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VirginiaVirginia Winter-Spring 2001 marylandmaryland - Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

AVMA Accredits VMRCVM for Maximum Seven Years The college has been awarded “full” accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for the maximum seven-year term. “This positive outcome is a tribute to all the hard work of a First-year student Jon Collins cradles a newborn lamb in his arms while two young fair-goers large number of on all deliver an affectionate pet. For the fourth year in a row, the VMRCVM presented a live birthing three of our campus locations in exhibit at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond. both Virginia and Maryland over the past 20 years,” said VMRCVM Dean Peter Eyre. The college’s successful re- Moves to accreditation follows a compre- hensive, 18-month process that Limit FMD Risks culminated in an October 2000 Virginia Tech has announced that university’s veterinary, agricultural and visit by an AVMA Council on it is limiting access to university wildlife facilities on the Blacksburg Education accreditation team. herds and flocks in an effort to help campus as well as on all university The AVMA-COE final report U.S. officials keep the Foot and operated facilities around the state for a did note delays in the construction Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemic now period of five days following their arrival Please see Accreditation: page 19 raging in the United Kingdom from in the . surfacing in the United States and Additionally, all university faculty, infecting U.S. livestock. staff and students travelling abroad will Visitors from countries where be barred from entering any farm or FMD is active will be banned from the Please see FMD Risks: page 19

Schurig Named Associate Dean Research and Graduate Studies Inside A senior and former director of the Center for Molecular Medicine and Infec- National Norden Winner ....7 tious Diseases (CMMID) in the college has been appointed associate dean for research and graduate studies. Alumni News...... 12 Dr. Gerhardt Schurig, a veterinary immu- nologist in the Department of Biomedical Development...... 14 Sciences and Pathobiology (DBSP), assumed the post February 1. Schurig, who joined the faculty in 1978, is internationally renowned for his work Leesburg-Maryland News..16 Please see Schurig: page 13 virginia-maryland 1 Virginia Maryland is published periodi- cally by the Virginia-Maryland Regional Dean’s Desk College of Veterinary Medicine. We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please address all correspondence to: Virginia-Maryland VMRCVM Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

EDITORIAL ADVISORY Foot and Mouth: BOARD The Human Side of an Animal Disease Dean Peter Eyre Peter Eyre, B.V.M.S., Ph.D., M.R.C.V.S. Dean Great Britain’s epic struggle with a furious outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has been well-chronicled by the global news Gerhardt Schurig, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D. Associate Dean for media. Televised reports of dead livestock being bulldozed into mass Research and Graduate Studies burial pits and newspaper accounts detailing the financial ruin of British farm families have presented a grim reminder of the human consequences Turnwald, B.V.Sc., M.S. of animal disease. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Responding to the threat posed by the British epidemic, the USDA has enacted import and tourism restrictions, dispatched U.S. experts to assist William D. Hueston, D.V.M., Ph.D. their European colleagues, and elevated monitoring efforts at our borders Associate Dean - Maryland and ports. At presstime, those emergency measures seem to be doing the Campus job. While we remain vigilant, we also remain FMD disease-free since Donald Barber, D.V.M., M.S. 1929. A look at the virus and its consequences suggests the urgency of Head, Department of Small Animal keeping it out. Clinical Sciences FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that infects domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, swine, deer, and others. Craig Thatcher, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D. Head, Department of Large Animal It is generally not fatal to animals and it does not present a health risk for Clinical Sciences people. But FMD is a painful, disabling and highly contagious illness that causes its victims to develop blisters on their feet and in their mouths that Lud Eng, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. eventually rupture into painful, raw sores. FMD victims go lame and Head, Department of cannot eat. Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology The core of the threat posed by FMD is its extremely contagious G. Frederick Fregin, V.M.D. nature. In the proper environment, FMD virus particles can survive outside Director, Marion duPont Scott of a cellular host for weeks…hitching a ride on a tractor or a shoe and Equine Medical Center infecting an animal a thousand miles away. As a result, the best approach A. Martin, D.V.M. for disease containment is to establish virus-free perimeters and destroy Medical Director, Veterinary the infected victims within. Tragic as it is, approximately two million Teaching Hospital animals have now been slaughtered or condemned for slaughter in Britain and Europe as part of the containment efforts. Jeffrey S. Douglas, MS, APR We can only imagine how an FMD epidemic would affect Virginia, Managing Editor home of 1.6 million beef cattle, 120,000 dairy cattle, 61,000 sheep and Terry Lawrence 370,000 hogs. Clearly, it would create a multi-billion economic Art Director catastrophe. Should the virus penetrate the state’s estimated million Melissa Samuel animal deer herd, it could become endemic, wafting back and forth Editorial Assistant between domestic and wild animal populations for the foreseeable future. Angela Brogan Which is precisely why Agricultural Commissioner J. Carlton Courter Administrative Assistant and State Veterinarian Bill Sims have wisely convened meetings to discuss Frank Pearsall and Ann Nadjar Contributing Editors how state officials and agricultural producers might respond if the FMD Jerry Baber, Don Massie virus makes its way into Virginia through international trade and transpor- Photography tation systems. Here at Virginia Tech, we have taken decisive steps to minimize the Virginia Tech does not discriminate risks of importing the disease which are part of the university’s many against employees, students, or international programs and activities. applicants on the basis of race, color, We have no way of knowing what the future holds. But while doing sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, the best we can, we should take heart in the fact that the exacting veteran status, national origin, religion, biosecurity measures that have been so successful in keeping us FMD free or political affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination for the past 72 years have now been very substantially magnified. should contact the Equal Opportunities/ Affirmative Action Office. virginia-maryland 2 virginia maryland news briefs

