2019 News Releases
Wichita Police Department recognizes veterinary medicine researchers, extension agent for heroic service
Two Kansas State University veterinary medicine researchers and a K-State Research and Extension - Sedgwick County horticulture agent have received awards from the Wichita Police Department for their roles in saving three lives through their quick diagnosis of blue-green algae.
New veterinary medicine research projects take on foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever
High-priority diseases in cattle and swine will be tackled by three researchers in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine with grants totaling nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.
Vet med researcher receives $1.6 million NIH grant to uncover mysteries behind Parkinson's disease
A new research grant for Yulan Xiong, assistant professor of anatomy and physiology at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, focuses on gaining a better understanding of the physiological causes of Parkinson's disease.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded Xiong with more than $1.6 million for a five-year project, "Molecular regulation of LRRK2 in Parkinson's disease." This award is from the research project grant program R01 at the National Institutes of Health.
CEEZAD director Richt shares regional award for work on swine flu vaccine
The director of the Center of Excellence For Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is a recipient of an award for his work in technology transfer.
Jürgen Richt, Regents distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology and KBA eminent scholar, and Kelly Lager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture received the Agricultural Research Service Midwest Area Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer for research on swine influenza vaccines.
Lalitha Peddireddi receives 2019 Distinguished Service Award
Lalitha Peddireddi, associate professor and section head for the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association's 2019 Distinguished Service Award.
Student from College of Veterinary Medicine receives prestigious equine scholarship
Five veterinary students across the country received a $5,000 scholarship from Merck Animal Health, administered by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, or AAEP, Foundation. Among the recipients is Haydan Vosburgh, a fourth-year student at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition adds dimensions to K-State veterinary college
Healthy pets and nutrition education are key components of a partnership announced a year ago between the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University and Hill's Pet Nutrition.
One of the highlights of the partnership has included the addition of an internship dedicated to nutritional service and education at the Veterinary Health Center, which serves as the college's veterinary hospital. Part of this internship includes the establishment of an obesity clinic for small animal veterinary patients.
Nagaraja named Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist of the Year
T.G. Nagaraja, distinguished professor of veterinary microbiology at Kansas State University, has been named the 2019 Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist of the Year by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. This award was presented at the organization's annual meeting Nov. 4 in Chicago.
Veterinary professor receives double honors from national organization
The College of Veterinary Medicine's Michael Apley recently received a pair of accolades from the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics at its Biennial Symposium in Overland Park.
Apley, who is a professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology, was presented with the AAVPT Service Award and elected as a distinguished fellow of the academy.
Beef Cattle Institute, Bayer Animal Health host beef industry tour for international cattle producers, veterinarians
The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University and Bayer Animal Health teamed up recently to give 19 individuals from the cattle industry in Mexico special training and an inside look at beef cattle operations in Kansas.
The group from Mexico was made up of veterinarians, cow/calf producers, feedlot managers and nutritionists. Their five-day training, conducted in late October, included on-site tours of local beef cattle operations and discussions with K-State beef production experts.
New class of scholars in Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas announced
Five new students in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University have been chosen for the largest veterinary scholarship program offered by the state of Kansas: the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas.
This year's recipients are first-year veterinary students Jackson McCoole, Atchison; Rachel Jones, Manhattan; Grace Luebcke, Marysville; and Boyd Roenne, Meriden; and Kami Miller, Rexford.
Toxicology society recognizes veterinary college’s Nguyen with Doull award
Annelise Nguyen, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was recognized with the prestigious John Doull Award at the annual meeting of the Central States Society of Toxicology in Des Moines, Iowa, Sept. 26-27.
Students serve Kansas feedyards through BQA assessments
This summer, in collaboration with the Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Beef Council, several Kansas State University veterinary medicine, and animal sciences and industry students traveled across the state to perform Beef Quality Assurance assessments at feedyards.
According to Dan Thomson, Jones professor of clinical epidemiology in K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine, Beef Quality Assurance is the cornerstone program of the beef industry to ensure safe, wholesome beef from cattle raised humanely.
K-State Rabies Laboratory to host international conference in Kansas City
A special 30th anniversary will be celebrated with purple presence this year in Kansas City. A group of scientists from the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory are serving as lead planners for Rabies in the Americas, or RITA.
New study confirms possible danger of imported feed contaminated with African swine fever
A new study conducted by veterinary researchers at Kansas State University sheds new light on a threatening swine disease: African swine fever.
The research team, headed by Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, looks at the degradation of African swine fever virus in animal feed ingredients to understand the potential for disease spread through contaminated feed.
