Speaker Biography
Alyona Michael
DVM, PhD, DACVP
Associate Clinical Professor, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Michael completed her DVM, residency, and PhD in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at Iowa State University, and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Post-residency, she cultivated a strong interest in small ruminant, bovine, and porcine diagnostics while serving as a pathologist at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (2017-2019) and Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (2019-2024) in Ames, IA. In 2024, she joined Auburn University’s Pathobiology Department to further pursue a passion for production animal diagnostics, education, and applied research
Lectures
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Oak
Demographic, Diagnostic, and Geochemical Correlates of Copper and Selenium Deficiency in Southeastern Cattle Farm Animal
This presentation summarizes a retrospective analysis of 236 bovine necropsy submissions from Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, demonstrating that copper and selenium deficiencies are widespread in southeastern cattle, contributing to ill thrift and chronic morbidity. Deficiency is common across all production stages, with potentially outsized impacts on reproductive performance. Correlation against USGS geochemical data indicates that local topsoil trace mineral concentrations do not reliably predict hepatic mineral status, highlighting the importance of herd mineral status assessment and supplementation.
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Oak
Going Whole Hog: Porcine Field Necropsy, Sampling, and Diagnostic Considerations Farm Animal
A review of swine necropsy techniques, common gross findings, sample collection, and testing considerations to maximize the diagnostic yield of field investigations.