February 2012

AURIC, the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, will hold a launch event on Friday, Mar. 16, at the college. Based in part on a $1 million state appropriation, the program’s mission is to foster excellence in cancer research, from the laboratory to the clinic. Dr. Bruce Smith has been named as AURIC director. Membership in AURIC is open to interested faculty, students, and staff.

The CVM community is invited to a reception honoring Speaker Mike Hubbard for his instrumental role in establishing AURIC at 10:30 a.m. on Mar. 16 in the Overton-Goodwin Student Center cafeteria.

A story in the Feb. 27 New Yorker magazine and the featured story (below) regarding Burmese pythons in the Everglades has prompted worldwide attention for the Animal Health and Performance Program. The college has received numerous media inquiries, including a television station in London and NPR in Canada regarding the dog detection program.

The scenario sounds like a low-budget movie from the 1970s: Humongous snakes are on the loose, eating everything in sight. But this is real – a problem that Auburn University and its canines are helping to combat.

Auburn researchers used detection dogs in the Everglades National Park to find Burmese pythons during a recent study on ways to manage and eradicate these nonnative, invasive snakes, which are eating native wildlife, mostly mammals and birds.

For more of the story written by Charles Martin, click here.

Auburn University researchers used detection dogs in the Everglades National Park to find Burmese pythons during a recent study on ways to manage and eradicate these nonnative, invasive snakes. Holding this pregnant python are, left to right, dog handler Jason Dewitt, researcher Christina Romagosa, doctoral student Melissa Miller, and dog trainer Bart Rogers. Black Labrador retrievers Ivy and Jake, part of Auburn’s EcoDogs program, were trained to find the large snakes.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has appointed President Jay Gogue of Auburn University to the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council. The new council, comprised of prominent university presidents and academic leaders, is charged with advising the Secretary and senior leadership at the Department on several key issues.

"Dr. Gogue's extensive experience and expertise will make him a valuable asset to the Council," said Secretary Napolitano. "I look forward to working with him on these critical issues."

The new council underscores the Department's commitment to working with the academic community. In this noteworthy role, Gogue will provide advice and recommendations on issues related to student and recent graduate recruitment; international students; academic research; campus and community resiliency, security and preparedness; and faculty exchanges.

Gogue began his tenure as Auburn University's 18th president on July 16, 2007.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano visited the Auburn University Canine Detection Training Center in August 2011 for a first-hand look at bomb-sniffing dogs and the technology behind them. Left to right, Cong. Mike Rogers, Secretary Napolitano, President Jay Gogue, and Amtrak Handler Ed Ross with Zeta. 

Dr. Fred Hoerr, director of the State Diagnostic Laboratory, retired Feb. 29 after 31 years with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and Auburn University. Dr. Hoerr served the College of Veterinary Medicine, first as affiliate faculty and later as professor of avian pathology, through a joint appointment with the State Diagnostic Laboratory. He was honored with Professor Emeritus status during his retirement reception on Feb. 28.

In 2010 the American Association of Avian Pathologists selected Dr. Hoerr for the Philbro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award which recognizes research in poultry disease and health over a period of 20 years or more. In 2011 Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine presented Dr. Hoerr its distinguished alumna award. Under his leadership, the Auburn diagnostic laboratory received accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians in 2011. The maximum five-year accreditation brings Alabama up to standards, not only to other laboratories in the United States, but on an international basis.

Make the College of Veterinary Medicine part of your Twitter feed. Keep up to date on the latest information and events by following the college @AuburnVetMed on Twitter. On Facebook search for “Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.”

Attending the Feb. 1 CVM orientation session were, front row, Jamie Foster, large animal/small animal technician (Clinical Sciences); Brooke Howze, surgical services technician (Clinical Sciences); and Julia Diller, large animal/small animal technician (Clinical Sciences). Back row, Jennifer Pannell, large animal/small animal technician (Clinical Sciences); Joe Rowe, lecturer (Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology), and Corrie Pascoe, research assistant, (Equine Source Plasma Project).

Staff, faculty, residents, interns, and students are allowed to purchase Nestle Purina food from AVESS. Nestle Purina donates the food AVESS carries to help supplement the student feeding program and to help AVESS raise money to donate to the college for the benefit of the students’ education. 
A letter from Nestle Purina representative Dr. Nicholas Vaughan explaining the following changes is attached.

• To allow more people to obtain food, the limit of items allotted per person per month is 3 food items per month (including dry/canned food and Fortiflora) and 3 treat products per month. 
• Nestle Purina has suggested the price of their donated food be raised allowing more money to be donated to the college for educational purposes. A chart of the new prices is attached.
• To allow AVESS to keep better track of inventory and to assure the correct price is charged, all items will be scanned before leaving the store.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact a Nestle Purina representative or an AVESS manager.
-AVESS Manager Sarah Fredrick, Class of 2014
snh0006@tigermail.auburn.edu

From Kris Robertson Street, Coordinator of Events and Recruitment

The 105th Annual Conference takes place Apr. 12-14 at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center and at the CVM.

Keynote speakers are Auburn faculty and alumni – Dr. Brad Fields, Dr. Jim Floyd, Dr. Jacob Johnson, and Dr. Soren Rodning. During the opening session on Friday, they will discuss how veterinarians work to ensure a safe food supply for U.S. Armed Forces, the health and safety of military working dogs, and the integrity of animal agriculture in the countries they served.

For CVM faculty, staff, and students: If you do not need continuing education credit, you do not have to register for the conference, but please wear your badge when attending conference events.

If you do require continuing education hours, please register before Mar. 30. Registration is required for a CE certificate.  

View a copy of the conference schedule and register online.

For questions and more information, contact Kris Street at 844-2497 or kris.street@auburn.edu.