CVM News

Jun 22, 2026

Cat Considerations: Auburn feline expert shares adoption tips during Adopt-A-Cat Month

While Dr. Diane Delmain fully believes “nothing is cuter than a kitten,” there are other factors to consider when bringing a new cat into your home. June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, an initiative of the American Humane Society to help cats find loving homes during kitten season.

Jun 16, 2026

Drawn in by ‘Messi Mania,’ soccer fans find beauty in AU tradition

Known to legions of social media followers as “Freddy,” a German soccer tourist sharing Charles Kuralt-meets-Jack Kerouac style slices of Americana captured the blend of bewilderment and awe that thousands of first-time Jordan-Hare Stadium visitors and millions of TV viewers across South America experienced as the golden eagle Aurea completed a looping free flight before the Argentina-Iceland pre-World Cup friendly.

Jun 15, 2026

On the road and in the barn: The delicate balance of equine ambulatory care

From the wear pattern of the saddle, Sanchez Londono, clinical professor of equine field service in Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, can tell how the rider distributes his or her weight. When riders lean to a particular side, the horse subconsciously compensates by shifting its own weight. Over time, the uneven weight distribution can result in horses developing muscular imbalance, back pain, irregular hoof wear and joint inflammation.

Jun 8, 2026

What you should know about the New World screwworm fly

For the first time in more than 50 years, the New World screwworm fly has emerged as a potential threat to the $112 billion U.S. cattle industry. Two cases involving the flesh-eating parasite have been confirmed in South Texas.

Jun 1, 2026

Understanding the invisible threats on our plates

Many of us are conditioned to guard against food safety risks that we can see and smell – undercooked meat or spoiled leftovers. But, with World Food Safety Day falling on June 7, it’s worth contemplating hidden hazards we likely ingest with regularity – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” as well as agrochemicals and industrial chemicals.

May 18, 2026

From CDC to the classroom: Dr. Nickolas DeLuca joins Auburn’s Public and One Health Program

One throughline has defined Dr. Nickolas DeLuca’s career: public health doesn’t start with data or directives — it starts with people. From neighborhood engagement in metro Birmingham, Ala., during his graduate training to nearly three decades with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DeLuca has worked to build solutions alongside those most affected.

May 11, 2026

Year-round threat: 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast shows rising tick risk

Auburn University parasitologist Dr. Kathryn Reif is well acquainted with ticks and the many misconceptions that can leave pets and their humans unprotected from a growing, year-round threat. For starters, ticks don’t disappear in the winter. Many species remain active as long as temperatures are above freezing. They’re also just as likely to show up in backyards as in forests or tall grass.

May 11, 2026

Veterinary students gain hands-on experience at Atlanta outreach event

For some pet owners, the biggest obstacles to veterinary care aren’t medical. A group of Auburn veterinary students recently saw firsthand how breaking down barriers like cost, access and the fear of judgment can open doors for both pets and their humans.

May 6, 2026

CVM recognizes outstanding DVM students

Hours before celebrating its 130-member DVM graduating class, the College of Veterinary Medicine honored some of its outstanding seniors for high academic achievement and clinical excellence. The CVM presented 34 student awards recognizing general excellence, as well as clinical proficiency in such areas as surgery, small animal internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology and radiology, among others.

May 5, 2026

Caps off to the CVM’s Blood Bank donor canines

As is the case with many commencement ceremonies, the graduates really wanted to get to the after party. Molly tried on multiple occasions to wriggle out of the blue mortarboard atop her head, while Wiley enthusiastically sought out onlookers for hugs. Gumbo sat upright and dignified, patiently posing for photos. And Stella? Stella just wanted a cookie.

May 1, 2026

Maxwell earns 2026 El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Science

Fifty years ago, Dr. Herris Maxwell `78 received a piece of mail from Auburn University that changed the course of his life. It was a letter informing him that he had been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine.

May 1, 2026

2026 Bailey Awards honor ‘turtles on fence’ for career exceptionalism

Turtles (order Testudines) are remarkable for several reasons, with shells formed from more than 50 fused bones, toothless beaks, and gender influenced by temperature of the nest during incubation. While holding their breath for incredibly long periods of time certainly qualifies as a superpower, turtles cannot fly and are not known for being climbers.

May 1, 2026

Vaughan Award winner reflects on AU preparation for unexpected career

During Auburn University’s DVM orientation 25 years ago, Dr. Brad Tanner remembers he and his classmates being told that the veterinary profession might offer unanticipated avenues for talented and open-minded students.

Apr 27, 2026

Serving at the intersection of purpose and public good

As a high school student, Sydney Rookes took courses that exposed her to plant and animal science and fueled her interest in solving food insecurity through her work on an urban farm.

Apr 27, 2026

CVM graduate students earn honors from AU Graduate School

  Four Biomedical Sciences graduate students earned accolades during the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony hosted by the Auburn University Graduate School on Friday, April 24: Distinguished Dissertation Award Biological & Life Sciences Huifei Sophia Zheng “The role of hormones in the development of the adrenal gland”Dissertation Advisors: Jeff Huang and Ya-Xiong Tao Outstanding Master’s Students […]

Apr 24, 2026

Meet the CVM’s ‘Mr. Fix-It’

Affectionately called “Mr. Vern,” Vernon Beitzel came to Auburn to retire after spending more than 40 years in higher education. Now serving as the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s accommodation specialist, he spends even more of his time helping students.

Apr 21, 2026

From uncertain to unstoppable: CVM graduation marshal finds her calling

When was the last time you checked your email? For Ashley Duncan, a fourth-year DVM candidate, checking emails has revealed new experiences, learning opportunities and the highest honor of an Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine student. 

Apr 17, 2026

CVM students recognized with Algernon Sydney Sullivan, President’s awards

Two soon-to-be College of Veterinary Medicine graduates were recognized with university-level awards on Wednesday, highlighting their leadership and community impact during their time as students.  

Apr 16, 2026

Chasing the Why: Backstrom’s 4-H Past Helping Write Veterinary Future

Kaleigh Backstrom has always wanted to know the why behind everything. This curiosity made one moment as a teenager especially difficult. Waiting on the veterinarian to come treat a sick calf, Backstrom stood there, unsure about what was wrong or how to help. From the goats she loved as a child to the cattle and pigs she showed through 4-H, animals were a big part of her life. So, not having the answers in that instance did not sit right with her.

Apr 16, 2026

Fifteen CVM faculty members earn promotion and tenure

Auburn University’s Office of the Provost recently announced newly promoted and tenured faculty members from across the university. Fifteen CVM faculty members earned tenure and/or promotion.

Apr 16, 2026

On a wing and a Jordan-Hare

For a raptor in the wild, the inability to fly isn’t just an injury—it’s an emergency. Ten years ago, a female Golden Eagle was found severely hurt on the ground near Selma, Alabama.