virus, ulcers and equine nutrition were a few of the topics covered Veterinarians Among during the series, which was Most Trusted, Gallup presented in six different geographical regions of the state. Says Veterinarians may not make the highest salaries in the medical and helping professions, but they certainly rank high in the trust department, according to a recent Gallup poll. Ehrich Tapped to Robertson elected Veterinarians ranked 3rd, Lead Society of lagging only nurses and pharma- President of Society cists, out of 10 professions and Toxicology of Toxicologic occupations considered most honest by the American people. Dr. Marion Ehrich, a Pathology professor in the Department of Veterinarians were termed Lee Returns to more honest than medical Biomedical Sciences and Dr. John Robertson, Pathobiology, has been elected Teaching, Research doctors, teachers, clergy, judges, professor, Department of police and dentists, according to to the office of Vice-President Biomedical Sciences and Dr. John C. Lee, former Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics Poll. Elect in the Society of Toxicol- Pathobiology, has been elected associate dean for research and ogy (SOT), a scientific President-elect of the 1100- graduate studies, has assumed organization of over 5000 member Society of Toxicologic teaching and research responsi- New Anesthesiologist members in 44 countries. Pathology. bilities in the Department of She will serve one year as The STP is a non-profit Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Yong-Hoon Lee has Vice-President Elect, then a association of pathologists Pathobiology. joined the college as an assistant year as Vice-President, then whose principal aim is the During a recent ceremony professor in the Department of President, and then Immediate advancement of pathology as it honoring Lee, VMRCVM Dean Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Past President. pertains to changes elicited by Peter Eyre praised Lee as a An anesthesiologist, Dr. Lee Ehrich, who co-directs the pharmacological, chemical and leader who played a historic role earned his DVM at the Seoul college’s Labororatory for environmental agents and in the development of University in Seoul, Korea. Neurotoxicity Studies, has held factors that modify these college’s research and graduate Prior to joining the college, prior leadership posts in the responses. programs. Lee worked in several Korean Society for Toxicology and the Robertson’s election puts Lee, who led the office for equine veterinary practices and Board of Toxicology. him on a three-year manage- more than ten years, transformed completed a Ph.D. at the Royal “As anyone who has ever ment tenure with the organiza- a fledgling graduate program into Veterinary College, University of held leadership roles in a tion which concludes in 2004. professional society knows, a major educational center that London. He also completed a these organizations do not run now enrolls almost 100 students. residency at the University of themselves,” said Dr. Lud Eng, . head, Department of Biomedi- cal Sciences and Pathobiology. “However, Marion has previously served in other leadership capacities and is well prepared for the challenges ahead.” Equine University Presented Sponenberg An innovative equine education program for horse- Named Director owners, breeders, riders and enthusiasts was presented at of Student Affairs six locations across the state Dr. D. Phillip Sponenberg, this Spring. professor, Department of Sponsored by the Virginia Biomedical Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service, Pathobiology, has been named National Research Council Fellow Brandy Cowing works in a laboratory the VMRCVM, the College of director of student affairs in the of the William E. Lavery Animal Health Research Center on the Agricultural and Life Sciences, Office of Academic Affairs. college’s Blacksburg Campus. Working with veterinary nutritionist Dr. the Equine Medical Center, the As director of student affairs, Korinn Saker in the college’s Nutritional Immunology Laboratory and Virginia Horse Council and the he will chair the college’s funded by the Ford Foundation, Cowing is investigating the molecular Virginia Horse Industry Board, Scholarships and Awards mechanisms of nutrient metabolism in the progression of mammary the “Equine Science University” Committee, chair the college’s cancer in humans and companion animals like cats and dogs. By featured presentations on a Diversity Committee and work elucidating certain pathways in cancer cells that drive their growth and variety of topics designed to closely with the Student Chapter then studying how specific nutrients can influence those pathways to educate horse enthusiasts of the American Veterinary prevent or stop that growth, Cowing and colleagues hope to discover about new equine health and Medical Association (SCAVMA), new methods for the nutritional management of cancer. Data management issues. class officers, and student clubs generated from this research may lead to new progress in treating Presentations on and organizations on a variety of cancer in both people and animals. lameness, mare care, West Nile non-curricular matters. virginia-maryland 3 1st Annual Virginia Tech Farm and Family Extension Advisory Committed Created Showcase Scheduled An “Advisory Committee for Wallace Palmer on equine Planning is underway for the Other featured events Veterinary Extension” designed to veterinary extension; Dr. Marie first annual Virginia Tech Farm include sheep dog trials, a corn foster improved communication Suthers-McCabe on the human- and Family Showcase which will maze, hand milking of dairy and program effectiveness has animal bond and companion be presented September 5-6 at cows, horse-drawn farm been created in the Virginia- animal extension; Dr. Whittier on Kentland Farm. equipment demonstrations, Maryland Regional College of beef cattle and cow/calf extension; Sponsored by Virginia feeding the pleasure horse, Veterinary Medicine. Dr. John Currin on beef cattle and Tech’s Colleges of Agriculture packing for a trail ride, sheep and The committee creates a stocker/grower extension; Dr. and Life Sciences, Natural cattle birthing, fun with foods, formal mechanism for information Calvert Larsen on poultry Resources, Human Resources grandma’s yellow pie plate, e- exchange between the clientele of extension; and Dr. Kevin Pelzer and Education, and the Virginia- commerce, sawmilling, wood the veterinary project of Virginia on small ruminant and swine Maryland Regional College of magic, Master Gardeners Cooperative Extension and the extension. Veterinary Medicine, the Program, apple trees for home veterinary extension faculty in the The group also conducted showcase will feature programs use, soil testing, agricultural VMRCVM. discussions on the present status designed to appeal to families, education for fourth graders, Fourteen leaders represent- and future directions of various homeowners, landowners, as silent auction, and alumni ing different agricultural and programs within the overall well as to those with natural activities. companion animal organizations veterinary extension project. resources, environmental, and A “Family Night” which and producer groups have agreed VMRCVM Extension agricultural interests. includes a barbecue meal and to serve on the committee, Advisory Committee members Displays, tours, seminars, will be pre- according to Dr. W. Dee Whittier, include Mathew Miller, animal demonstrations, and panel sented on September 5th from Director and Project Leader- science extension agent, Hillsville, discussions will explore a broad four until eight p.m. Veterinary Extension in the VA; Dr. Bill McKinnon, Department range of topics, including lawn, Kentland Farm, located VMRCVM. of Animal Science, Virginia Tech; garden, landscaping, home along New River, is Virginia “We’re very grateful these Sue Puffenbarger, dairy science care, wildlife and forestry, Tech’s newest and largest folks have agreed to work with us extension agent, Rocky Mount, human health and nutrition, agricultural research and in this capacity,” said Whittier. VA; and Dr. Bennett Cassell, family life, livestock, poultry, teaching unit. For more “Our goal is to increase the Department of Dairy Science, horses, agronomic field crops, information, contact College responsiveness of veterinary Virginia Tech. forages, nutrient management, Farm Coordinator Dwight extension to the changing needs Also, Allen Sisson, dairyman, biotechnology, riparian corridors, Paulette at [email protected] or of animal owners in Virginia.” Shawsville, VA; Buster Hounshell, water quality, and many others. call 731-1289. Members of the committee food animal producer, Wytheville, will help evaluate extension VA; Dr. Tom Vandyke, food animal programs, suggest areas of veterinarian, , VA; Dr. needed emphasis and keep John Wise, equine veterinarian, extension faculty apprised of Staunton, VA; Bob Reel, director, major issues that are affecting the Virginia Horse Center, , various areas of agricultural and VA; and Dr. Lauren Keating, companion animal husbandry in human-animal bond veterinarian, Virginia. The advisory committee Natural Bridge Station, VA. will meet annually in Blacksburg. Also, Dr. Bill Sims, State During their inaugural Veterinarian, Virginia Department meeting in 2001, the committee of Agriculture & Consumer heard remarks concerning its Services, Richmond, VA; Dr. founding from Dr. Peter Eyre, Elizabeth Krushinskie, poultry dean of the VMRCVM; Dr. Bob veterinarian, Broadway, VA; Dr. Martin, director of Veterinary Audrey McElroy, poultry extension Teaching Hospital; and Whittier. specialist, Virginia Tech; and Mrs. The group also heard Lee Fitzgerald, small animal presentations from Dr. Ernest industry, Fincastle, VA. Hovingh on dairy veterinary Karen Whitt (second from right), a veterinary diet technician in the extension; Drs. Jim Bowen and VMRCVM partially funded by a grant from Ralston Purina, is pictured with colleagues at State University during a training program in which she studied dietary calculations, critical care nutrition, organiza- DNA Sequencing Facility Moves to tional of a diet kitchen, and nutrition consultations. Ralston Purina recently provided partial funding for the position in the college as part Virginia Bioinformatics Institute of their efforts to help university veterinary hospitals provide optimal nutrition recommendations for dogs and cats. The Virginia Tech DNA sciences across the university, Sequencing Facility, which was according to Dr. Stephen Boyle, a founded in 1998 and operated in professor in the Department of New Technology Platform Enhances the VMRCVM, has been Biomedical Sciences and integrated with the Virginia Pathobiology who supervised the Infectious Disease Course Bioinformatics Institute’s development of the facility. An innovative distance 14 Blacksburg and College Park Functional Genomics Core The facility will be enhanced learning course on “Emerging based faculty members who worked Laboratory and is now housed in to meet the more rigorous Infectious Diseases” that links with the Institute for Distance and the Fralin Biotechnology Center. demands of the Virginia students and faculty on the Distributed Learning on the devel- Originally funded by a Bioinformatics Institute and other Blacksburg and College Park opment of a 15- lecture internet university ASPIRES grant, users across the university, campuses, as well as based course. contributions from the VMRCVM according to Boyle. Salisbury, Maryland, is being The course technology was and the Fralin Biotechnology Lee Weigt, who has directed taught in Spring 2001. ideal for delivering information on Center, the laboratory was initially the lab since it was established, Veterinary Virologist Dr. infectious diseases because of its staffed and equipped to provide has also transferred to the Thomas Toth, professor, Depart- timeliness and flexibility, according reliable and prompt DNA Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. ment of Biomedical Sciences to Toth. sequencing services for a variety and Pathobiology, led a team of of investigators in the life virginia-maryland 4 Eyre Leads Virginia Tech’s Provost Search Committee

Dr. Peter Eyre, dean of the VMRCVM, chaired the 21-member search committee tasked with recruiting a new provost for Virginia Tech. Following eight months of work, the committee recommended three candidates to President Charles Steger in early . A new provost has not been named at press-time. The committee, which included representation from a broad range of university constituencies, evaluated applications from over 50 qualified applicants and nominees and conducted seven off- campus and three-on campus interviews. “This was a time-consuming and demanding job, and I deeply appreciate the immense contribu- tions of the search committee,” said Eyre, who was asked by President Steger to lead the effort in Dr. Craig Reed, administrator of the USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Summer 2000. “I also appreciate the outstanding Service recently spent a day on campus meeting with faculty and students. Reed administrative support provided by Carole Nickerson presented a lecture on Foot and Mouth Disease during his visit. Here, Reed chats for this effort.” with first-year student John Dyer in a classroom following his lecture.