College of Veterinary Medicine team volunteers at Everybody Counts — Manhattan
For the second year in a row, the College of Veterinary Medicine has participated in a community outreach event called "Everybody Counts," which took place on Aug. 3 in Manhattan at the Douglass Community Center. The event provides much needed no-cost services to the most vulnerable population in the Manhattan area. A team consisting of about 50 volunteers including veterinarians, veterinary nurses and students, as well as pharmacy and medical records staff, participated at the event and served more than 80 pets.
New $2.7 million NIH grant extends researcher's work on tick-borne disease
Roman Ganta, Kansas State University professor and director of the Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine, recently secured a new grant of $2.7 million from the National Institutes of Health to continue his longtime work on tick-borne disease.
Veterinary student selected for new research fellowship
Sarah Krueger, Lebo, a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University, is one of 10 students selected nationally for a Veterinary Student Research Fellowship to Address Global Challenges in Food and Agriculture.
Krueger's research project is about anaplasmosis, considered to be the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease in cattle worldwide. She is assessing whether the lone star tick, the most common tick found on cattle, contributes to the spread and development of anaplasmosis. Her research could inform disease management and treatment strategies. Krueger's research mentor is Kathryn Reif, assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
College of Veterinary Medicine hires Jamie Henningson as director for Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University has announced the hiring of Jamie Henningson as the director for the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Henningson has led the diagnostic laboratory as its interim director since August 2017, with the responsibility of reestablishing full accreditation with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. In addition, the lab has attained Tier 1 status with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network for the first time in its history.
Veterinary faculty participate in continuing education course at Sokoine University in Tanzania
A group of faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine consisting of Robert Larson, Mike Sanderson, Nora Schrag and Tesfaalem Sebhatu recently traveled to Tanzania as part of the USA-Tanzania Veterinary Education Twinning Partnership.
Veterinary researcher Niederwerder speaks at International African Swine Fever Forum as expert panelist
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, delivered a talk titled "Risk of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) in Feed" at the International African Swine Fever Forum in Ottawa, Canada, April 30-May 1. Her talk was part of the Enhancing Biosecurity at the Border session, where she served as an expert panelist.
K-State veterinary student selected for National Livestock companies scholarship
Braxton Butler, third-year veterinary student, Virgil, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the National Livestock Companies consisting of National Livestock Credit Corporation and National Livestock Commission Association. The award was presented to Butler at the National Livestock Annual Meetings in Oklahoma City in March.
Veterinary student receives American Kennel Club scholarship
Emily Eppler, second-year veterinary student, Manhattan, was one of 15 students nationwide recently chosen for an American Kennel Club scholarship.
This scholarship is designed to support individuals with a background of participation in AKC events and programs, who seek to promote animal health and medicine.
Bonnie Rush to lead College of Veterinary Medicine
The new dean of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will be a familiar face to the college's faculty, staff and students as Bonnie Rush, the interim dean, has been appointed to the position.
Veterinary student receives Simmons business aptitude scholarship
Katelyn Guill-Sanchez, Hudson, New Hampshire, who just started her fourth year at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently selected as the university's recipient of a $3,000 national scholarship sponsored by the Simmons Educational Fund and its Business Aptitude Award Program.
Every year, the Simmons Educational Fund awards $3,000 to one veterinary student from each participating school in North America through its Business Aptitude Award Program, which provides $100,000 annually in student awards.
Veterinary team eyes the road to provide vision exams for service dogs
As part of a national event, an ophthalmology team from the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University will provide free eye exams this May for guide dogs, handicap assistance dogs, detection dogs, military working dogs and other search-and-rescue dogs that selflessly serve the public.
This year the K-State team of Jessica Meekins, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Anna "Katie" Huyer, a veterinary nurse, will go on the road May 14 to conduct eye exams at KSDS in Washington and at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita on May 22.
Researcher publishes on promising disease treatment and prevention in animals
A medical procedure dating as far back as fourth-century China is offering new promise as a tool for treating and preventing diseases in animals and humans. It's called fecal microbiota transplantation, or FMT.
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has recently published an article summarizing the current state of research and treatment in the use of FMT. FMT is the process by which fecal microbiota are donated from a healthy individual and subsequently transplanted into a diseased or young individual.
Symposium on Bovine Anaplasmosis to be hosted by K-State College of Veterinary Medicine
K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine will host its second Symposium on Anaplasmosis May 20, 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas.
The producer-oriented workshop will highlight the current state of anaplasmosis in the U.S. with an emphasis on Kansas beef cattle. The workshop will feature presentations by national experts on the economic impact of anaplasmosis, prevalence of anaplasmosis, anaplasmosis diagnostic considerations, anaplasmosis treatment and prevention, and the Veterinary Feed Directive. The meeting will include an interactive panel with producers describing their own experiences, challenges and ways of managing anaplasmosis. The symposium will conclude with an overview of anaplasmosis research projects at K-State and opportunities for producer participation.
