Dear Friends of the Cornell Wildlife Health Center,
I wanted to first extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2023! Many members of this class have manifested an unwavering passion for conservation and One Health, and we look forward to following their inspiring journeys as they continue “doing the greatest good” out in the world.
I’m also excited to share some stories on Cornell alumni who have continued on the wildlife conservation path:
Peregrine Wolff, DVM ‘84, has spent her career focused on wildlife health and its connections to public, domestic animal and environmental health, and now champions these issues as Executive Director of the Wildlife Disease Association and as a member of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council and the Women’s Engagement & Philanthropy Initiative.
Nate LaHue, DVM ‘13, shares how his veterinary experiences brought him to Namibia, Tanzania, Indonesia, and Spain before he became the veterinarian for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, where he helps protect the health of wildlife at a population level.
Alyssa Kaganer ‘13, PhD ‘21, is driven by her desire to build a healthier and more sustainable planet for wildlife, domestic animals, and people. As a Postdoctoral Associate at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, she is continuing to advance molecular tools to protect amphibians and other wildlife from emerging infectious diseases.
Please join us in celebrating both our recent and seasoned alumni!
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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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Cornell Wildlife Health Center and Wildlife Conservation Society experts joined forces to undertake an analysis that concluded that pandemic prevention requires a global taboo whereby Homo sapiens agrees to leave bats alone—to let them have the habitats they need, undisturbed. We knew enough four years ago to prevent COVID-19, but we did not act. We know even more now. While humanity’s relationships with other kinds of animals indeed merit close scrutiny, respecting bats and the habitats they need is truly the lowest hanging fruit of genuine upstream pandemic prevention—an important better-late-than-never message now that we’ve passed the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Cornell researchers have confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus in tigers and leopards in Nepal. This is significant, as the virus can cause fatal neurological disease. |
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Congratulations to Cornell veterinary student Kristina Ceres, PhD ’22, DVM ’24, whose extensive research—from the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis to population genetics of the critically endangered great hammerhead shark—led the Wildlife Disease Association to select her for a Graduate Student Scholarship Award. |
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Our AHEAD program and southern African partners are making progress towards resilient, sustainable livelihoods at the livestock-wildlife interface while exploring the impacts of veterinary disease control fencing on critical wildlife migrations. |
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Congratulations to Cornell's Dr. Krysten Schuler, who received the highest honor bestowed by the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—The Robert McDowell Award for Conservation Management Excellence. |
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The Cornell Wildlife Health Center and student-led Cornell Zoo and Wildlife Society hosted a special event featuring Ugandan wildlife veterinarian Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Conservation Through Public Health. She inspired our audience to protect wildlife and create a brighter future for endangered species and humanity. |
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In this analysis by Cornell’s Dr. Martin Gilbert, alumnus Dr. Zack Dvornicky-Raymond ’15, DVM ’19, and Dr. Jessica Bodgener, a clear case is made that disease surveillance is increasingly important for protecting tiger populations. |
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An investigation conducted by ProPublica found that deforestation could increase the risk of Ebola spilling over into people at several sites in Africa. As part of their research, ProPublica consulted with Cornell's Dr. Raina Plowright. |
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Stories from Faculty and Students |
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Photos and videos courtesy of Helen Lee, Emma Houck, and Peregrine Wolff.
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Will you partner with us to secure a healthy future for wildlife, people and planet? |
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Our critical wildlife conservation work is completely dependent upon funding we're able to raise. Will you consider making a gift to the Cornell Wildlife Health Center?
Your support literally means the world to us.
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Did you know there are many other ways to give? |
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- 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 ars1@cornell.edu. Naming opportunities can also be explored. Thank you!
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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.
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.
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