Booker’s Legacy

Every single one of the happiest people I know has a story to tell about a once-in-a-lifetime dog. My once-in-a-lifetime dog was Booker. Booker was a ninety- golden retriever with wise, old eyes and a snow-white muzzle. He was my devoted service dog and faithful friend for ten years. In 1988, Booker was named Delta Society’s “National Service Dog of the Year.” After a distinguished career, he received another Service Dog of the Year Award in 1997 from Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Fraternity at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, it was awarded posthumously just two weeks after he died. Today, his portrait hangs in the hospital lobby of the Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Several guests from the St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation joined college officials during a A yearly award is given in his name ceremony commemorating the gift of the painting to to honor other ex- traordinary the college. Foreground, Carol Willoughby and service dogs, guide dogs, hearing service dog Blake. Rear, from left; WSLS-TV News dogs, search and rescue dogs, Director and Anchor John Carlin, Artist Mark Young, Dean Eyre, Doug Willoughby, and Teresa Kelley, police dogs and the programs that executive director of the SFASDF. train them. It’s frustrating to drop a crutch, Portrait Of National Service a pen, a hairbrush, or a book, and Dog Of The Year Unveiled not be able to pick them up. It’s frightening to imag- ine falling with A formal oil portrait of a golden retriever no one around and no way to get the named Booker who helped inspire the founding of the Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation phone to call for help. Booker was recently dedicated in the lobby of the college’s gave me the gift of independence. Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After a decade spent battling severe Booker, who was named the Delta Society’s rheumatoid arthritis and undergoing numerous joint replacements, I was elated to “National Service Dog of the Year” in 1988, faithfully have a dog to serve as my arms and legs and to help me with physical tasks. Yet, served owner Carol Willoughby until he passed away from cancer in 1997. Booker’s wonderful he did so much more. He restored my self-confidence, helped me raise two sons, service led Willoughby to establish the Roanoke- motivated me to start a business and helped shape the attitudes of thousands of based foundation, which now trains service animals schoolchildren through Ability Awareness programs and service dog demonstra- to work with people facing a variety of challenges. tions. The backpack he wore proudly, decorated with badges and pins, spoke of The life-sized oil painting, which has been donated to the college by Carol and her husband cross-country travels and many friends and acquaintances made along the way. Doug, will replace another which hangs in an exhibit Before he died from cancer in 1997, he helped train his successor, Blake, and that memorializes Booker’s life and celebrates the inspired the founding of Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation in foundation’s work. Painted by noted artist Mark Roanoke, Virginia to provide service dogs for people with disabilities. Indeed, this Young, the painting was unveiled following remarks Foundation is Booker’s legacy. from VMRCVM Dean Peter Eyre, Mrs. Willoughby, and others. Carol Willoughby virginia-maryland 5 “Dry Rendering” Waste Processing Facility Under Construction Construction is underway on used in hundreds of rendering the development of a novel new facilities across the nation. waste processing facility that However, this would be the first eliminates the air pollution hazards time dry rendering has been used associated with incineration and to dispose of this type of waste by minimizes wastestream volume. a laboratory or university. Housed at the VMRCVM, the Most of the animal car- university facility will use an casses that must be disposed of innovative new “dry rendering” are cows, horses, sheep, and technology that has not been used pigs derived from the university’s FDA-CVM Director Dr. Stephen Sundlof (right) speaks with Associate anywhere else in the country. agricultural herds, as well as Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Gerhardt Schurig (left) During the dry rendering mortalities from the VMRCVM’s and Dr. Stephen Boyle (center), a professor in the Department of process, animal carcasses are Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, after discussing research placed in a specially designed Laboratory animals used in underway in the college. Sundlof was also briefed by Dr. Ansar Ahmed, chamber, agitated and heated by support of university research associate professor, DBSP, during his visit. high temperature, high-pressure programs which do not require steam. Dry rendering transforms special medical handling are also FDA-CVM Director Sundlof Visits the material into liquid and solid included. components that can be safely University generated The director of the Food & Drug Administration’s Center for disposed of in the sanitary sewer regulated medical wastes will not Veterinary Medicine said 80% of his organization’s efforts are system and in landfills. be included in the rendering designed to promote human health and well-being and praised its Microorganisms naturally system; they will continue to be long- relationship with the VMRCVM during remarks present in the animal carcasses disposed of through licensed presented in the Fralin Biotechnology Center on the campus of are destroyed by the extremely waste disposal contractors in Virginia Tech. high temperature steam and accordance with federal guidelines. Dr. Stephen Sundlof outlined major programmatic initiatives pressure, thereby “sterilizing “ the The 4,000 square foot underway in dealing with the antimicrobial resistance issue, material in much the same way a facility is expected to be on-line biotechnology, and Mad medical autoclave is used to purify by late 2001. Cow Disease (Bovine surgical instruments. “CVM has had a Spongiform Encephalopa- The process is termed “dry thy) as part of a day-long rendering” because no additional Dr. G. Daniel Boon, 55 very good relationship program in which the senior water beyond that which is leadership of the FDA made naturally present in the carcasses with Virginia Tech,” said presentations at Tech. Dr. George Daniel Boon, 55, is used during the process. By an associate professor in the Sundlof, referencing After providing an eliminating the 40-60% water that overview of the National Department of Biomedical Sciences most animals are comprised of, and Pathobiology (DBSP), students who train at the Antimicrobial Resistance the wastestream is reduced by Monitoring Program succumbed to cancer on . FDA-CVM through the approximately half. A nationally respected clinical (NARMS), Sundlof The dry rendering process is college’s Center for described the enormous pathologist and tireless of similar to that which is regularly his discipline, Dr. Boon held faculty Government and Corpo- challenge of developing “science-based” regulations appointments at State rate Veterinary Medi- on the rapidly developing Alum Named to Fed University, Purdue University, and of genetically modified the University of prior to cine. “We retain a lot of animals. Various firms Food Safety Post joining the Tech faculty in 1998. around the world are “Dr. Dan Boon was an these people. They have Dr. Sharon R. Thompson, ‘87, outstanding leader in veterinary presently working on about has been appointed Department become extremely 25 different genetically clinical pathology, a terrific of Health and Human Services colleague and a very fine human valuable to us.” modified aquatic species. liaison to the Joint Institute for Shifting to the BSE being,” said Dr. Lud Eng, head of Food Safety Research. the DBSP. “His death is a situation, Sundlof outlined The United States Depart- prohibitions regarding the the feeding of mammalian protein to cattle tremendous loss to the profession ment of Agriculture and DHHS and to those of us whose lives he and other measures designed to keep BSE out of America. He said created JIFSR to coordinate the BSE related regulations are costing about $58 million a year, touched, and we are many.” planning and priority setting for Boon’s love for animals led to which pales next to one estimate that suggested a BSE outbreak in food safety research among the the United States could cost $64 billion in losses during just the first year. his career in veterinary medicine. two Departments, other government He approached his profession with “CVM has had a very good relationship with Virginia Tech,” said agencies, and the private sector. Sundlof, commenting on the numerous veterinary college students such vigor and zeal that his In the new post, Thompson excellence was honored by Phi who have studied at the FDA-CVM through the college’s Center for will serve as a senior level Government and Corporate Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi and consultant to the Executive the C.L. Davis Foundation. Veterinary Medicine. “We Director of JIFSR, providing in- retain a lot of these people. Boon was a member and depth knowledge of Federal provided leadership for the They have become ex- research agencies, with particular tremely valuable to us.” American Society for Veterinary emphasis on the needs and Clinical Pathology, the American concerns of the participating HHS Veterinary Medical Association and agencies like the FDA, the other organizations. Centers for Disease Control and During funeral services held Dr. Will Eyestone (left) Prevention, the National Institutes on a beautiful afternoon in a quiet explains some of the work for Health and their stakeholders. country church, Dr. Boon was underway in the college's Prior to this new appointment, remembered as a man of integrity Center for Reproductive Dr. Thompson served as the Asso- and honor whose vision often Excellence Using Advanced ciate Director for Veterinary Medi- prompted colleagues and students Technology and Endocrinol- cal and International Affairs in the alike to approach him with the ogy to Sundlof during a tour. Office of the Director, FDA-CVM. question, “What do we do, Dan?” virginia-maryland 6 VMRCVM Faculty Member Earns National Teacher of the Year Award in Veterinary Medicine

A neurobiologist on faculty in the college has been named the nation’s best teacher in veterinary medicine. Dr. Bradley Klein, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, has been awarded the national Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award. Several thousand faculty mem- bers on staff at the 31 North American veterinary colleges annually compete for institutional Norden awards. Those winners are then evaluated by the Association of American Veteri- nary Medical College’s (AAVMC) National Norden Selection Committee Dr. Brad Klein deploys a variety of creative strategies to fully engage his students during their and a “veterinary educator who studies of neurobiology. For example, he brings in an electric guitar to help illustrate how the epitomizes what is good and excellent brain processes sound. in education is selected,” according to Eyre. “The fact that he has achieved ducted weekly votes among his students AAVMC documents. this national distinction while teaching to discern the “coolest fun-fact.” “I’m pretty excited,” said Klein, in such a challenging area speaks At the end of the semester, the who joined the college in 1988. “It’s volumes about his gifts as a teacher.” winning students were treated with a nice to know that the work I put into Klein’s strategy for teaching giant chocolate chip cookie created and teaching is excellence is to prepare, organize, decorated to look like a brain and spinal appreciated.” clarify and underscore the relevance of cord by signature Blacksburg donut shop Klein’s the field to everyday life. Carol Lee Donuts. distinction “It is very complex material so I Klein conducted a National Institutes as national Klein’s strategy for try and simplify it and break it down of Health sponsored post-doctoral teacher of into pieces that the students can take fellowship in neuroanatomy and neuro- teaching excel- the year is away and remember,” said Klein, who physiology at the Robert Wood Johnson lence is to prepare, unusual on earned his Ph.D from City University Medical School of the University of two fronts. of while conducting Medicine and Dentistry of organize, clarify First, he is and underscore the research at New York City’s presti- following his graduate work at CUNY. a biomedi- gious American Museum of Natural He is currently working with relevance of the cal scientist History. “I try and use everyday Entomology professor Jeff Bloomquist field to everyday with a Ph.D analogies to illustrate the concepts I on a U.S. Army funded project designed and not a life. am teaching.” to explore a possible relationship doctor of For example, he brought in an between pesticide exposure and the veterinary electric guitar to illustrate that there is development of Parkinson’s Disease-like medicine. an orderly relationship in frequencies symptoms. The produced by the instrument and an Funded with a grant from the nation’s top orderly relationship of frequencies that university’s Center for Innovation in teaching award usually goes to a can be processed by the inner ear’s Learning, he developed a computer-based faculty member who is a DVM. basilar membrane, the first section of the learning tool that featured digital repre- Second, Klein’s subject area, auditory system responsible for inter- sentations of a variety of nervous system neuroscience, is often viewed as preting sound. laboratory specimens. Prior to its notoriously complex and difficult by To further illustrate the relevance of development, veterinary students could veterinary students. neuroscience to everyday life, he only inspect the specimens in the lab. “This is the first time one of our assigned teams of students in his class to Klein has also headed up the faculty members has earned this harvest articles from the newspaper that Neurosciences option within the prestigious national award and we are dealt with neuroscience issues through- university’s emerging Biological Sci- understandably very proud of Dr. out the semester. Klein then posted the ences Initiative. Klein,” said VMRCVM Dean Peter articles on a class web-site and con- virginia-maryland 7 Veterinary College Professor Culminates 30-Year Tenure as Leader of International Ulcer Conference

Looking out over the podium at the physicians and researchers gathered in a hall at the Thermal Hotel Helia in Budapest, Hungary one evening last October, Virginia Tech Professor Dr. Carl J. Pfeiffer might have allowed himself a tiny nod of silent satisfaction. The scientists before him had assembled for a major combined international symposium on gastroenterological research: the 10th International Conference on Ulcer Research (ICUR) and the 5th Interna- tional Symposium on Cell Injury and Protection of the Gastrointestinal Tract: From Basic Sciences to Clinical Dr. Carl Pfeiffer (right), professor, Department of of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, has Perspectives. served as Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the International Conference on Ulcer For the next three days, these Research since it was founded 30 years ago. He is pictured with colleagues Chi Hin Cho (left) of the scientists, representing leading University of ’s Department of Pharmacology, and Susumu Okabe (center) of the Department of Applied Pharmacology at the Kyoto College of Pharmacy. Cho helped organized the universities from throughout Europe, international ulcer conference in Hong Kong in 1997 and Okabe organized it in Kyoto, Japan in 1994. the United States, Russia, the Middle East and Japan, would share insights troublesome health disorder. ibuprofen and aspirin are believed to and theories in venues ranging from During the congress’ opening play a role in the development of ulcer academic lecture halls to social cruises ceremonies, Pfeiffer detailed the disease, he said, as are factors like blood on the Danube River. history of and the type and heredity. But one of the most For Pfeiffer, Secretary-General progress that has been made over three illuminating breakthroughs occurred in of the ICUR Standing Committee, it of ulcer research. While the the late 1980’s when Australian re- erosive effects of gastric juices searchers established the connection have been observed by physi- between a bacterium called cians and scientists since the Helicobacter pylori and ulcers. “I think that I could say that 1700’s, he said, very significant This spiral-shaped bacteria found in this has been one of the biggest advancements have occurred the gut is believed to play a central role over the past 30 years. Im- in the development of ulcer disease and contributions of my career,” said proved understanding of the may be linked to stomach cancer, Pfeiffer, a professor in the College’s pathogenesis of ulcers, techno- according to Pfeiffer. Work is underway Department of Biomedical Sciences logical advancements such as the on the development of a vaccine that and Pathobiology who joined the development of fiberoptic may prevent the Helicobacter pylori endoscopes, and improved bacterium from causing ulcers. Tech faculty in 1982. Pfeiffer has medical and surgical techniques “I think that I could say that this has recently retired, but continues have all led to better recognition been one of the biggest contributions of research in his laboratory. and treatments for ulcer disease. my career,” said Pfeiffer, a professor in “Ulcers are considered a the college’s Department of Biomedical multi-factorial disease,” said Sciences and Pathobiology who joined Pfeiffer, a former recipient of the the Tech faculty in 1982. Pfeiffer has must have been a moment of American Cancer Society’s prestigious recently retired, but continues research immense satisfaction; 30 years Eleanor Roosevelt International Cancer in his laboratory. earlier, in 1970, he had convened the Fellowship. “Stress is one of the fac- Pfeiffer, who has collaborated very first such conference in tors,” he continued, acknowledging the frequently with Japanese researchers at Copenhagen, Denmark. Every three widespread misconception in the middle the Kyoto Univesity, Tokyo University, years since, in cities like Tokyo, of the century that stress causes ulcers. and Kobe University, was also involved Jerusalem, Berlin, Kyoto, Cologne “But there are a lot of humans under with scientific experiments on a NASA and others, the scientists have very intense stress that never have ulcer Space Shuttle in the mid 1990’s gathered again to share information disease.” designed to assess the effects of zero- and forge collaborations that have Drugs like steroids and non- gravity on embryonic development. helped diminish the effects of this steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like virginia-maryland 8 Cancer Center Under Development At The College

