Summer 2022


Because we need nature, and now nature needs us
Collage of wildlife health scientists and students in the field
Dear Friends of the Cornell Wildlife Health Center,

I hope you’re all enjoying your summer. First, I wanted to wish a hearty congratulations to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2022! We’re proud of what these students (now doctors!) accomplished during these challenging times, and we look forward to seeing them blaze new trails as One Health and conservation champions in the years to come.

I am also pleased to report that much of our field work has resumed and our scientists and students have been as busy as ever! I’m excited to share our latest Blogs from the Field, a collection of stories from our team as we reflect on our experiences around the world:



  • The Buzz on Bee Toxicology: We rely on bees and other important pollinators for our crops, but current agricultural practices are affecting their health. Cornell veterinary toxicologist Dr. Karyn Bischoff discusses why, and how we can help.

If you enjoy these stories, I encourage you to subscribe to our blog here [enter your email under the “Subscription” heading] so you’ll receive email notifications as soon as new blogs are posted. Or, send me a note and we’ll make sure to add you to our list!
Yours in One Health,

Steve

Steve Osofsky, DVM
Director, Cornell Wildlife Health Center
Jay Hyman Professor of Wildlife Health & Health Policy
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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At the end of a busy season researching how canine distemper virus affects Nepal’s tigers and leopards, our wild carnivore health specialist Dr. Martin Gilbert took a break to recharge his batteries with the wildlife of Bardia National Park. Turn up the volume and enjoy this peaceful moment alongside Martin!
This Nature commentary describes how decision-makers discussing landmark agreements on health and biodiversity must include four actions to reduce the risks of animals and people exchanging viruses.
Pangolin and snake in cages in a wildlife market
Student illustration of a fish
Cornell graduate Laura Donohue, DVM '22, showcases her artistic talent and passion for animals in a new book she partnered with Cornell’s Dr. Robin Radcliffe on, Wildlife Health and Disease in Conservation, featuring >100 illustrations depicting common wildlife disease cycles and their social, cultural and economic influences.
The recent H5N1 strain of avian influenza is spreading among many wild birds. Cornell’s Dr. Krysten Schuler discusses the impact of this highly virulent strain of avian flu on bald eagles.
Bald eagle on a tree
Fishing boat in the water
Cornell's Dr. Kathryn Fiorella seeks to ensure the health of fisheries by taking into account the nutritional and livelihood needs of the people who depend upon them.
Cornell’s student-run Zoo and Wildlife Society hosted its Wildlife Conservation Day, a one-day symposium devoted to education and training for students with an interest in non-domestic species.
Veterinary student assisting with rhino demonstration
Matt Marinkovich treating a rhino
In this alumni spotlight, Cornell alum Matt Marinkovich, DVM ‘14, reflects on his journey to becoming a veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo, and how Cornell shaped his experiences to pursue a career in wildlife conservation.
Stories from Cornell’s Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital
Photo collage of fox, songbird, red-tailed hawk, snow goose, and crow treated at the hospital
This time of the year is always busy for the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital, which provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for ill and injured native wild animals in the northeastern U.S. These patients also yield important insights regarding the health of local wildlife populations and of the broader environment. Check out some of their latest success stories and discoveries!
Welcome to New Faculty
We’d like to welcome two new faculty members, Drs. Emma Houck and Raina Plowright, joining our team at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Emma Houck, is a veterinarian who applies her medical knowledge to improve the health and welfare of wildlife species in managed and free-ranging environments. She provides specialized care to the animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and trains future veterinarians by connecting their traditional training to the animal kingdom’s vast biodiversity.
Dr. Raina Plowright is a veterinarian, ecologist and epidemiologist who studies the mechanisms that drive the spillover of pathogens between species. Her transdisciplinary work demonstrates that preserving and restoring wildlife habitats can stop pathogen spillover by minimizing contact between wildlife and people as well as their livestock.
Your gift literally means the world to us!
Our critical work is completely dependent upon funding we're able to raise.
Will you partner with us to secure a healthy future for wildlife, people and planet?
Did you know there are many other ways to give?
  • Make a gift of securities, including stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
  • Make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA 
  • Name us as a beneficiary of your estate or trust
  • Donate through your donor-advised fund
  • Set-up a gift annuity

Please consider supporting the Cornell Wildlife Health Center by giving online or contacting Alison Smith at 607-254-6129 or [email protected]. Naming opportunities can also be explored.
The Cornell Wildlife Health Center transforms science into impact through discovery, education, engagement, and policy to ensure a healthy future for wildlife and the environment that supports us all.

To learn more about the Cornell Wildlife Health Center, please contact Dr. Steve Osofsky at [email protected] or visit our website.

Let us know if you have any comments on this e-newsletter, and forward to a friend if you find it useful! Thank you for your support.
Cornell Wildlife Health Center | wildlife.cornell.edu | [email protected]