Environmental Medicine Consortium July 17, 2007 Newsletter

In this issue

  1. Leatherback Article Makes Vet Record Cover
  2. Annual Fish Course Starts August 2
  3. Govett Joins Pomona Faculty
  4. EMC Faculty in Washington DC
  5. CMAST Spay Neuter Day
  6. Minter Takes Second at MAF Competition
  7. CMAST Open House
  8. Marsh Planting Event Scheduled
Recent Publications and Funding Opportunities – Dean at Caymans and others

EMC Website: http://www.emc.ncsu.edu

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1. LEATHERBACK ARTICLE MAKES COVER

Veterinary Record not only published a recent paper on Leatherback Turtle anesthesia by Dr. Craig Harms and coauthors, but it chose to feature one of Dr. Harms' sea turtle photographs on the cover of the current issue. To see the issue, go to the Veterinary Record website"). Another Harms photograph can be found on the cover of Southeastern Naturalist.

07 17 2007 Leatherback

2. ANNUAL FISH HEALTH COURSE STARTS IN AUGUST

The annual Fish Health Course led by Dr. Greg Lewbart and featuring lectures and hands on experiences by Drs. Craig Harms, Ed Noga, Michael Stoskopf, Jack Gratzek and George Balsiola will be held August 2-4 at the CVM in Raleigh. The course is designed for for veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, aquarium specialists, aquatic pet store owners, hobbyists, and the public.

Course participants will learn how to manage healthy ornamental fish and aquatic invertebrates as well as the fundamental principles of fish medicine. Topics covered will include water quality, re-circulating aquatic systems, diagnostic techniques, environmental diseases, infectious diseases, neoplasia, therapeutics, anesthesia, and analgesia as well as a surgery demonstration.

3. GOVETT ACCEPTS NEW POSITION

Congratulations to Dr. Pam Govett (Zool. Res. ’04) who just accepted a new position as an assistant professor at the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, California. Dr. Govett will be joining a team that includes Dr. Janis Ott-Joslin and Dr. Tracey McNamara which will be providing the zoological medicine curriculum to the DVM students at the Pomona CVM. Dr. Govett’s new address is Pam Govett, Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 W. 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766-1854.

4. EMC FACULTY IN DC

Next week several EMC faculty will find themselves in Washington DC. Dr. Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf is in the Nation’s capital working with the Committee on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events. Also on that committee is Dr. Andy Stamper. Drs. Craig Harms and Greg Lewbart are in Washington DC to present at the AVMA annual meeting being held in the capital next week.

In a session organized by Dr. Renate Reimsschussell of the FDA entitled Aquatic Animal Medicine: Practical Techniques for the Veterinary Professional, Drs Greg Lewbart and Craig Harms, joined Drs Lester Khoo, Roy Yanong, Brent Whitaker, Jennifer Matysczak and Charles Gieseker in conducting the wet labs. Dr. Ted Mashima chaired a session entitled A Plethora of Preburn-out Unique Practice Possibilities which featured EMC faculty member Dr. Diane Deresienski.

In the Pet Fish Medicine Session Dr. Greg Lewbart presented “Invertebrate Medicine” and “Advanced Diagnostic Techniques”. Dr. Lewbart was recognized was recognized for his contributions to pet fish medicine, continuing education, and particularly for his new text on invertebrate medicine by the Zoological Education Network/ExoticDVM Magazine as the Exotic DVM of the Year. Ironically, Dr. Lewbart isn't a DVM but a VMD, but nonetheless Exotic VMD of the Year.

5. CMAST HOSTS SPAY NEUTER DAY

The NCSU CVM Mobile Surgery Unit has come and gone, and the team of veterinarians, veterinary students, and technicians led by Dr. Kelli Ferris spayed, neutered and vaccinated 53 feral cats (13 males, 40 females, including 2 females from the Community College) over the course of 2 days, working with local partners Beaufort Community Cat Project (BCCP) and Island Cat Allies (ICA). Special thanks to Ernie for scores of last minute fixes and to Rick for wiring the power supply to the mobile unit.

6. MINTER WINS IN NATIONAL MAF COMPETITION

NCSU students have had great success obtaining research support through the new Mark Morris Foundation Veterinary Student Scholar Program. J.B. Minter (DVM ’08) has taken that success to a new level, having won second place in the presentation awards at the MAF annual meeting in Boulder, Colorado this summer.

JB’s poster was narrowly edged out from first place, but he took home the $1000 second place award for his poster entitled "Influence Of Extender And Packaging On Post-Thaw Survival Of Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa". JB’s work was mentored by Dr. Carlos Pintos.