“We now appreciate just how “The major goal we face right now common cancer is in our pets,” said is the identification of new resources to Robertson, noting that studies indicate build this program,” said Robertson. about half of animals older than ten will While funding to support major initia- develop a tumor and have clinical tives in the short term remains unidenti- problems associated with it. “Looking fied, future goals include expanding at all diseases that affect dogs and cats, about 25% of all pets will die from cancer.” Because animals are living Making progress toward a cure for the many forms of cancer in both longer and with the introduc- Carcinoma cells humans and animals will be a focus of tion of improved diagnostic research and clinical activities. A procedures, veterinarians are significant number of researchers on the dealing with cancer in com- A new center, the Center for Virginia Tech campus already are Comparative Oncology (CeCO), investigating novel methods for the panion animals more fre- designed to promote cancer research detection of cancer using lasers, quently now than at any time and to develop expanded options for quantifying fundamental genetic in the past. veterinary clinical care, is currently changes in normal and neoplastic cells, - Dr. John Robertson being developed in the Virginia- studying effects of diet on the develop- Maryland Regional College of ment of breast cancer, and seeking an Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. understanding of how tumors grow new clinical facilities and recruiting a team “Science has made a lot of blood vessels, Robertson said. of clinical oncologists to accommodate headway in understanding the molecu- an expected increase in companion lar foundations of cancer, yet it animal cancer patients, Robertson said. remains our most vexing Eyre said that the formation of disease threat,” said the Center is a natural step for the VMRCVM Dean Peter College to take in light of Eyre. “We believe this Virginia Tech’s new goal of center will help us achieving Research 30 status leverage our existing by the year 2010 and its strengths in a way that emerging initiatives in the will accelerate our biomedical sciences. Those activities in this include partnering with the critical area of human and the and animal health.” Carilion Biomedical Institute The goal of the and the establishment of a Center is to organize major Bioinformatics Institute resources and in Blacksburg. It will also be establish alliances in a critical to establish formal way that will stimulate collaborations with the increased external Cancer Centers at the cancer research funding University of Virginia and the and foster improved care Medical College of Virginia, he for cancer patients in the said. Veterinary Teaching Hospital, “We know that it will take according to Eyre. five to 10 years for us to realize the Because animals are living longer full potential of the Center for and with the introduction of improved Several investigators at the College Comparative Oncology,” said diagnostic procedures, veterinarians have recently begun a study of malig- Robertson, who spent 13 years in are dealing with cancer in companion nant lymphoma in dogs, which may corporate pharmaceutical research prior animals more frequently now than at develop insights for the human form of to joining the faculty in 1989. “We need any time in the past, according to Dr. the disease, he said. Efforts are cur- to identify new financial resources to John Robertson, a professor in the rently underway to establish research fund the Center, and attract the people Department of Biomedical Sciences alliances within the College and who are dedicated to fighting this and Pathobiology, who is CeCO’s first University that will stimulate scientific horrendous disease. I’m very commit- director. dialogue and pool knowledge resources. ted to making this happen.” virginia-maryland 9 Virginia Tech Themed Dog Cart Donated To VMRCVM By Melissa Samuel, Public Relations Intern

