1. Chinnadurai Returns from Marine Mammal Center — and Marries
Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai (Zool. Resident ’09) recently returned to Raleigh having completed his marine mammal rotation with The Marine Mammal Center in Ft. Cronkhite, California. While in California he had the opportunity to work with many of the major health issues affecting Pacific pinnipeds in addition to valuable necropsy experience with a wide variety of marine mammals.
The good doctor returns to North Carolina just in time to help his wife to be, Dr. Amy Wrenn, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Keith Wren put the final touches on their wedding held this past weekend, Saturday June 16th, in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. A delightful morning ceremony and the opportunity to meet Dr. and Mrs. Govidaswamy Chinnadurai, Sathya’s parents, was enjoyed by all.
Luckily, Dr. Wrenn, herself a veterinarian, was understanding when Sathya had to pack and fly out to Anchorage on Sunday to be ready to go into the field with Dr. Dan Mulcahy. He will be helicoptering into the Andreafsky Wilderness just south of Norton Sound (across from Nome) where he will be implanting bristle-thighed curlews (a threatened species) with satellite transmitters.
2. Thirty-first Aquavet Summer Comes to a Close
The 31st offering of Aquavet winds down this week at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. Aquavet is the longest running aquatic veterinary training program for veterinary students and graduate veterinarians in North America and is jointly sponsored by Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania.
This is the last Aquavet to be directed by Dr. Lester Khoo (NCSU Pathology Residency and PhD) prior to his return to Mississippi State University as a full professor of aquatic pathology. NCSU Faculty instructing in this year's program were Dr. Craig Harms (sea turtle aquaculture and sea turtle necropsy lab), Dr. Greg Lewbart (tropical fish culture, diagnostic and treatment techniques for aquarium fish, closed aquaria systems, and reptile medicine) and Dr. Rick Linnehan (alternative careers in veterinary medicine).
Kelly Britt (DVM ‘09) completed this year's advanced Aquavet II program and is now working in the Marine Metabonomics Laboratory at CMAST studying the lipid profiles of coral.
3. Major Willens Reports in from Iraq
Major Scott Willens (PhD ’05) finally arrived at Forward Operating Base Kalsu in the northern part of Babil Province Iraq on 1 June to work for the Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, after a month of training at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, CONUS Replacement Center at Ft. Benning (Georgia), Camp Buehring (Kuwait), and the U.S. Embassy Baghdad.
As Senior Veterinary Advisor for the HHC, 4th BCT (ABN), 25th ID – EPRT, he will be working on building local capacity for governance, rule of law, agriculture, public health, and other areas in Iraq. He hopes to make a difference by working with local ministries and veterinarians to establish opportunities for Iraqi veterinarians to work in public health, environmental, and production animal roles among other goals. He can be contacted by email at scott.willens@us.army.mil
4. Feral Cat Spay/Neuter at Cmast
The NCSU/CVM mobile surgery hospital will be parked behind CMAST in Morehead City Friday and Saturday June 29 and 30, 2007 for a feral cat spay/neuter event in conjunction with the Beaufort Community Cat Project. Dr. Kelli Ferris, the faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences who runs the Community Practice Mobile Unit will be coordinating the event with the able assistance of Dr. Craig Harms.
5. Big Green Bus Has Emc Connections
Dr. Sally Davis (DVM ’07 and Pathology Resident) returned from a two week Avian Influenza Epidemiology Training Workshop in Indonesia held in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia just in time to get involved when the Big Green Bus Show-n-Tell of Green Technology reaches Raleigh. Fourteen (14) Dartmouth College students are traveling cross-country on a school bus converted to run on used vegetable oil, demonstrate the cutting-edge and yet practical green technology, foster awareness about current global energy issues, create dialogs about tangible solutions to those problems, and promote the use of sustainable energy through education and example. To read more go to www.thebiggreenbus.org/
The Big Green Bus will make a stop in Raleigh to conduct a green tech demonstration to the NC legislators and the general public at the Legislature Building from noon to 1:30pm on Thursday, June 21, 2007. Afterwards, the Big Green Bus and crew will move to the NC Division of Water Quality's Environmental Science Lab at 4401 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, where a special Environmental Education session with live demo and Q&A will proceed starting at 3:00 PM. The environmental education session is open to all interested NCDENR employees and the general public.
6. Accident in London Sidelines Whittier
EMC’ers will be grateful to hear that Dr. Chris Whittier (PhD Candidate) is recovering well from injuries he sustained last week.
