The
National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Dr. Julie Smith,
UVM Extension Dairy Specialist, an Agriculture and Food
Research Initiative (AFRI) grant which proposes to accomplish the
following objectives: 1) develop biosecurity plans for use during
highly contagious animal disease emergencies; 2) identify incentives or
other support that would permit compliance with strict biosecurity
measures; 3) encourage adoption of protocols to control or monitor
access to farm facilities, and 4) promote model biosecurity plans for
use in highly contagious animal disease emergencies. Dr. Smith
will be leading this dairy research and extension project in
collaboration with Dr. Robert Parsons, UVM Extension Agricultural
Economist, of the Department of Community Development and Applied
Economics, and Ellen Rowe, Ed.D., UVM Extension Community and
Leadership Specialist. The project is scheduled to begin in
January 2010.
Associate Professor and UVM Extension Equine
Specialist, Dr. Betsy Greene, was recently presented with the
eXtension's "Individual Achievement Award" at the eXtension National
Conference held in St. Louis, MO. An online resource, eXtension,
pronounced "e" extension, is an educational partnership of 74
universities in the US which provides the public with objective and
research-based information and learning opportunities. Professional
educators with expertise in specific areas join together to form a
community of practice, providing educational resources to the public.
Dr. Greene's community of practice, HorseQuest, provides reliable and
up-to-date horse information in equine science and management. 
The
long-term goal of the Kerr lab research is to identify genetic
differences between animals in their ability to resist mastitis
(infection of the mammary gland). This disease is the most costly
infectious disease of dairy cattle, affecting both the quality and
quantity of milk produced. Infectious disease must also be controlled
to ensure the welfare and longevity of dairy animals. The Kerr lab has
recently received a national grant from the USDA's Agriculture and Food
Research Initiative (AFRI). The AFRI award is to continue this research
into natural disease prevention mechanisms.
Students in Animal Science may develop a program of study under one
of four available options:
Dr. John Barlow, ASCI
Research Assistant Professor, will be conducting a seminar consisting
of 8 classes in the spring to prepare students for vet school.
ASCI 298D is designed to improve the student's understanding of the
veterinary profession and the application process for admission to
veterinary school. Last modified December 22 2009 03:11 PM