When Coco Walden, a frisky five- year-old Jack Russell Terrier sustained massive head trauma after being hit by a car this past December, things looked pretty grave. Coco was the victim of an early morning hit and run, while walking Dr. Max Banwell, Coco and Coco’s owner Reggie Walden with the custom-crafted with owner Rita Walden to retrieve the Hokie maroon and canine rehab cart the Waldens donated to the Veteri- morning paper. nary Teaching Hospital. “It happened so fast,” says Mrs. medicine and surgery intern in the released. Mr. Walden had noticed that Walden, of nearby Christiansburg. “It college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. the rehab cart the hospital staff had used was a nightmare scenerio!” “But we decided to give it some time.” was a bit oversized for Coco’s “petite” Two months later, thanks to After emerging from the coma, frame. So he headed to the home advanced clinical care from the Coco’s condition remained very serious. improvement store and purchased PVC Virginia-Maryland Regional College Clinicians initially thought she was blind piping to build Coco her own miniature of Veterinary Medicine, Coco has and she was extremely disoriented. She rehab cart. made a miraculous recovery. And in was fed through a feeding tube and Then, in order to honor the Virginia medically supported for ten days before Tech connection with Coco’s miraculous showing any signs of improvement. recovery, Mrs. Walden sewed an orange Two and half months later, Unsure of Coco’s future, Banwell and maroon “pouch” and attached it to Coco has made a remarkable and fourth-year veterinary students Phil the frame her husband made in order to recovery. She no longer needs Turfle and Anne Steinbach monitored the support Coco while she walked. A Jack Russell and began a therapy the cart and is able to walk, eat, Virginia Tech logo was added, and the program. After small improvements with PVC piping was painted maroon for the drink, and even climb stairs on her appetite and some body movements finishing touches. her own. Coco will remain on were observed, Banwell and his students Two and half months later, Coco decided to begin rehabilitation by has made a remarkable recovery. She medication to prevent seizures placing Coco in a special “dog cart.” The for the next six months, and her no longer needs the cart and is able to cart would help Coco strengthen her leg walk, eat, drink, and even climb stairs veterinarians expect a full muscles, and possibly help her regain her on her own. Coco will remain on recovery. ability to walk. medication to prevent seizures for the Because the hospital’s dog-cart was next six months, and her veterinarians designed to fit large-breed dogs, Banwell expect a full recovery. return, Coco’s grateful owners have packed the cart with towels so that it “Pets are a member of the family donated a custom-crafted Hokie didn’t completely dwarf the 18-pound and when they are injured, it’s a maroon and orange canine rehab cart Jack Russell. Thanks to the conscien- traumatic experience,” said Mrs. to help future patients in the hospital. tious support of the veterinary staff, Walden. “We were hoping for a good After being referred to the college Coco began to show improvement. By outcome, but we did not expect one.” by veterinarians at and Country the middle of , she was strong Mrs. Walden said she was very Veterinary Hospital of Christiansburg, enough to go home, but still needed help pleased with the care Coco received in Coco had arrived comatose and was walking. the VTH, especially the intensive care non-responsive. Meanwhile, Mrs. Walden and her unit. Grateful that she has made this “We gave Mr. and Mrs. Walden a husband Reggie, had grown concerned recovery, Mr. and Mrs. Walden decided poor prognosis in the beginning,” said about how they were going to be able to to donate the cart to the teaching Dr. Max Banwell, a small animal continue Coco’s rehab when she was hospital. virginia-maryland 10 John J. Dascanio, VMD, associate Dr. Marie Suthers-McCabe, associate City, Kansas. Leib also presented lectures professor, Department of Large Animal professor, Extension Specialist Human- on diagnostic approach to chronic diarrhea, acute Clinical Sciences, presented “How to Companion Animal Interaction, Center for Animal pancreatitis in dogs, giardia infection, Helicobacter Diagnose and Treat Fungal Endometrio- Human Relationships, has been appointed to gastritis, fluid therapy for GI diseases, and sis” at the American Association of Equine Board of Directors for Equine Facilitated Mental introduction to GI endoscopy: thetechnicians role at Practitioners in , . Health Association-North American Riding for the the Tufts Animal Expo in , . Dascanio also serves as Equine Vice- Handicapped Association and Board of Directors Elizabeth Embree, Scott Gustin, and Jared Chair of the American Board of Veterinary for St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation. . At the meeting listed above, it was also Practitioner’s Credentials Committee. Suthers-McCabe also made a presentation on announced that Elizabeth, Scott, and Jared won Dr. Spencer A. Johnston, “Pets and Children in Violence” and served on a third place in the Hillís National Public Health Award associate professor, Department of Small panel of speakers during “A Community for their manuscript Healthy Hands, Healthy Peopleí. Animal Clinical Sciences, made a series of Response to the Prevention of Violence in These students worked closely with Dr. Hueston in nine presentations on orthopedic surgery, Children Workshop” which was presented by the their manuscript. The reviewers were highly osteoarthitis and pain management at the Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force in New complimentary of the manuscript and have 2001 North American Veterinary Castle, Virginia. She has also been appointed a recommended that it be submitted for the Secretary Conference in Orlando, . board member of the Equine Facilitated Mental of Health and Human Services Award next year. Dr. David S. Lindsay, associate Health Association, a branch of the North The manuscript will also be published in an professor, Department of Biomedical American Riding for the Handicapped Association. appropriate journal. Sciences and Pathobiology, was guest Suthers-McCabe also presented “Specialists Dr. Jonathan A. Abbott, assistant professor, editor for a special February issue of the Update on Animal and Human Development” at Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences Journal of Veterinary Parasitology which the annual in-service training meeting of the served as editor and a contributor on a book entitled was devoted to equine protozoal Maryland Cooperative Extension Service in “Small Animal Cardiology Secrets,” published by myeloencephalitis (EPM). The journal Ocean City. She also also spoke on “Safe Hanley and Belfus of Philadelphia, . contained a major review article and 23 Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence” at a Dr. Ansar Ahmed, professor, Department of original papers covering systematics, meeting of the Virginia Federation of Humane Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, presented Sarcocystis neurona isolate characteriza- Societies in Afton. She also presented a lecture two papers at the 2nd International Conference on tion, sporocyst induced infections in called “The Link Between Cruelty to Animals and Experimental and Clinical Reproductive Immunology horses, immunity and diagnosis, in vitro Inter-Domestic Violence” at Emory & Henry at Amsterdam, Netherlands. Those papers were cultivation and drug development systems, College in Emory. She also presented a talk “Estrogenic Hormones alter apoptosis and induce epidemiology, molecular biology, and entitled “Animal Assisted Therapy as an autoimmunity in normal mice” and “Gamma- experimental models. Alternative Therapeutic Intervention for Older interferon levels are up-regulated by 17 beta- Dr. X.J. Meng, assistant professor, Adults” during the Virginia Tech Center for estradiol and diethylstilbestrol.” Department of Biomedical Sciences and Gerontology’s annual Spring Forum. She also Ahmed also served as an editor on a CD book Pathobiology, has recently served on the presented the keynote address at a “Public Forum entitled “CD-Canis” published by VetStream of review panel for the FY2002 research on Animal Cruelty Laws” sponsored by WSLS-TV Cambridge, United Kingdom. He also published an proposals and chair for the Hepatitis and the Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare article entitled “The immune system as a potential Viruses review section for the FY2000 and Support at the Roanoke Higher Education target for environmental estrogens (endocrine Annual Reports of the U.S. Department of Center. disruptors): A new emerging field” in the journal Defense’s Military Infectious Disease Dr. Craig Thatcher, professor and head, Toxicology. Research Programs (MIDRP). Meng Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, made Dr. Ahmed also presented a paper entitled recently gave a lecture on hepatitis E virus a presentation on nutritional support of companion “Estrogens affect patterns of apoptosis and induce zoonosis for the Grand Round Lecture animals at the 101st Penn Annual Veterinary autoimmunity in normal mice” at the 5th International Series at the World Health Organization’s Conference at the University of Pennsylvania in Congress of the Immunology of Diabetes Society in Collaborating Center for Tropical Philadelphia. Thatcher has also been elected Chennai (Madras), . He was also one of four Diseases, Galveston, TX. Meng was also Secretary-Treasurer of the American College of invited speakers to present lectures at the invited to write a chapter on swine Veterinary Nutrition. International Society for Neuroimmunomodulation hepatitis E virus and xenotransplantation Dr. Peter Eyre, dean, served as the keynote Symposium presented by the American Association for the Current Topics in Microbiology and speaker during a conference entitled “Leading of Immunologists in Orlando, Florida. The title of his Immunology Series (Springer-Verlag), and Curricular Change” which was sponsored by the lecture was “Animal models of estrogen-induced was also co-author for another book Veterinary Medical Association. Eyre immunological changes.” chapter on Commercial Methods in discussed ways in which veterinary curricula can be Ahmed also presented two lectures at Clinical Veterinary Microbiology (American modified in order to provide students with increased Environmental Biology 2001, a scientific conference Society for Microbiology Press). He training in business and communication skills. Eyre which was also held in Orlando. Those presenta- served as co-author of six presentations at has also served as chair of the university search tions were “Estrogenic hormones (17- estradiol and recent national meetings at the 81st committee charged with recruiting a new Provost for diethylstilbestrol) up-regulate interferon- and nitric Conference of Research Workers in Virginia Tech. oxide” and “Estrogenic Hormones Promote B Cell- Animal Diseases, Chicago, IL and 2001 Dr. D. Phillip Sponenberg, professor, Function: Induction Of Autoantibodies In Normal Mice.” Annual Meeting of the American Department of Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Bonnie J. , associate professor, Association of Swine Practitioners, Pathobiology, presented papers entitled “Conserva- Department of Biomedical Science, has authored a Nashville, TN. tion of Criollo Livestock in the USA: Philosophy, textbook on Canine Anatomy as part of Williams & Dr. Martha Moon, professor, Triumphs, and Challenges,” “Breed Conservation in Wilkins National Veterinary Medical Review Series. Department of Small Animal Clinical the United States,” and “Conservation of Rare Designed to provide an overview of the most salient Sciences, presented lectures on Varieties of Turkeys” at the “V Congreso anatomical concepts, the book is intended to be abdominal ultrasonography and veterinary Iberoamericano de Razas Autóctonas y Criollas” in useful for first-year veterinary students studying echocardiography at the 3rd annual Havana, . Sponenberg also presented “Animal anatomy, as well as for review by upper classmen Congress of the Spanish Association of Imports, Exports, and Rare Breed Conservation - for board exams, etc. Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Specialists Opportunity or Hazard?” and “Breed Definition and Dr. John Robertson, professor, Department (AEVDI) in Murcia, Spain. Maintenance - Myths, Facts, and Opinions” at the of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, presented Dr. Jeryl Jones, associate Fifth Global Conference on Conservation of a lecture “Toxicologic Pathology” at the Center for professor, Department of Small Animal Domestic Animal Genetic Resources in Brasilia, Drug Evaluation and Research of the Food and Drug names in the news Clinical Sciences, presented lectures on Brazil. Administration. The lecture is one in a series of veterinary computed tomography and Kevin Gullikers, second-year resident, was talks on toxicologic pathology, being presented for a magnetic resonance imaging at the 3rd awarded third place in an annual scbolarship/grant course at the FDA that Robertson organized and for annual Congress of the Spanish program sponsored by the IAMS Company and which he is the Course Leader. Association of Veterinary Diagnostic BASF Corporation that honors outstanding research Robertson also was nominated to serve on the Imaging Specialists (AEVDI) in Murcia, studies or clinical reports which demonstrate the role Board of Directors of the Foundation for Compara- Spain. of clinical nutrition in managing common diseases tive and Conservation Biology (FCCB). The primary Dr. Beverly J. Purswell, professor, affecting dogs and cats. Gulliker’s program was goal of the FCCB is primate conservation and Department of Large Animal Clinical entitled “Dietary management of a dog with exocrine research. Plans are currently being developed for a Sciences, is serving as an alternate to the pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and a gastrointestinal primate Biopark in southwestern Virginia, where American Veterinary Medical Association foreign body.” observational studies of geriatric great apes can be from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Dr. Michael Leib, professor, Department of conducted. Association. Small Animal Clinical Sciences, led a laboratory on Robertson has also been named Chairman of Dr. Mark M. Smith, professor, upper GI system endoscopy and presented lectures the Scientific Advisory Board of New River Department of Small Animal Clinical on chronic vomiting, chronic diarrhea, acute Pharmaceuticals. Sciences, has been appointed Editor of pancreatitis, and fluid therapy for gastrointestinal the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. disease at the Central Veterinary Conference in virginia-maryland 11 Lynn Young Alumni Coordinator Alumni News

