulich was one including a project focused on identifying of only two representatives selected from hundreds of alumni of UNCF- factors secreted by tumors that cause supported colleges and universities for their dedication and extraordinary cancer pain in animals and humans. accomplishments.

21 STUDENT NEWS

An eye-opening summer

Olutokumbo “Toks” Adebusuyi

eterinary student Olutokumbo “I did have to look Minnesota up on the Health and Food Safety (CAHFS). Along “Toks” Adebusuyi never dreamed map,” Adebusuyi says. “I didn’t realize it with doing the actual research, Adebusuyi Vthat his summer studies in was on the border with Canada.” Even learned how to prepare a scientific Minnesota would lead him to become though closer to the Arctic Circle than he presentation and shared his findings with part of a food-safety detective team that had anticipated, Adebusuyi says he has the other summer scholars. would receive national acclaim for appreciated the opportunity to learn more solving one of the biggest mysteries in about public health veterinary medicine. While working with the CAHFS, years. And that was only a bonus “It transformed my understanding of Adebusuyi received a learning bonus: the experience. public health,” he says. opportunity to work on emerging food safety issues after raw tomatoes were A 2008 animal science graduate of Adebusuyi’s main project was developing implicated in an early-summer Florida A&M University (FAMU), a database on the capabilities of salmonella outbreak that spread rapidly Adebusuyi was encouraged by FAMU veterinary diagnostic labs in the Upper across the country. He was part of the faculty member Ray Mobley to apply to Midwest to deal with an avian influenza food-safety detective team that scoured the University of Minnesota College of outbreak. The information he gathered stacks of data to try to identify the source Veterinary Medicine’s Summer Scholars through Internet research, phone calls, of contamination. The team made program, a 10-week program for and site visits will be part of a Web site national news in July when it discovered veterinary students interested in being developed by the Center for Animal that contaminated peppers likely played a exploring research. key role in the outbreak.

22 STUDENT NEWS

Adebusuyi also participated in rotations underserved populations, and also would guarantee admission for qualifying with the senior veterinary class, which promote diversity in our workforce,” undergraduates if they keep their grades included several food inspections and a Ames notes. “We are thankful for up. It also would provide mentoring to behind-the-scenes tour of the Minnesota companies like Pfizer and delighted to be encourage success. Zoo, as well as visits to a meat processing leading such a promising program.” plant and a live-bird market. “There’s been a lot of national discussion Meanwhile, the CVM is exploring the on the need for diversity in the “It’s interesting to see how working with development of an early decision profession, yet many schools are stumped animals can relate to society and the program with Adebusuyi’s alma mater, a on how to address the gap,” says Laura economy,” he says. “It definitely opened historically black college, as a way to Molgaard, associate dean for academic my eyes.” help diversify veterinary medicine. Based affairs. “We believe that an early decision on the CVM’s highly successful VetFAST program is one creative way to address Adebusuyi says the summer-long program, an early decision program this.” experience helped him solidify his MARY HOFF interest in public health veterinary medicine as a career. He’s planning to Ian Rubinoff receives apply to collaborative programs offered Aric Frantz receives top by the College of Veterinary Medicine honors from Morris student leadership award (CVM) and the School of Public Health, Animal Foundation Ian Rubinoff, class of 2009, was and hopes to eventually become a food As part of last year’s Summer one of 42 University of Minnesota inspector. Scholars program, D.V.M./Ph.D. students honored by President student Aric Frantz was supported Robert Bruininks at the President’s Now in its seventh year, the Summer by the Morris Animal Foundation Student Leadership and Service Scholars program offers first- and (MAF), participated in MAF’s Awards Banquet in May. Rubinoff second-year veterinary students a Veterinary Student Scholars was recognized for his leadership to structured experience over the summer to Program, and presented a poster the Student Chapter of the learn about research opportunities in about his research at MAF’s annual American Veterinary Medical veterinary medicine. With partnership meeting in June. Association during the 2007-08 funding from corporations, this academic year. Students are opportunity is available to CVM students, The poster competition was judged nominated by faculty, staff, and as well as veterinary students from by members of MAF’s scientific peers, and recipients are selected outside the College. The strength of this advisory boards, and Frantz won the by a University-wide committee. program lies in the research expertise of $5,000 Ballard Award for the CVM faculty and the opportunities Companion Animals. His research Steve Tousignant named available for students in their examined the use of stem cell vice president of VBMA laboratories. This is enhanced by therapy to repair a dog’s heart after SSSttteeevvve TTe ousignant,ousignant,ousignant, class of 2011, collaborative endeavors with the other a heart attack. Frantz’s mentor for has been selected as the 2009 vice University of Minnesota colleges in the this project was Tim O’Brien, a president of the Veterinary Business Academic Health Center (Medicine, professor in the Veterinary Management Association (VBMA). Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, and Population Medicine department. The VBMA is a student-driven Nursing) as well as through close ties to organization dedicated to the College of Food, Agricultural and “Participation in this research has advancing the profession by Natural Resource Sciences. significantly altered my career increasing business knowledge, plans,” Frantz says. “I had several creating networking opportunities, Opportunities like Summer Scholars are years of previous research and empowering students to developed with funding from companies experience but had not planned to achieve their personal and like Pfizer Animal Health, creating a pursue a graduate degree. This professional goals. The largest win-win-win situation for students like opportunity allowed me to combine independent veterinary student Adebusuyi, businesses, and the CVM, newfound knowledge in veterinary organization in the world, the VBMA says Trevor Ames, dean. medicine with a translational has 28 chapters at veterinary research project that had schools across the country, three “This is a great example of how public- significant implications for the international chapters, and more private partnerships with a corporation practice of medicine. It re-ignited than 2,600 student members. like Pfizer can provide academic my passion for research.” opportunities for individuals from