7. CMAST OPEN HOUSE A SUCCESS

The first annual CMAST Open House was held July 5th. CMAST Director, Dr. David Eggleston reports that nearly 120 people attended the first ever event and that they were quite impressed by the diversity of events hosted by the CMAST faculty, staff and students. One positive outcome of the event is that it brings CMAST into the thoughts of the local community. Dr. Eggleston is looking forward to partnering with the Wolf Pack Club to host Carteret County Wolfpack Club events in the future.

8. MARSH PLANTING EVENT PLANNED

Carteret Community College (CCC) and the N.C. Coastal Federation are again looking for volunteers to help plant 4,000 marsh plants along Bogue Sound and learn about wetland restoration behind the CMAST Building in Morehead City on Tuesday, July 24, 2007. This second planting of the 2007 summer season is part of the Living Shoreline project at CCC, which includes the stabilization of an eroding shoreline fronting the NCSU College of Marine Science and Technology (CMAST) building, the restoration of coastal marsh and oyster reef habitat along 1,500 feet of shoreline along Bogue Sound, and the construction of a stormwater wetland, to pre-treat polluted runoff before it enters the water.

This project began in spring 2006; sections of the project have already been re-planted this spring and summer. This event is a re-planting of the lower marsh section of the shoreline behind the CMAST facility. The project has been made possible through generous support from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund Program, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Community-Based Restoration Program. If you are interested in helping with this last planting effort of 2007, please contact Rachael Carlyle at the N.C. Coastal Federation.

Planting will take place during a morning session only from 9am - 12pm. Come ready to plant wearing close-toed shoes that may get wet, cool clothing, and a hat, as there is little to no shade. This is an event for all ages. Please RSVP so we may give you more information. Hope to see you there! Contact: Rachael Carlyle NC Coastal Federation, Phone: 252.393.8185, Email: rachaelc@nccoast.org

EMC WEBSITE

http://emc.ncsu.edu

RECENT FUNDING AND PUBLICATIONS

Harms CA, Eckert SA, Kubis SA, Campbel M, Levenson DH, Crognale MA. 2007. Field anaesthesia of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Veterinary Record 161: 15-21.Download the PDF

Newell-Fugate, A., S. Kennedy-Stoskopf, J.L. Brown, J.F. Levine, W. F. Swanson. 2007. Seminal and Endocrine Characteristics of Male Pallas’ Cats (Otocolobus manul) Maintained Under Artificial Lighting With Simulated Natural Photoperiods. Zoo Biology 26(3):187-199.Download the PDF

Tuttle AD, Frederico L, Linder K, Gunkel C, Remick A, Redding R. 2007. Pathological fracture of the ulna due to osteosarcoma in an Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). Veterinary Record 161: 30-33.Download the PDF

Lehmann DW, Levine JF, Law JM (2007) Polychlorinated biphenyl exposure causes gonadal atrophy and oxidative stress in Corbicula fluminea clams. Toxicologic Pathology 35(3):356-365.Download the PDf

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

Wildlife Disease Association

National Wildlife Health Center

National Wildlife Research Center

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

American Zoo and Aquarium Association

More Opportunities

FISHERIES GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION
Department of Microbiology or Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon is seeking a graduate student to conduct research on the effects of a myxozoan parasite (Ceratomyxa shasta) on salmonids in the Klamath River, OR/CA. The student will work closely with State, Federal, and Tribal agencies on strategies for reducing mortality caused by this parasite in juvenile Chinook and coho salmon. Research will involve field monitoring, laboratory studies and molecular diagnostics.

The student is expected to assist in writing reports and to develop a dissertation and publish results in high quality journals. Must have a B.S. in Microbiology, Fisheries, or a closely related field. The student must have a strong interest in Fish Health, Disease Ecology or Epidemiology research, a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are required and will be considered. Eligibility requires admission into Microbiology or Fisheries science graduate degree programs and applicants must apply to the Graduate School through the OSU Graduate Admissions Office: Salary: $21,000 plus full tuition and 75% subsidy toward graduate-assistant health insurance premium. Contact: Send CV (please include GPA and GRE scores) and letter of interest to Jerri Bartholomew, Department of Microbiology, Nash Hall 220, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; or Email: bartholj@science.oregonstate.edu
Phone: (541) 737-1856. Website or this link.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, MARINE SCIENCE/AQUARIUM SCIENCE
Savannah State University, a unit of the University System of Georgia, located in Savannah, Georgia, seeks a faculty member to serve as lead instructor for a new aquarium science certificate program. The position involves developing and teaching new courses (e.g. Aquaculture/aquarium systems design and life support, Nutrition, disease and health management, Water and environmental quality, Aquarium science internship), possible other relevant teaching assignments, developing advertising and recruitment materials and recruiting, coordinating student internships at partner national, regional, and/or local public aquaria, and contributing to implementation of a Savannah State University/The Georgia Aquarium Cooperative Agreement. We seek an individual who can also advise undergraduate students, graduate students, and develop research programs. Applicants should have earned a Ph.D. degree in a field related to marine sciences.

Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience; excellent benefits. Marine Science degree programs, faculty, and other information are all available at this site.

Review of applications will begin September 4, 2007. Position begins in January 2, 2008. Send application including a current curriculum vita, names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, and a letter summarizing research/teaching experience, career goals, and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate classes currently offered at SSU to: Chair, Marine Science Faculty Search Committee, Post Office Box 20600, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA 31404

ASSISTANT EXTENSION/RESEARCH PROFESSOR, FOOD SCIENCE
Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center is seeking applicants for an Extension/Research, non-tenure track position based in Biloxi. This person is responsible for development and coordination of research & extension programs focusing on fisheries food processing, food safety, and related topics. Additionally, this person will be responsible for managing the Experimental Seafood Processing Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Ph.D. in Food Science or closely related discipline. Candidates that are ABD will be considered. For a complete position description, visit: https://www.jobs.msstate.edu/ and search under Coastal Research and Extension Center. Review of applicants will begin August 15, 2007 and continue until position is filled. Applicants should apply online and submit a detailed vita. Official transcripts and three letters of reference should be mailed to: Dr. Patricia R. Knight, Head, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532. Candidates should complete the Personal Data Information Form on line. Requests for additional information can be made to tricia@ra.msstate.edu or 228-388-4710.

RESEARCH COORDINATOR - COASST
(Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team - www.coasst.org) is a citizen science project dedicated to involvement and action, using marine birds as environmental indicators. With beaches throughout the coastal areas of the North Pacific, COASST volunteers provide long-term baseline data on seabird beaching, used to assess the patterns and causes of seabird mortality. More than 400 trained volunteers now monitor over 250 sites in coastal Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

Responsible for maintaining daily operations of the COASST office; develop and refine data collection protocols for 400 COASST volunteers; verify accuracy of data collected by volunteers; produce audience-specific communications products including quarterly newsletters and an annual report for volunteers, conservation alerts, and public presentations; grant writing and budgeting; assisting in data analyses and writing for scientific publications; and working on special projects including new field keys, and dedicated short-term volunteer data collection efforts. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology/related field plus at least one year of related experience, demonstrated database experience, demonstrated organizational skills to include managing multiple tasks and establishing clear priorities in a highly dynamic environment, excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated success in communicating with a variety of audiences, flexible and available for travel for collection and volunteer coordination including occasional nights and weekends, ability to lift/move up to 60 pounds. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website. The listing and links to application can be found here. Applications must be submitted through the University of Washington employment website. Req#33997

DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
St. Matthew’s University, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Job website: www.stmatthews.edu St. Matthew’s SVM is an AVMA listed school, whose charter class began in September, 2005. Students spend 7 semesters on Grand Cayman Island, then move to the United States for the clinical year at one of several AVMA-accredited veterinary schools.

At present, the school is noteworthy for high faculty-to-student ratio, for excellent living conditions on Grand Cayman Island, and for rewarding teaching opportunities. The addition of a new, 5500 square foot clinical teaching facility adds greatly to the potential for development of the hands-on aspect of the preclinical program. Applicants must have a D.V.M, M.D. and/or a Ph.D.degree (or equivalent), demonstrated excellence in scholarly activity and research; experience in teaching and mentoring students; and must meet the University requirements for appointment as a full professor. Administrative experience is highly desirable. Contact: Human REsources, Orlando, FL, St. Matthew’s University, Cayman Islands email: HR@stmatthews.edu.

PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Departmental website: The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University invites nominations and applications for the position of Professor and Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences. The School seeks an academic leader who will foster intellectual productivity and collegiality within a talented group of basic scientists, anatomical and clinical veterinary pathologists, and educators. The ideal candidate`s research should complement school strengths in liver/gastrointestinal diseases, pulmonology, reproductive biology, or infectious diseases. He/she will cultivate an environment of excellence in research, clinical service and teaching at departmental and school levels. He/she will also interface effectively with a dynamic biomedical and life sciences community of scholars and educators throughout the University, and promote communication and cooperation with internal and external constituents. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a short letter describing their qualifications and administrative philosophy, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references. All nominations and applications should be submitted electronically to Dr. George Saperstein, Chair, Search Committee at george.saperstein@tufts.edu. Application review will begin August 15, 2007 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions, e-mail or call 508-839-8725.

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: http://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 the web site.

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL PROFESSOR OF EXOTIC PETS AND ZOOLOGICAL 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.

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

  1. Join to Support Environmental Medicine Consortium by going to the iGive site.
  2. Shop the Mall at iGive.com