College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Events The College of Veterinary Medicine held their annual alumni More than 25 alumni turned out to enjoy a wonderful October afternoon at the Morven Park reunion on the weekend of September Steeplechase Races in Leesburg. It was the first such event for the VMRCVM Alumni Society. 22-23. Around 30 alumni and friends enjoyed presentations from their peers Meet Our Alumni Society Board of Directors as well as a catered cookout dinner at the Hand-In-Hand Playground in Michael D. Erskine ‘88 Douglas S. Graham ‘98 Blacksburg. Future alumni reunions Mike is the owner of Doug is a compan- will be held in the NOVA/DC area in an equine-exclusive ion animal veterinarian odd years and on the Blacksburg private practice, and a now practicing at West campus in even years. An additional member of Damascus Frederick Veterinary alumni reunion was held in conjunc- Equine Associates. He is Hospital. He is active tion with the DC Academy on March President of the Maryland in helping “budding 1-3 at the Lodge in Fairfax. VMA, a member of the Marion duPont veterinarians” find their way by serving More than 50 alumni, their families, Scott Equine Medical Center Council, an as a mentor at VMRCVM and with the staff and friends enjoyed continuing Executive Board member of the Mary- Veterinary Science Club at the Univer- education sessions as well as social land Association of Equine Practitioners, sity of Maryland. festivities which included live music. an Executive Board member of the Doug is a resident of Urbana, MD. The Alumni Society board Maryland Horse Council, and a Diplo- meeting held its first meeting on mate, Equine Practice, of the American September 23. President Julie Board of Veterinary Practitioners. In Julie Holland ‘89 Holland ’89 appointed Bill Tyrrell, addition, he is a member of the American Julie currently President-Elect and Elizabeth Santini, Association of Equine Practitioners, the lives just north of the Secretary/Treasurer. Holland recog- AVMA, the Association for Equine Mason-Dixon line, and nized the founding Adjunct Alumni Sports Medicine, and the Howard practices part-time at Society Members: Jerome Beller, Iron Bridge Hounds. two small animal John Brooks, Bob Brown, Mark Mike resides in Woodbine, MD with hospitals in Maryland. Finkler, Charles Hickey, Sashi his wife Kathleen and daughter Olivia. She also does some large animal work, Mohanty, Glenn Noffsinger, with a special interest in small rumi- Park, Mike Radabaugh, Steve Rogers, nants and camelids. Julie has three Dick Streett, and Bill Truban. The Richard (Chip) L. Godine, Jr. ‘87 children, Ross, Lucy, and Quinn, all in founding adjunct Alumni Society Chip currently works elementary school. Coordinating her Members are individual veterinarians at the Animal Hospital of class with an annual newsletter led her whose help in developing the Waynesboro. He has a to the position of Alumni Society VMRCVM has been invaluable. special interest in orthope- president, an interesting and challenging A new VMRCVM alumni event dics and ultrasonography. position. was held on October 14 at the Morven Chip is active in the Park Steeplechase Races in Leesburg; VVMA, the Gideons, and his local over 25 alumni enjoyed the festivities. church. He enjoys running, golf, and Matthew E. Iager ‘96 The last alumni reception was held at spending time with his family in the Matt was active in the North American Veterinary mountains and rivers of the Blue Ridge the Food Animal Conference on January 14 from 8-10 Mountains. Practitioners’ Club, p.m. in Orlando; over 50 alumni and Chip lives in Charlottesville, Virginia Alpha Psi Fraternity, and friends attended. Please see schedule with his wife Caroline Kohlstadt Godine the Bovine Palpation of alumni events below. (VMRCVM ’87), who home schools their Team. He was awarded If you have any questions or four children and does occasional relief the Robert L. Hogsett Senior Year comments, please contact Lynn work. Award, and was a member of Phi Sigma Young, College Alumni Coordinator, Honor Society. Prior to attending the at [email protected] or 540-231-5809. VMRCVM, he received a BS in Dairy virginia-maryland 12 Science from the Valley in Gettysburg, PA, Buckeystown, MD, Bill is an officer in the Northern College of Science and Agriculture in and . Annette is a past Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, 1993. president of the Western Maryland and a vestry member of his church. He Currently, Matt is a partner with Veterinary Medical Association, and she also served a 6-year term on the Virginia Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians in received the Outstanding Young Alumna Tech Alumni Association Board of Hagerstown, Maryland; the practice is Award from the VMRCVM in 1997. She Directors. In his spare time, he enjoys an exclusive dairy cattle and embryo supports the US Pony Club by teaching working in the yard and biking. transfer practice. He is licensed and 6-8 sessions for youth annually, and she accredited in Maryland, Virginia, West taught a wet lab on anatomy at their Virginia, and Pennsylvania; He is a national meeting in in MARK YOUR member of the American Veterinary Spring 2000. Medical Association, the American Annette currently practices mostly CALENDARS Association of Bovine Practitioners, small animal medicine in Potomac, MD, May 11 the National Mastitis Council, the and is completing her Master’s in Public VMRCVM Graduation Maryland Holstein Association, the Health through Johns Hopkins University. County Holstein Club, the 2nd Annual Alumni Reception College Park, MD Holstein Association USA, the William (Bill) D. Tyrrell, Jr. ‘92 Maryland Farm Bureau, the Howard June 21-24 County 4-H All-Stars, the Purebred Upon graduation from VVMA, Virginia Beach; Dairy Cattle Association’s Approved vet school, Bill joined a http://www.vvma.org Judges List, the National Dairy Shrine, small animal private June 24-27 the Hagerstown Jaycees, and Trinity practice in Northern MVMA, Ocean City, MD; Lutheran Church. Virginia. While in private http://www.mdvma.org Matt resides in Hagerstown with practice, Bill developed a July 14-18 his wife Laura. He enjoys judging special interest in cardiology. In 1996, AVMA, Boston; dairy cattle and auctioneering. he obtained a residency in cardiology at http://www.avma.org the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in August 25 Boston. He finished his ACVIM Mentoring Workshop, Blacksburg Elizabeth Naylor Kirby ‘84 residency credentials with October 13 After graduation, Veterinary Cardiology Associates. Bill Morven Park Steeplechase Races, Elizabeth worked in passed his ACVIM cardiology certifying Leesburg Troutville for one year in a examination in 1999 and is now a October 14 th mixed animal practice. She diplomate of the American College of 10 Annual Yearling then moved to Blacksburg to Veterinary Internal Medicine in the sub- Auction and Alumni Reception, work at Companion Animal specialty of cardiology. He is now a full- Middleburg Clinic, where she became a partner in time cardiologist and co-owner of November 25-28 1999. She is on the Board of Directors Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology American Association Equine of the Virginia Academy of Small Associates with offices in Annapolis, Practitioners, San Diego; Animal Medicine. Springfield, Baltimore, Leesburg, and http://www.aaep.org Elizabeth resides on a farm in Rockville. McCoy, Virginia with her husband Tom. She enjoys gardening, riding, began a research career in brucellosis continued from page 1 and breeding horses. Schurig: that culminated with the invention of the in developing vaccines against bovine RB-51 vaccine. That vaccine has Elizabeth Santini ‘2000 brucellosis, a zoonotic disease that become the global “gold standard” in causes reproductive problems in cattle bovine brucellosis control and played a Elizabeth was SCAVMA and undulant fever in humans. major role in the virtual eradication of President, active in the Food “I am honored and energized by this the cattle disease in the United States. Animal and Equine Practitio- appointment,” said Schurig, “President Schurig has also been working on ners’ Clubs and was a Steger’s goal of establishing Virginia Tech an almost $500,000 project with the member of the Alpha Psi as a top 30 research institution by the end Medical Research Veterinary Fraternity. She is of the decade is a great challenge to us and Development Command to develop currently an associate veterinarian at all. But we have a very talented faculty a vaccine which will protect people Big Valley Animal Hospital, a mixed and many opportunities to explore. I am from brucellosis. practice in central Pennsylvania. confident we will do our part.” “We are delighted that Dr. Schurig has Schurig earned his DVM degree in stepped forward to lead this importance Annette Slowinski ‘86 1970 from the University of Chile. enterprise,” said VMRCVM Dean Peter After earning M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Eyre. “Our college has made a commit- Annette served in the Peace immunology from Cornell University, ment to intensify its research and gradu- Corps in Nepal for three years Schurig spent two years working in the ate studies programs during the decade as a veterinarian. Upon Department of Veterinary Science at the ahead, and I think he will be a superior returning to the United States, University of at Madison. He she worked in mixed practices then joined the Virginia Tech faculty and Please see Schurig: page 20 virginia-maryland 13 DEVELOPMENT

Development Report from the Blacksburg Campus by E. Frank Pearsall, II, DVM ‘84 “Two Great Friends”

As we look at the College; where we have come from, where we are after 20 years, and where we are going, it is important to consider how we have gotten here. That will tell us a great deal about how we can expect to move to the next tier of excellence. President Steger has thrown out the challenge to be a top 30 research university by 2010, which means we will have to move from mid-pack, a pretty good place to be as the second youngest, to a top ten veterinary college. Obviously in keeping with Va Tech’s research focus, much of the sought growth will occur in the research arena through increased partnerships with industry and government. And this comes at a perfect time in the life of the college, so we embrace that challenge gratefully. But increased research alone will not move us into the top ranks we seek. Excellence of that caliber relates also to the heart of the institution. And that comes back to why we are here and why so many have given so much of their time, energy, and resources, and yes, their love, to partner with us on our journey. Perhaps it would be instructive to look at two such benefactors, both attracted by the excellence they already saw. M. Stevens ’52 and his wife, Eleonore E. Stevens, are long time Hokies and animal lovers. They got to know more about our College when their daughter, Susan Stevens, a Tech PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction, visited during an Open House and shared with her parents her enthusiasm about what she saw. For years her parents had cared for family pets, neighborhood animals, and visiting strays. More recently, as a result of the relationship which developed from Susan’s comments, they created and steadily added to a named scholarship endowment for veterinary students. Now they have created a named “Animal Assistance” endowment with an initial gift of $105,000. It’s purpose is simple; to be sure pets that can be helped are helped rather than be euthanized due solely to financial constraints. This fund will not be able to solve all such problems, but it will go a very long way to addressing them. Accordingly it will be a huge benefit to animals, owners, and the clinicians, staff, and students that serve them. We thank them sincerely. Another long time Hokie and animal lover, Charles J. Gose, Jr. ’51, became aware of the College when his Jack Russell Terrier, Domino, was in the Teaching Hospital. Charlie was so impressed with the quality of care and compas- sion extended to both his dog and himself, that he decided to limit an existing university-wide scholarship established through his estate plans to students at the college of veterinary medicine. Charlie and Domino, later succeeded by Ditto, obviously another Jack Russell, became close friends of the College and ambassadors to the entire Brandon Oaks community in Roanoke where they lived. To our great sorrow, Charlie recently passed away, but his love of animals will live on through the countless veterinarians his scholarship will help to educate. And Ditto is adjusting nicely to his new home, having been given a great start in life by a great owner. With friends like these, is it any wonder great things are happening at the College? Is there any question that we can move up to the next tier of excellence? Not in my mind. Thank you all.

This cast relief of Maxson assures that the long-time member of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors and special friend of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine will be able to look after the university's beautiful campus in perpetuity. Maxson was appointed by three different governors to serve three four-year terms on the board. For eight of those years, he presided over the Board of Visitors' Building & Grounds Committee. During that tenure, he oversaw the well-being of a physical plant that includes over 100 major buildings on 2600 acres. Mr. Maxson was said to approach that task with such attention to detail that work crews decided to surprise him by commissioning and installing the relief. Maxson was a member of the VMRCVM's Campaign Leadership Committee and has also been inducted into the college's John N. Dalton Society. He was awarded the university's most prestigious honor, the Ruffner Medal, as well as an Alumni Distinguished Service Award, during Virginia Tech's recent Founder's Day Ceremony. virginia-maryland 14 DearThagy… Thagy (short for Pythagoras – his Mom is a Math Professor) lives with Steve Clark, Director of Planned Giving at Virginia Tech. In addition to completing basic obedience class, he has acquired some experience in various estate planning issues.

Dear Thagy, Dear Thagy, I just read something about “gift taxes.” I didn’t realize I have heard that I could give some stock to the Virginia- that I could be taxed on making gifts to my family. Will I Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and have to pay taxes just to give my nephew a birthday present? actually increase the income I receive from it. Is this possible?

Barking in Bethesda Howling in Harrisonburg

Dear Barking, Dear Howling, No, unless you are very generous, you won’t have to pay Sure! “Life income gifts” allow a person to continue to taxes on your nephew’s birthday present. receive income from their gift, typically for the rest of their life. Gift taxes are the lifetime version of estate taxes. There It’s also easy to make sure a spouse or other loved one is a tax on transferring assets above a certain amount, continues to receive the income if they survive you. whether you do so during your lifetime (gift tax) or after- Life income gifts can be funded with cash, stock, real wards (estate tax). The current threshold is $675,000, rising estate, or other assets. Because of how they work, it can be to $1,000,000 in 2006 under current law. The exception is a possible for a person to receive more income from the life transfer to a spouse or to a charity such as the Virginia- income gift than they did from their cash, stock, or real Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine – except estate—sometimes two or three times more! There are several for certain special spousal situations, gift taxes and estate different types: charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, taxes effectively don’t apply to either. pooled income fund. The main differences are in how they pay Annual gifts to individuals under $10,000 per year don’t income to you. count against this total. Therefore, you can give up to In addition to providing income, they also can help with $10,000 every year to as many people as you like without income taxes and estate taxes. To learn more about how you anything counting against your annual lifetime total. (That’s can make such a gift, call Dr. Frank Pearsall at the College – a lot of bicycles!) You also can pay an individual’s educa- 540-231-4259. tional or health care expenses without it counting, provided Well, I’ve got to go chase my little brother Trig. Talk to you pay the service provider directly. you next time. Arf!

Thagy. Thagy.