23 PHILANTHROPY Support the College with a gift to the Tribute Fund elebrate, honor, or memorialize animal owners, veterinarians, family members, friends, associates, Cvolunteers, or that special someone—on any occasion. By making a gift through the Tribute Fund, you can reach out to someone special during times of joy or sorrow and let them know they are not forgotten. A tribute gift can commemorate or acknowledge:

• Birthdays • Graduations • Weddings and anniversaries • Promotions and special accomplishments • Recoveries from an illness or accident

Each tribute gift is acknowledged by a distinctive card sent to the person or family in whose name your gift is made. (The card will not mention the amount of your gift.) As the contributor, you will receive a separate acknowledgement and a receipt for your records.

Your tribute gift will help companion animals by:

• Finding solutions for diseases and other causes of animal suffering • Upgrading patient facilities and equipment used to diagnose and treat patients at the Veterinary Medical Center • Assisting veterinary students in mastering their profession, ultimately advancing the health of companion animals well into the future

Other ongoing campaigns at the College include:

• Al and June Perlman Endowed Oncology Chair • Companion Animal Fund • Dr. Gary Duke Lecture Fund • Dr. Linda Wolf Animal Emergency Fund • Katherine B. Andersen Fund Matching Grant for The Raptor Center • Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum • Nestle Purina Memories Garden • Osborne-Hills Professsorship in Nephrology/Urology • Student scholarships and fellowships • University of Minnesota Equine Center Barenscheer Arena dedicated For more information about making a tax-deductible The Barenscheer Arena at the Leatherdale Equine Center was donation to the Tribute Fund or other campaign, contact officially dedicated as part of the College’s alumni reunion on Sharon Staton, director of advancement, at 612-624-1247 or [email protected]. Checks may be mailed directly to Sharon June 21, 2008. Stephanie Valberg, director of the Equine Staton, College of Veterinary Medicine Advancement Office, Center, John McKany, a representative of the Barenscheer 460 Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, Saint Foundation, and Dean Trevor Ames, above, spoke about the Paul, MN 55108. value of having a riding arena of this quality for the Equine Center’s mission of advancing the health, well-being, and Credit card contributions can be made online 24 hours a day performance of the horse and its goal of having a facility where through the University of Minnesota Foundation at the horse community can gather to attend events promoting the www.giving.umn.edu. care, handling, and riding of horses.