David C. Poole to serve as university's 2019-2020 top teaching scholar
An internationally prominent and honored scholar and researcher will serve as Kansas State University's 2019-2020 Coffman Chair for University Distinguished Teaching Scholars.
David C. Poole, university distinguished professor in kinesiology and in anatomy and physiology, has been appointed to the chair, which was created in 1995 to highlight the university's commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and learning. Each chair is an acknowledged leading teaching scholar and conducts a research project or develops programs to improve educational methods at the university.
College of Veterinary Medicine presents research excellence award to Wenjun Ma
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University presented its highest research award during its annual Phi Zeta Research Day activities on March 26: The 2019 Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence. Wenjun Ma was chosen as this year's recipient. He is an associate professor of virology in the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department.
Ma's laboratory is interested in viral diseases of animals, with an emphasis on emerging zoonotic viral infections. His current research focuses on understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis and developing vaccines and/or antivirals for different viral pathogens, such as Influenza virus, Rift Valley Fever virus, porcine circovirus 3, African swine fever virus and other viral infections in livestock and poultry.
K-State's Beef Cattle Institute receives planning grant to collaborate campuswide on sustainability education
Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute, or BCI, and research collaborators from the apparel, textiles, and interior design department and hospitality management department, have received a $30,000 planning grant to further investigate and pursue an educational framework for sustainability using the beef value chain.
Project directors include Brad White, director of the BCI; Patti Dollarhide, registered dietitian and director of beef value chain alliances with the BCI; Junehee Kwon, professor of hospitality management; and Melody LeHew, professor of apparel, textiles, and interior design
Researchers target cattle disease with USDA grant
Kathryn Reif, assistant professor in the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is leading a project that focuses on optimizing antimicrobial use to control active infection of the hemoparasitic pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, the causative agent of bovine anaplasmosis. The research is supported by a nearly $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Phi Zeta Research Day showcases research efforts among students and faculty in the College of Veterinary Medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted its annual Phi Zeta Research Day on March 26.
Phi Zeta Research Day spotlights the research efforts of graduate students who are working toward a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Science, Master of Public Health and/or a doctorate in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The annual event is organized by the Sigma Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta, a professional honors society whose name is based on the Latin word philozoi, which means "love for animals." The chapter's mission is to promote scholarship and research that improves the health and welfare of animals.
College of Veterinary Medicine selects two students for elite scholarship
Two Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine students are receiving the college's concurrent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Ph.D. Scholarship. Recipients are MaRyka Smith, Hoyt, a first-year veterinary student and in the pathobiology doctoral program; and Elsie McCoy, Sabetha, a third-year veterinary student who also is in the pathobiology doctoral program.
Veterinary student is second-time winner of poultry medicine scholarship from national organization
Third-year veterinary student at Kansas State University, Jake Carlson, is a two-time winner of a $5,000 scholarship from the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation and Merck Animal Health. The scholarship is for veterinary students focused on poultry health.
Veterinary students chosen for American Veterinary Medical Foundation scholarships
Four Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine students are recipients of the Auxiliary to the AVMA Legacy Endowed Scholarship. AVMA stands for the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Receiving the $1,000 scholarship are Danielle Pickering, third-year veterinary medicine student, Los Angeles, California; Rebecca Tomasek, second-year veterinary medicine student, China, Michigan; Katelyn Guill-Sanchez, third-year veterinary medicine student, Hudson, New Hampshire; and Katya Luckenbach, second-year veterinary medicine student, Woxall, Pennsylvania.
College of Veterinary Medicine student from Wichita receives veterinary leadership award
Sara Wilkes, a third-year student in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is one of 37 recipients of the Dr. Jack Walther Leadership Award, which recognizes veterinary student leaders and promotes lifelong professional service to the industry.
Wilkes, Wichita, received the honor at the Western Veterinary Conference, Feb. 17-20, in Las Vegas.
College of Veterinary Medicine's shelter medicine program partners with the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter to increase Manhattan area service
A new partnership will enhance the care and welfare of shelter animals in Manhattan while providing more educational opportunities for veterinary students. The shelter medicine program at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine has teamed up to help enhance and expand medical capabilities at the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter.
Kansas State University researcher publishes study confirming experimental transmission of African swine fever virus through feed
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University, is leading a study on how the currently circulating strain of African swine fever could spread in feed and feed ingredients. The work has been published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
College of Veterinary Medicine Staff Council presents new staff awards
Eight staff members in the College of Veterinary Medicine have the distinction of being the first recipients of a new group of awards that highlights collegiality and compassion.
Derek Mosier recognized as Professor of the Week
Derek Mosier, Upham endowed professor and department head of the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was named Professor of the Week.