Spotlight Increases for Donor Recognition

Effective April 1, 2001, the development and university relations, in donor’s lifetime contributions must add university will be using new eligibil- announcing the creation of the up to $500,000 to $999,999. Again, ity criteria to elevate its highest President’s Circle at this year’s Ut contributions, including matching gifts, donors to a newly established level of Prosim induction dinner. “Their out- must be received by the university in donor recognition. Those individuals standing philanthropy has been of order for donors to qualify for member- who have made lifetime contributions immeasurable benefit to Virginia Tech, ship at all levels. of $1 million or more – contributions its students, its faculty, and its programs” As with the President’s Circle, these that have been received rather than New eligibility criteria will also new eligibility criteria are effective on pledged – will become charter apply to the society’s other three giving April 1, 2001, with the exception of the members in 2002 of the President’s levels. At the Benefactor level, the Benefactor level, where donors have Circle, a new level of the Ut Prosim giving threshold will rise from $50,000 until , 2001 to qualify for Society, the university’s most to $100,000, with donors qualifying with Ut Prosim membership in 2002 under prestigious donor recognition lifetime giving of $100,000 to $249,999. the previous criteria of giving or organization. The Senior Benefactor level will pledging $50,000 within a five-year “We believe this new level will increase from $200,000 to $250,000, period. appropriately recognize a very with a donor’s lifetime giving totaling The Ut Prosim Society currently special, select group of individuals,” between $250,000 and $499,999. And at has a membership of 653 individuals. said Betsy Flanagan, vice president of the Distinguished Benefactor level, a virginia-maryland 15 News from the Leesburg campus

Fregin Appointed to Horse Industry Board Dr. G. Frederick Fregin, the Jean Ellen development of the Virginia Horse Industry. duPont Shehan Professor and Director of the Activities of the Board are supported by the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Develop- has been appointed to a three-year term on the ment Fund. Monies in the fund are generated by of Virginia’s “Virginia Horse an assessment of $1.50 on each Equine Infectious Industry Board.” Anemia (Coggins) sample in the state. The Virginia Horse Industry Board was In a letter of appointment, Virginia Lieutenant established in 1994 as the result of legislation and John H. Hager said Fregin’s “experi- a statewide referendum. The 12-member board is ence, personal integrity and moral character have responsible for the promotion and economic made you a clear choice for this post.”

Computed Radiography Online at EMC EMC’s Tuesday Talks Series Draws Equine The new Fuji radiography system produces a highly-refined Enthusiasts and digital image which is useful for Professionals evaluating both orthopedic and soft- tissue problems. The image can be The Equine Medical Center hosted digitally enlarged and/or enhanced to four “Tuesday Talk” sessions in its com- reveal problems that cannot be munity education series this winter. identified using less advanced At each monthly session, horse imaging technologies like standard owners, trainers, managers and veteri- film x-rays and xeroradiography. narians are invited to gather at the Digital images from computed Leesburg campus for faculty lectures on radiography can be stored in a variety relevant topics in veterinary medicine. of media and formats, are easily Tuesday Talk presentations are made by archived with patient records, and faculty members from the Leesburg and can be transmitted electronically Blacksburg campuses. This informal throughout the world on the internet, lecture series began in 1995 in response White said. to the equine community’s request for Computed radiography makes it possible to Recent cases demonstrate the information on equine health and medi- discern obscure orthopedic problems like usefulness of this technology. One cal issues. these OCD lesions in this equine carpus. horse presented with pain in one of Topics in the 2000-2001 season Non-invasive imaging capabilities his cannon bones. Routine radio- included “Assisted Reproductive at the Marion duPont Scott Equine graphs appeared normal whereas Technologies: Where Do We Go From Medical Center have been signifi- manipulation of the digital image Here?” by Dr. Jim Bowen, “First Aid cantly enhanced with the acquisition revealed a stress fracture coursing and Treatment of Fractures: We Don’t and installation of an advanced vertically in the bone. The ability to Shoot Horses Anymore” by Dr. Nat computed radiography system. The find the fracture allowed appropriate White, “Update on Neurologic Diseases: Leesburg equine hospital becomes one treatment and likely prevented EPM and West Nile Virus” by Dr. Martin of just a few veterinary referral centers having the horse return to training Furr, and “Treadmill Diagnostics” by Dr. in the country to offer the service, too rapidly. Computed radiography Fred Fregin. available to clients since November has also aided clinicians in finding Suggestions for topics are encour- 2000. previously difficult-to-see osteochon- aged from those who attend the lectures. “This computed radiography system dritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. Early raises the standard of medical imaging diagnosis is the key to managing at the Equine Medical Center,” said Dr. OCD both by conservative and Names in the News Nat White, Assistant Director for surgical management. The new computed radiography Dr. Nathaniel A. White II, the Clinical Services. “The new technology Theodora Ayer Randolph Professor of not only provides optimal diagnostic service was made possible thanks to Surgery at the Marion duPont Scott service for horse owners, but it also the generous support of friends of the Equine Medical Center, authored expands our opportunities for teaching EMC. “Handbook of Equine Colic” which was published by Butterworth-Heinemann of and research.” Oxford. virginia-maryland 16 EMC welcomes surgery residency in 2000, both from EMC Development Update University of Pennsylvania School of Catherine Larmore, Director of Development Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Davenport and Sykes The Equine Medical Center Council under the Center. able leadership of Mrs. Shelley Duke is developing The Equine Medical Center’s Benjamin W. Sykes, B.V.M.S., new priorities and goals to enhance veterinary service, faculty and staff welcomed two B.Sc. began work at the EMC in January research, and teaching at the Leesburg campus in the coming year. additional doctors early in 2001. as a resident/graduate student in equine Among the goals identified by the Council as Celia L.M. Davenport, MA, Vet medicine. Dr. Sykes received his BSc in critical for the EMC in 2000,completed projects MB, MRCVS joined the Equine 1995 and Bachelor of Veterinary included the purchase of cutting edge computed Medical Center staff in February as a radiography and the design of a Level 2 Bio- Medicine and Surgery degree in 1997, Containment Isolation Unit, required for renewal of clinical instructor in emergency care both at Murdoch University School of AVMA accreditation for the College. Construction on and equine surgery. Dr. Davenport Clinical Science, Western Australia. Dr. the latter project will commence after renovations of received her Bachelor of Arts from Sykes completed an internship in equine the Treadmill Facility are complete for its mid-summer 2001 opening. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge medicine and surgery at Ranwick Volunteers also play an important role at the University, UK in 1993. She received Equine Centre, Sydney, Australia, in Center, particularly as the foaling season begins with her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, 1998. From February 1999 to mid-2000, winter turning into Spring. The foal watch program for Cambridge University Veterinary seriously ill neonates requiring intensive hospitaliza- he was employed by Murdoch Univer- tion and other helpful volunteer efforts are coordinated School, UK in 1996. She completed sity as an instructor in equine medicine by Maria Wakefield. The Equine Medical Center is her postgraduate large animal surgery and surgery; subsequently he went to a endebted for the tender care these volunteers so internship in 1997 and large animal private practice for the breeding season. freely give each patient. News from the maryland campus