24 ALUMNI NEWS Alumna finds her niche as wildlife veterinarian s a wildlife and fisheries major at eat meat from a grouse the University of North Dakota, with worms? She could AErika Butler was fascinated by the make an entire album out diseases that affect animals in the wild. of the photos people have Now, as wildlife veterinarian with the sent her—many of which Minnesota Department of Natural are not ones you’d likely Resources (DNR), she’s immersed in bring to the dinner table. them. Bovine tuberculosis, Newcastle disease, parasites, avian influenza—you The rest—and the best— name it, she deals with it. of her time, Butler spends in the field. Much of that, And she couldn’t be happier. she says, involves Being outdoors, working with wild “collecting usually dead animals, snowmobiling in winter, and air things.” But she also gets boating in summer… “Stuff people would to participate in activities normally pay to do in their free time, I like radio-collaring game get to do and get paid for it,” she says. and chasing down wild ducks to test them for Butler first decided she wanted to be a disease. One big project veterinarian in about second grade. That she’s working on right interest was temporarily eclipsed by a now is trying to figure out focus on wildlife biology, fueled by walks why Minnesota’s moose in the woods with her dad. Then a are dying off. Another is professor who noticed her affinity for helping to reduce the risk animal ailments suggested she combine to humans of eating the two. venison from deer killed with lead ammunition. Butler applied and was accepted to the She’s also dealing with College of Veterinary Medicine’s D.V.M. outbreaks of virulent program. The program’s interdisciplinary Newcastle disease and track, she says, gave her the flexibility bovine tuberculosis, and she needed to learn materials most will soon be starting work relevant to wildlife medicine. Externships focused on rehabilitating in Alaska and Georgia helped round out lynx that get caught in her experience. After graduating in 2006, bobcat traps. she worked for North Dakota as a wildlife veterinarian before being offered the Currently, Butler says, parallel position in Minnesota last spring. most states do not have a full-time wildlife Though wildlife veterinary medicine may veterinarian. With not be for everyone, it’s perfect for Butler, increasing concern about who would much rather necropsy a the role of wild animals in decomposed moose than neuter a cat. She spreading diseases such as says she enjoys the mystery of figuring avian influenza and out why an animal died. “I have a really chronic wasting disease, bad nose,” she adds. “I think that helps she says that’s changing. me a lot.” “There are definitely a lot Part of Butler’s work is at her desk, of opportunities, and it’s solving puzzles posed by the public, DNR only going to be staff, and staff from other agencies. What increasing,” she says. Wildlife veterinarian Erika Butler holds a male northern pintail duck at are the lumps under this deer’s skin? Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. Photo by Sarah Neigum, North Dakota Game and Fish Department Where have all the squirrels gone? Can I MARY HOFF