The injuries were severe and included a fractured right femur, fractured mandible, probable basilar skull fracture, fractured ribs bilaterally, and a plethora of more superficial cuts and abrasions. His wife Dr. Felicia Nutter (Intern ’95, Wildlife Resident ’99, PhD ’05) rushed to London from California and reports that Dr. Whittier is “remarkably OK, all things considered”, and seems to have escaped lasting neurologic and abdominal damage.
He is expected to have a long stay in London (4 weeks in the hospital and another 2 to 4 weeks before he can fly). Efforts are in place to have materials available to him so he can work on his dissertation writing once while he is tied down. Get well soon.
Errata
We forgot to mention Dr. Dave Rotsetin’s contributions to the IAAAM meeting in our last issue. Dr. Rotstein was the keynote speaker at the IAAAM Pathology Slide Session on Saturday, May 5th.
EMC WEBSITE
http://emc.ncsu.eduRecent Funding and Publications
Publications
Smith, S. A.,, M.K. Stoskopf. 2007 The Art of Amphibian Science. ILAR Journal 48(3):179-182.
Cynthia Marshall Faux and Kevin Padian The opisthotonic posture of vertebrate skeletons: postmortem contraction or death throes? Paleobiology, 33(2), 2007, pp. 201–226.
Download the PDF
Valentine KH, Harms CA, Cadenas MB, Birkenheuer AJ, Marr HS, Braun-McNeill J, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. 2007. Bartonella DNA in loggerhead sea turtles. Emerg Infec Dis 13: 949-950.
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Bronson, E., M. Bush, T. Viner, S. Murray, S. M. Wisely, S. L. Deem. 2007. Mortality of Captive Black-Footed Ferrets (Mustela nigripes) at Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park 1989-2004. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):169-176.
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Harvey, J.W., M.R. Dunbar, T.M. Norton, M. J. Yabsley 2007. Laboratory Findings in Acute Cytauxzoon felis Infection in cougars (Puma concolor couguar) in Florida. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):285-291.
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Sykes, J.M., M. M. Garner, L.L. Greer, N.P. Lung, R. L. Coke, F. Ridgley, M. Bush, R. J. Montali, B. Okimoto, R. Schmidt, J.L. Allen, B. A. Rideout, P.A. Pesavento, E. C. Ramsay. 200 Oral Eosinoophilic Granulomas in Tigers (Panthera tigris) – a collection of 16 Cases. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):300-308.
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Brown, D. R., L.D. Wendland, D. S. Rotstein 2007 Mycoplasmosis in Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):348-351.
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Alumni Publications
Nolan, M.W., S. A. Smith 2007. Amphibian Resources on the Internet. ILAR Journal 48(3):290-296.
Smith, S. A. 2007. Compendium of Drugs and Compunds Used in Amphibians. . ILAR Journal 48(3):297-300.
Harvey, J. W., K. E.Harr, d. Murphy, M. T. Walsh, E. J. Chitticik, R. K. bonde, M. O. Pate, C. J. Deutsch, H.H. EDwards, E. M. Haubold. 2007. Clinical Biochemistry in Healthy Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):269-279.
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Brenner, D., R. S. Larsen, R. F. Wack, D. Agnew, D. Imai. 2007 Concurrent West Nile Virus and Mycobacterium avium Infection in a Black-Necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 38(2):357-362.
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Submit your publications and grant awards to Dr. Stoskopf so they can be included in the EMC NEWS
Opportunities
Opportunities for jobs have become so numerous that it is difficult to keep the listings current. To help with that, the following links take you to listings of job opportunities that might be of interest to EMC'ers. Positions not appearing on these lists are noted individually below.