Disease Detective Addresses Mad Cow Disease by Pamela Townshend -UMCP Dr. Will Hueston, associate dean for Animal Health Monitoring System sufficiently different from that of Britain the Maryland-Virginia Regional College evaluated the potential risk of a BSE to make a similar epidemic highly of Veterinary Medicine, is always busy. epidemic in the United States. Their unlikely, their analysis set the stage for Between teaching a graduate course in report — the first national risk assess- additional controls that reduced the risk College Park and two DVM courses in ment of BSE anywhere — was pub- even further. Blacksburg and overseeing day-to-day lished in 1990. And while the authors In 1991 Hueston spent six months operations at the college’s Avrum concluded that the United States’ animal in as part of the British Gudelsky Center at the University of production and processing system is Please see Disease: page 18 Maryland, he doesn’t have much free time to call his own. And for the past several months his schedule has become even more hectic, thanks to events taking place thousands of miles away. With the recent outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – dubbed “mad cow disease” by the British press – in cattle in , Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, Hueston has been called upon to comment on the disease by such American news media as CNN and U.S. News & World Report. And while most of us were preparing to celebrate the winter holiday season, he was flying to Geneva to participate in a meeting on BSE sponsored by the World Health Organization. Hueston, a veterinary epidemiolo- Faculty members and information technology professionals from both the Blacksburg and gist who describes himself as a “disease College Park campuses recently met to go over a number of enhancements that have detective,” is no stranger to this degen- improved teleconferencing capabilities between the two campuses. From left, Dr. Peter erative neurological disease. Following Shires, Dr. Ted Mashima, Dr. Will Hueston, Dr. Jeff Wilcke, and Mr. Brad Taleg are pictured its original appearance in Britain in in the library’s student computer center. Upstairs in the Richard B. Talbot Educational 1986, he and colleagues at the U.S. Resources Center, an Interactive Learning Center has been constructed which provides dedicated facilities for real-time inter-campus conferencing. Department of Agriculture’s National virginia-maryland 17 Disease: continued from page 17 from sheep infected with scrapie, another Center for Government and “transmissible spongiform encephalopa- Corporate Veterinary Medicine government’s epidemiology unit thy,” which has been around for more than investigating BSE. Two years later he 250 years without causing illness to Responding to Animal Disease/ became the first non-Briton on their humans or other animals. The problem Public Health Threats Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory was exacerbated when animal protein Committee. Their charge: to provide meal derived from infected cattle was then The Center for Government and scientific information and guidance to added to animal feed. Corporate Veterinary Medicine has recently UK government officials struggling to Given these facts, the British organized and hosted two conferences develop policies in the face of a rapidly government has taken drastic measures to focused on major animal disease problems escalating public health scare with eradicate BSE, slaughtering nearly 5 that possess significant implications for economic and political overtones. million cattle, forbidding cows over 30 human health and well-being. “Suspicions had arisen that BSE months old from entering the food chain, The center has presented the confer- might be linked to a similar brain- and prohibiting the use of rendered meat ences in an effort to disseminate information wasting illness in humans,” says and bone meal in feed for cattle, sheep, and create synergies between academic, Hueston, “Beef sales plummeted and and goats. Unfortunately, Hueston thinks government and private practitioners, consumer confidence was shaken.” that the battle against BSE in Europe is according to Dr. Bettye K. Walters, CGCVM Following intense medical and just beginning and that millions more Associate Director. scientific investigations, the British cows will have to be destroyed. But he Last Fall, the center presented a “West government publicly acknowledged a also thinks efforts there will ultimately be Nile Virus” seminar which featured experts strong link between BSE and a new form successful, and that BSE will disappear in from organizations like the United States of a human neurological malady called the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in March He also is quite confident that – given Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 1996. The media spotlight focused on the scientific surveillance and government and the VMRCVM discuss diagnostic and Hueston once more. As the U. S. regulations currently in place – the United containment strategies, public health spokesperson on BSE, he appeared on or States will keep BSE at bay, although he implications, and other matters. was quoted by Reuters, Dateline, the warns against complacency. “There is a More recently, a “Foot and Mouth McNeil Leher Report, CBS, NBC – even tendency to think that ‘if it isn’t broken, Disease Seminar” was held on the Univer- the Oprah Winfrey Show. “There was, don’t fix it,’” he explains. The current sity of Maryland campus. and continues to be, intense public situation in Europe demonstrates the That event featured presentations from concern regarding this disease, despite its fallacy of that attitude. You always have Dr. Charles Mebus, Former Director, limited impact on human populations,” to prepare for the worst, or else you can be Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Labora- Hueston says. “From 1996 to early caught off guard.” tories at the Plum Island Animal Disease December 2000, some 90 cases of new Hueston’s biggest concern involves Center in New York; Dr. Roger Olson,State variant (nv) Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease the rest of the world. Given the global Veterinarian, Maryland Department of were reported, compared to 180,000 nature of the food trade, he believes it’s Agriculture; Dr. Dave Vogt, Area Veterinar- cases of lung cancer that appear annually likely that foods made with contaminated ian in Charge, USDA, Animal and Plant in the United States alone. The differ- beef have already been distributed to many Health Inspection Service; Dr. Tracy ence is that some people survive lung countries around the world, many of DuVernoy, Center for Veterinary Public cancer, while nobody survives (nv) which lack the resources necessary for Health, State Department of Health And Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.” adequate surveillance and prevention Mental Hygiene; and Mr. Don Vandry, Scientific data indicate that BSE is programs. “There are other countries with Director of Communications, Maryland spread to humans through consumption BSE,” he emphasizes. “I’d stake my Department of Agriculture. of contaminated beef products – career on it.” primarily brain and nerve tissue. Neither muscle meat nor high-quality ground beef are a problem, according to Names in the News from the Maryland Campus Hueston. “We’ve never been able to Dr. Wendy Fineblum made two presenta- methods of preventing Salmonella colonization and identify any BSE infectivity in muscle tions at the annual Society for Risk Analysis eliminating Salmonella persistence. meat, and only one odd finding in bone Meeting. She also made a presentation at the Two Maryland campus faculty members have Risk Assessment / Joint Institute for been awarded funds from the University of Mary- marrow,” he explains. That means that Food Safety and Applied Nutrition public meeting land Distance Learning Development Fund. Dr. even residents of – and travelers to – UK on evaluating data for use in risk assessment. Nathanial Tablante received $16,000 to support and Europe can enjoy some filet mignon, Fineblum also spoke at the FDA Leadership development of a web-based biosecurity training Team Meeting. Fineblum also recently organized a program for the poultry industry. Dr. Ted Mashima New York strip steaks, or high-quality meeting entitled: Food Safety Risk Analysis: received $12,500 to support development of a hamburgers. Less safe are sausages and Creating an Internet Community.” The goal of the course for veterinary students at VMRCVM entitled other processed meat products, which are meeting was to increase interaction and “Problem-solving in Ecosystem Health.” collaboration among the various groups who have, An article authored by emeriti professor Dr. E. more likely to include brain or nerve or are planning to provide resources on the T. Mallinson and Dr. N. L. Tablante, assistant tissue. “Basically, the less identifiable it Internet for food safety risk analysts. professor, has been published in the Journal of Dr. Robert Heckert received a National Applied Poultry Research. “A Management is as meat, the less comfortable I am,” Food Safety Initiative grant from the USDA. This Technique to Identify Prime Locations of Salmonella says Hueston. three year grant for $596,000 is targeted at Contamination on Broiler and Layer Farms” Although the origins of BSE are still exploring Salmonella immunobiology. The concerns efforts that can be taken at production proposal is a collaborative effort between the facilities to minimize the risks of Salmonella unclear, many researchers believe that University of Maryland, the USDA Agriculture contamination. cattle developed BSE after eating Research Services and the Food and Drug rendered meat and bone meal produced Administration. The study will investigate various virginia-maryland 18 finances, facilities and equipment, clinical resources, library and learning resources, students and alumni, admissions, faculty and staff, curriculum, continuing education and extension, and research and graduate studies. As opposed to traditional accreditation processes that measure various institutional criteria against established norms, the outcomes assessment process provides a more individualized assessment that measures various performance parameters against stated goals and objectives. AVMA Council on Education site visitation team; from left, Drs. Deborah T. Kochevar, Fred In order to develop the data required to Everhart, Donald G. Simmons, Michael M. Pullen, Keith E. Sterner, S. Hammer, evaluate the college’s performance in each VMRCVM Dean Peter Eyre (not COE member), Charles E. Short, James Reid, and Sylvie Latour. of the “essential” areas, the college conducted extensive surveys with faculty, Accreditation: continued from page 1 staff, students, prospective students, of an isolation facility at the college’s has conducted an accreditation visit on the professional and graduate alumni, employ- Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical basis of programmatic outcomes assess- ers of veterinarians trained in the Center in Leesburg, Virginia and ment, Eyre said, and COE officials have VMRCVM, and veterinarians who refer mandated that a report documenting the indicated that the successful experience cases to the Blacksburg Veterinary Teaching conclusion of that project must be filed with the VMRCVM process may lead to a Hospital and the Marion duPont Scott with the AVMA within the next two transformation of the process for other Equine Medical Center. years. colleges of veterinary medicine in the A 20-member committee of faculty, Planning documents concerning the future. staff and students worked from April 1999 $1 million facility are almost complete, The AVMA’s Council on Education through October 2000 on the outcomes funds to support the construction have typically evaluates each of the 32 colleges assessment self-study, which produced an been identified, and the isolation unit will of veterinary medicine in the United States almost 300-page document which was then be built within a year, according to Eyre. and on the basis of 11 “essentials.” forwarded to the AVMA Council on This was the first time the AVMA Those essentials include organization, Education for review prior to their site visit.

FMD Risks: continued from page 1 animal facility for at least five days States Department of Agriculture has confirmed outbreaks and destroying all following their return to the United taken to protect our nation,” said Eyre. animals that could be infected. FMD is so States. University personnel engaged in contagious that virus particles can be The measures were outlined in a international travel are required to observe transported intercontinentally on a memorandum authored by Dr. Peter Eyre, the new regulations, and all faculty, staff pedestrian’s clothing or a truck or an dean of the Virginia-Maryland Regional and students are being asked to take steps airplane before infecting an animal host in College of Veterinary Medicine to make sure that university visitors another country several weeks later. (VMRCVM); Dr. Andy Swiger, dean of observe the biosecurity protocols. The United States has been FMD free the College of Agriculture and Life The action has been taken to manage since the last epidemic was contained in Sciences (CALS); and Dr. Greg Brown risks associated with the devastating in 1929. But because of the dean of the College of Natural Resources outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease economic implications associated with an (CNR), which was circulated widely to currently centered in Great Britain, where outbreak, the USDA has elevated surveil- students, staff and faculty around the state. over 1,000 cases have been identified and lance and biosecurity measures at our The university has decided to take more than two million animals have been nation’s borders and ports of entry. the action because of the special threat slaughtered as part of eradication efforts. “It is difficult to overestimate the posed by the university’s many interna- FMD is a highly contagious viral gravity of the risk that is presented to the tional activities. Faculty, staff, and disease that infects domestic and wild United States and the rest of the world by students are frequently engaged in cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, the current epidemic on the European teaching, research and service activities in swine, deer, elk and others. FMD causes continent,” said Eyre. countries around the world. Also, its victims to develop blisters on their feet “As a major American land-grant international visitors often travel to and in their mouths that eventually rupture university with historic programs in Virginia to work with university person- into painful, raw sores. Although the agriculture, natural resources and veteri- nel in Blacksburg and in university- disease is generally not fatal to adult nary medicine, we feel a profound sense of operated facilities around the state. animals and does not present a health risk concern for the misfortunes of affected “Everyone who is engaged in for people, it causes major agricultural farm families and the difficulty of the international travel should recognize their productivity problems and is extremely challenge which is facing government individual responsibility to do whatever is contagious. officials who are struggling to contain this necessary to ensure the integrity of the Most outbreaks are controlled by great animal disease epidemic.” he added. biosecurity measures that the United establishing virus-free perimeters around virginia-maryland 19 Schurig: continued from page 15 leader for this effort. His scientific cre- dentials are impeccable, he understands the evolving role of university research in business and economic development, and he is widely respected throughout the greater academic community.” Schurig currently leads the college’s international programs and is director of the college’s World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Veterinary Education in Management and Public Health. He served as head of the college’s Department of Veterinary Biosciences in the mid- 1980’s before helping create and assuming leadership for the CMMID in 1987. During his seven-year tenure as head of that center, it established itself as a major research and develop- ment center focused on creating vaccines and improved diagnostic tests for several economically signifi- cant animal diseases. Schurig is a member of numerous Students conducting fourth-year clerkships through the college’s Center for Government professional societies, including the and Corporate Veterinary Medicine can expect to obtain interesting experience in some American Association for the Ad- of the more unusual areas of veterinary medicine. But when fourth year veterinary vancement of Science, the American student Megan Harris (with clipboard) signed up last summer to do a clerkship at the National Zoo in Washington, she never dreamed she would be part of a team evaluating Association of Veterinary Immunolo- Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the new breeding pair of Panda bears the zoo recently gists, and the American Society for obtained from China. Here, National Zoo Director and VMRCVM adjunct professor Dr. Microbiology. He has received Lucy Spelman examines Tian Tian while Megan monitors and documents the bear’s several major teaching and research vital signs. Spelman flew to China on November 27, 2000 to retrieve the bears and awards, including the 1986 Beecham returned with them on December 6. This was the animals’ first physical examination. Award for Research Excellence.

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