25 ALUMNI NEWS In memory Continuing education JoAnne Schmidt O’Brien, one of the first women to earn her D.V.M. opportunities abound from the University The College has coordinated a variety of veterinary continuing education JoAnne Schmidt O’Brien, 79, opportunities in recent months, including one of the first two women to the International Symposium on receive her D.V.M. from the Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in University of Minnesota, died August, the Allen D. Leman Swine of congestive heart failure at Conference in September, and the her home in Washington, Companion Animal Fall Symposium, D.C., on April 21, 2008. Equine Fall Conference, and Care and “It was in the summer of 1947 Management of Captive Raptors in that she and I were rejected October. The Mather Lecture Series, from admission to the year-old which began in October, continues College of Veterinary through May, with these 7 p.m. lectures Medicine,” recalls Bee Wolf scheduled in 2009: Hanlon, the other female • March 5: Accurate Sample/Biopsy graduate. “She and her Collection Techniques to Maximize employer were University Results, presented by Drs. Brian alumni and went to work Husbands, Jody Lulich, and Sheila Torres contacting other prominent alumni, the president of the U, • April 2: Oncology, presented by the Board of Regents, and Dr. Antonella Borgatti Jeffreys other influential people. The rejection was overturned, two Dr. JoAnne Schmidt O’Brien at home with two of her prized chow chow puppies in 1994. Photo courtesy of • May 7: Radiology Film Interpretation chairs were added to the class Dr. Bee Hanlon Session: Watch the Experts at Work, of 48 male applicants, and presented by Drs. Kari Anderson and thereafter the school remained open to women.” Laura Ziegler After receiving her veterinary degree in 1952, O’Brien worked with small animals For more information about the Mather in the Chicago area. She then married a career Marine officer and lived in Hawaii, Lecture Series and other continuing California, and Washington, D.C. She began practicing veterinary medicine at the education opportunities at the College, W.P. Collins Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1960s. In 1969, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach. she acquired the practice, now called Collins Hospital for Animals. She also served on the Board of Veterinary Medicine for the District of Columbia and the admissions committee for the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Holly Neaton reappointed Virginia Tech, where she was involved with the creation and funding of a laboratory to Board of Animal Health for companion animal reproduction and endocrinology studies. Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the reappointment of Dr. Holly Neaton, a O’Brien retired in 1987, but continued her lifetime involvement with chow chows, College alumna, to the Board of Animal showing her champion dogs across the country and serving as president of the Chow Health in February. Chow Club and president and treasurer of the National Capital Kennel Club in Washington, D.C. In addition to traveling with her dogs to shows, she visited Kenya, The Board of Animal Health consists of Russia, China, and other countries. five members appointed by the governor. Susan Ann Clarey, beloved house-call veterinarian It oversees numerous voluntary and mandatory programs that focus on CVM alumna Susan Ann Clarey, D.V.M., died at her home in Minneapolis, controlling and eradicating animal Minnesota, on July 7, 2008. After earning her D.V.M. from the College in 1981, diseases in Minnesota. Neaton was Clarey founded and owned her own business, Home Veterinary Services, through reappointed as a veterinarian member to which she spent more than 25 years examining and treating pets in their own homes. the board for a four-year term that expires Walt Mackey, a founding father of the College in 2012. She has been the attending veterinarian for the Beckman Coulter Walter J. Mackey, one of the College’s founding fathers and the curator of the Immunodiagnostics Animal Facility in Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum, died on Oct. 19, 2008, at age 84. See story Maple Plain, Minnesota, since 1997. on page 12.

26 CONTACT US

Alumni reunion honors Advancement 612-624-1247 class of 1958 E-mail: [email protected]

Student Affairs and Admissions 612-624-4747 www.cvm.umn.edu/admissions

The Raptor Center 612-624-4745 www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu

Veterinary Continuing Education 612-624-3434 www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach Members of the Class of 1958, from left, are Oscar Hildebrandt, Jr., Burton Anderson, Darrel Joel, Maurice Hanify, Kern Schwartz, Ann Holt, Don Hastings, Leroy Olson, John Raforth, Roderick Stenzel, and Clayton Torbert. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Photo by Sue Kirchoff 612-625-8787 • 800-605-8787 Fax 612-624-8707 he College hosted its annual alumni reunion at the www.vdl.umn.edu [email protected] Leatherdale Equine Center on June 21. Honoring the Tclass of 1958, the event featured tours of The Raptor Center, Veterinary Medical Center, Pomeroy Student-Alumni Veterinary Medical Center Learning Center, Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum, and • Comprehensive, innovative medical services Leatherdale Equine Center; the dedication of the Equine • Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Center’s Barenscheer Arena; a dental marketing lecture by Gary • Fully staffed ER and intensive care unit Goldstein; speeches by Dean Trevor Ames, veterinary student Emergency 612-625-9711 Nina Kieves, members of the Alumni and Friends Society, and Small Animal 612-626-VETS (8387) members of the class of 1958; class photos with a 1958 Impala; Large Animal 612-625-6700 a barbecue; live music; and more. www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc

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Mark your calendar– College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day March 25, 2009 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Building and Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites all interested individuals to attend the annual Points of Pride Research Day event, which celebrates collegiate research programs. This event honors those who spend so much of their time performing research that improves the health of animals and humans. The event also recognizes the partners who make much of this research possible.

The day begins with a poster competition and culminates with seminars by the recipients of the Distinguished Research Alumnus Award and Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence. A reception follows, during which attendees can view posters describing current research initiatives and interact with students, staff, and faculty.

Everyone is welcome to attend.