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians
National Wildlife Health Center
National Wildlife Research Center
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
More Opportunities
AQUARIUM VETERINARIAN
South Carolina Aquarium. Seeking a DVM or VMD graduate from an accredited university with experience working at a public aquarium or related facility who possess all required licenses to practice veterinary medicine in South Carolina. The person in this position will be responsible for the health of the living collection (with special emphasis placed on small mammals, birds and reptiles) at the South Carolina Aquarium including being the primary health care provider for the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program. They will work closely with the husbandry staff as an educator and involve them whenever possible., and coordinate clinical research. For additional information contact Jason Crichton, Director of Husbandry & Facilities, South Carolina Aquarium, Phone: (843) 579-8595; email: jcrichton@scaquarium.org ; Website: www.scaquarium.org
DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL HEALTH
The New England Aquarium is seeking an energetic and experienced veterinarian to provide direction for its Animal Health and Rescue/Rehabilitation programs.The Director will be responsible for setting strategic priorities; managing staff and budget; and collaborating with research, conservation, and education programs. The director will also share emergency clinical coverage with staff veterinarians. The Director of Animal Health position requires a minimum of seven years of veterinary practice experience, including a minimum of five years in an aquarium or zoo, and a minimum of five years in a management position. A strong science background, including peer reviewed publications and an advanced degree in biological sciences is desirable. Salary is commensurate with experience; excellent fringe benefit package.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: Director of Human Resources, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399. No phone calls please. Qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
ASSOCIATE ZOO VETERINARIAN
Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, Texas, Entry level wildlife/zoo veterinarian. Part-time associate for diverse zoo collection (1200 individuals of 250 species) that includes great apes, large cats, white rhino, hoof stock, aquarium and extensive herpetarium. Also provide assistance in sea turtle medicine, wild bird rehabilitation, and other indigenous and marine wildlife projects. Maintain a high quality of life as a part-time small animal clinician with several interested local practices to make your own schedule. This is a mentored position with financial stability.
The qualified candidate must have a demonstrate interest in zoo and wildlife medicine, possess a DVM/VMD degree from an accredited institution, and be able to obtain a Texas license. Preference will be given to candidates with at least 1-2 years veterinary practice experience. Candidate must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to lift 50 pounds. Candidates should submit a letter of intent, a Curriculum Vitae and contact information for three (3) references to Dr. Thomas deMaar via email at tdemaar@gpz.org or via mail to Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520. Would like to have position filled by July 31, 2007
TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY
The University of Saskatchewan has recently initiated an innovative, interdisciplinary Master of Public Health program, and is in the process of establishing a School of Public Health. As part of this new emphasis on public health, the Department of Veterinary Microbiology is seeking applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in Public Health and Food Safety to explore the connections between livestock and human disease. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. and research experience in an area of veterinary public health. In addition, a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent) would be desirable. The initial level of appointment will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The appointee will be a key member of the university’s public health team. A high priority will be the establishment of an independent research program funded by national granting agencies. The appointee will also be expected to teach in the DVM program and in the Masters of Public Health and other related graduate programs. These teaching responsibilities may include contributions to courses in public health and food safety, disease ecology and infectious disease epidemiology. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae and the names of three referees to the address below before July 31 2007. The application must also include a statement describing the intended focus of their research. This statement should address problems related to the linkages between livestock and human disease relevant to Canada. Further information about the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology can be obtained from web sites at:
University of Saskatchewan and Western College of Veterinary Medicine
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is seeking applicants for a tenure track or clinical track faculty position in exotic pets and zoological medicine. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. A DVM degree or equivalent is required. Completion of clinical residency training and board certification (or eligibility) by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Avian Practice) or the American College of Zoological Medicine is required. Eligibility for faculty licensure in the state of Oklahoma is required. Duties will include: clinical service and teaching including oversight of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Zoo, Exotic and Wildlife service, instruction in the didactic portion of the pre-clinical veterinary medical curriculum, and Scholarly work. Collaboration with established research faculty within the College and University is encouraged. Application review will begin as they are received and the position will remain open until filled. Applications should include a letter of intent with statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three references. Inquiries or applications should be sent to: Dr. Charles MacAllister, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2042, (405) 744-8472, FAX (405) 744-6265, email: cmacall@okstate.edu.
STATE WILDLIFE VETERINARIAN
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is recruiting for a Wildlife Health Staff Specialist. The position is administratively located in the Game Division, but the expectation is that the incumbent will serve other groups within the Department (e.g., on occasion, conducting forensic analyses in support of Law Enforcement investigations). The salary range is $55,800 - 83,800, depending on qualifications, with an anticipated increase of 4-6%in the coming biennium. Interested applicants can apply on the Nevada state jobs website (NVAPPS). The position will remain open and advertised until a candidate is selected. The successful incumbent will have a veterinary degree, and preference will be shown to candidates with some experience in wildlife as well as large animal (livestock) veterinary medicine. S/he will be tasked with developing and implementing surveillance programs for a wide range of diseases, including avian influenza, West Nile (emphasis on impacts to sage grouse), transmission of disease between livestock and big game, and potential nutritional deficiencies that affect bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn. The successful incumbent will have some demonstrated experience and skill in dealing with multiple constituencies (e.g., sportsmen, livestock producers, non-governmental organizations, general public). In addition, s/he will be the Department's representative to state and federal interagency working groups that focus on zoonotic disease transmission. ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER 2898, Posted 02/01/07. Direct Inquiries to:
KRISTINA ROSS, (775)688-1522 or email krisr@ndow.org
or visit this site.
