Lifelines Online

College of Veterinary Medicine presents research excellence award to Dr. Natalia Cernicchiaro

The CVM recently presented its highest research honor — the Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence — to Dr. Natalia Cernicchiaro, director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE) and professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, shown with Dr. David Renter, associate dean for research and graduate programs. The Zoetis Award for Research Excellence recognizes an exceptional CVM faculty member whose innovative studies have advanced the scientific standing of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Jordan Gebhardt joins list of K-State's new class of University Outstanding Scholars

The CVM's Dr. Jordan Gebhardt is one of four Kansas State University professors who have been named University Outstanding Scholars, recognizing their exemplary contributions to K-State, their disciplines and the university's land-grant mission. As an associate professor of swine production in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology and a member of K‑State's Applied Swine Nutrition Group, he has established himself as an internationally recognized expert in swine nutrition, health and feed biosafety.

CVM graduate student Prabhu Joshi receives K-State’s prestigious Sarachek Fellowship

Prabhu Joshi, a Ph.D. candidate in pathobiology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Alvin and RosaLee Sarachek Predoctoral Honors Fellowship at Kansas State University. Considered one of the university's most prestigious graduate student honors, it was created by the late Alvin Saracheck from Wichita to recognize Kansas resident graduate students. Prabhu's work under Dr. Pankaj Baral has contributed to a growing understanding of how sensory nerve cells can influence the body's response to infection.

Frontier Field Trip connects students with Kansas history, agriculture and community perspectives
By Rylee Moore

During the 47th Frontier Field Trip, a group of seven students traveled to several locations in and around Hope and Abilene, Kansas, at the end of March to explore topics related to agriculture, history and community development. Led by the CVM's Dr. Justin Kastner, students learned about protecting the food supply, read historical materials, discussed watershed management and regional water conservation efforts, documented observations and reflected on their findings.

Rapid response fueled by Wildcat research, including within the veterinary college

Dr. Mike Sanderson, professor and associate director of the CVM's Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (shown speaking at a workshop), uses national-scale epidemiological models to simulate how disease moves through U.S. livestock systems. Disease does not spread randomly; it follows the same routes cattle travel every day.

"Traceability matters," Dr. Sanderson said. "It reduces both the size of outbreaks and the number of farms impacted."

Protect pets from Fourth of July stress with these helpful safety tips

To help keep pets safe and calm, Dr. Susan Nelson suggests owners plan ahead for the holiday. One of the most important steps for pet owners is keeping pets indoors when fireworks are being used, as frightened animals may try to escape the noise and commotion. Creating a safe space can help reduce stress for pets during fireworks displays. Calming supplements may help pets with mild to moderate anxiety, while pets with more severe anxiety may need prescription medication. Many products work best when started several days before the holiday.

CVM's Dr. Scott Fritz helps search for answers to water-contamination-related losses in Kansas livestock
By EMEAT

A devastating and fatal case of nitrate poisoning in Kansas has prompted researchers to evaluate whether inexpensive water test strips could help identify dangerous nitrate contamination before cattle are exposed. The incident led Dr. Scott Fritz, veterinarian with the CVM and the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, to ask a practical question: Could commercially available nitrate test strips provide a quick, affordable way to screen water sources before a disaster occurs?

Shelter Medicine teams up on Topeka homelessness project showing impact of pets
By WIBW-TV

The Topeka Street Dog Coalition and K-State’s Shelter Medicine program handed out 50 cameras to members of Topeka’s homeless population last summer to document their lives and the connection to their pets. On June 19, pictures of Topeka’s unsheltered residents with their pets were on display Friday at Topeka’s First United Methodist Church. The CVM's Dr. Ronald Orchard said this was the first of at least two public displays of the ongoing research project.

More news from the college

On May 17, Dr. Ron Orchard and the CVM Shelter Community Outreach team participated in a large-scale trap-neuter-vaccinate-return clinic in Fairbury, Nebraska. The clinics aim was to help address community cat overpopulation. The event provided spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for nearly 200 cats.

On May 30, Dr. Nate Kapaldo provided three hours of continuing education for veterinary technicians and nurses. The three sessions covered key aspects of anesthesia management.

Members of the Animal Welfare Lab recently attended the 7th International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, joining researchers and industry professionals to discuss the latest advances in cattle welfare science. Dr. Eduarda Bortoluzzi led a workshop on beef cattle pain assessment and management, highlighting current research approaches, pain mitigation strategies, and practical applications for improving animal welfare. The symposium also provided an opportunity for graduate students to share their work. Ph.D. students Jacob Schumacher and Jordana Zimmermann presented their research during the e-poster session, with Jacob earning second place for his presentation.

The Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) Region 17 and the Kansas Field Trial Association held their summer meeting June 6, featuring an invited outreach presentation by Dr. Chieko Azuma, who was invited by her research collaborator, Dr. Laura Miller, outgoing Region 17 president, to highlight KSU's clinical science and veterinary oncology services for an audience of pointing dog breeders, owners, and trainers. The session fostered community engagement, generated enthusiasm for K-State's clinical advancements, and supported future diagnostic and biological sample collection initiatives.

Dr. Santosh Dhakal received the Early Career Scholar Award at the Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) 5th Biennial International Scientific Conference in Indianapolis on May 28. This award recognizes and honors an early-career professional for “outstanding scholarly achievements and demonstrated potential for continued contributions to agriculture and allied disciplines.”

Notable and quotable

Beef Cattle Institute members Drs. Brad White, Bob Larson and Scott Fritz provide insight regarding livestock hydration. Cattle Chat: Monitoring Water Sources to Protect Herd Health - Morning Ag Clips

Dr. Bob Larson helps separate fact from fiction on one of the cattle industry’s most economically important diseases. Separating Common Myths from the Reality of Bovine Viral Diarrhea - Bovine Veterinarian

Dr. Brian Lubbers shares updates in regard to the New World Screwworm fly. No Silver Bullet: What Producers Need to Know About Screwworm Prevention and Treatment Rules - Drovers

Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian Dr. A.J. Tarpoff (2012 alumnus) gives advice on avoiding heat stress in livestock for young animal handlers. It’s fair season: Keep animals cool at county shows - Great Bend Tribune

Meet the new VHC interns

House officer ceremony recognizes mentors and seminar presentations