FELLOWSHIP IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ENDOCRINOLOGY
The San Diego Zoo's center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species is offering a one-year fellowship that may interest some of your students. The candidate we're seeking will have sufficient experience in endocrinology and chemistry to design and begin to develop semi-quantitative immunochromatographic hormone assays for field application. The full job description can be viewed on the Zoo's website.For further information contact
Barbara S. Durrant, Ph.D, Associate Director CRES, Phone 760-291-5436, email bdurrant@sandiegozoo.org.
Chief Veterinarian and Vice President
Wildlife Health Sciences, Wildlife Conservation Society. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a global conservation organization and one of New York City’s premier cultural institutions, is seeking to fill the position of Chief Veterinarian and Vice President of Wildlife Health Sciences. Since its founding in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, WCS has been dedicated to saving wildlife and wildlands through science, conservation, education and the management of the largest system of urban wildlife parks in the United States. The Chief Veterinarian and Vice President answers to the Senior Vice President of Living Institutions, a division of WCS which includes the world-renowned Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Central Park Zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo and the Queens Zoo. Together these parks encompass over 300 acres and approximately 20,000 animals of 1,400 species. The Chief Veterinarian and Vice President of Wildlife Health oversees some 50 conservation health professionals in achieving mission critical goals for the Wildlife Conservation Society in the departments of Clinical Care, Pathology and Field Veterinary Programs. The Chief Veterinarian leads this dedicated group in the provision of the highest quality of health care for animals in the WCS collections and for providing conservation health services and research at the interface of people, domestic animals and wildlife around the globe. The qualified candidate will have 5 years or more of administrative and supervisory experience in a high volume, complex and diverse animal health practice, an in-depth understanding of wildlife health issues as they relate to conservation, experience with policy development and a proven track record of fundraising from philanthropic and government sources. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. The Wildlife Conservation Society is an equal opportunity employer. To apply via email please send letter of interest and CV to: sgonzalez@wcs.org or send via postal mail to: The Wildlife Conservation Society; Human Resources Department; 2300 Southern Boulevard; Bronx, NY 10460; Attention: Sandra Gonzalez **Please note: the deadline to apply for this opportunity is Friday June 15th 2007**
EXOTIC ANIMAL CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR
University of Georgia, to assist current faculty with the exotic animal, wildlife and zoological service at the University of Georgia from mid-May to mid-October. The service consists of 1 full-time faculty person (myself), 1 full-time intern, 1 dedicated technician, 2-3 part-time assistants, and 1-4 students on elective rotation. When the faculty is off-clinics, the Instructor would have sole responsibility for intern/senior student teaching and seeing first opinion and referral clinical cases within a well-equipped university teaching hospital. Interested clinicians should have a minimum of 4 years experience in exotic pet medicine, and be comfortable performing standard diagnostic and surgical procedures (although specialty surgical support is available). Emergency calls are typically handled by the intern. Salary negotiable and to be determined if a candidate can be identified. Please contact Steve Hernandez-Divers directly at SteveDZooVet@aol.com if you are interested. For more information on the service, please visit www.vet.uga.edu/zoo
Support the EMC through Amazon.com and IGIVE.COM
Amazon.com:
Amazon.com is now supporting the EMC by donating a percentage of the cost of each purchase made by anyone who shops at their online mega store by entering through a special link on the EMC WEBSITE. So, if Amazon.com is part of your life, you can help support the great programs of the EMC everytime you shop. But remember, it only counts if you enter through the web portal on our own website at www.friendsofemc.org.
iGive:
If you shop online for anything at all, consider joining igive.com and shopping through them. If you register your preference to help the Environmental Medicine Consortium, a small percentage of the amount of each of your purchases is returned to the Environmental Medicine operating fund. Even the little purchases add up, and it is relatively painless. The cost of your purchase is the same. Participating stores simply make donations based on your purchase amounts.
If you join iGive.com and make a purchase within 45 days from one of 642 or so participating stores, iGive.com will donate an additional $5 FREE to the EMC.
HOW IT WORKS
- Join to Support Environmental Medicine Consortium by going to the iGive site.
- Shop the Mall at iGive.com