Past and current research projects:
Veterinary Workforce: CAHA faculty developed a Veterinary Workforce Dashboard that allows users to evaluate workforce requirements within the Appalachian region. The information building on the previous research on the State of Animal Health in Appalachia can be used to assess shortage areas that would qualify for the USDA Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment program and plan for emergency and disaster response. The results of this dashboard research have been presented in national and international venues and served as a model for WOAH to develop a workforce tool. We created an interactive R Shiny dashboard to analyze and visualize Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) veterinary workforce and animal population data across Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties in 13 states. By integrating county-level data on species-specific FTE needs, this project identifies critical gaps in veterinary services. Our tool provides customizable maps and an adjustable calculator tool, enabling stakeholders to assess workforce estimates in specific areas. Our data modeling and research in this space identifies deficits in access to veterinary care. In this way, our tool provides evidence for economic and policy decisions regarding agricultural productivity, animal health, and disaster preparedness across underserved regions.
Mental Health: Mental and psychological health is a significant issue impacting the veterinary profession. CAHA researchers have studied the scope of mental health issues in professional veterinary students and incorporated finding into wellness programs. In addition, global survey on mental health issues for veterinary responders was completed and the results have been used to promote the development of policies and procedures to better support the profession.
Parasites and Microbes: Parasites and microbes cause significant health problems in companion and livestock animals. If zoonotic, these microbes can cause health problems in humans too. We have investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic worms found in canine fecal samples across dog parks in Knoxville, TN and surrounding rural counties. Dog parks in rural areas had a higher rate of parasite contamination than parks in the Knoxville metro area, suggesting access to veterinary care and adherence to anthelminthic drugs may be different among folks that visit dog parks. We have also surveyed our area for ticks (Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and started screening our collection for pathogenic microbes, including: Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Babesia. Tick populations may be more genetically variable in the southeast US compared to other areas, contributing to vector disease. Central Appalachia, where northern and southern tick populations come together, may be a mixing pot for genetic variation where genetic drift, gene flow, selection, and disease ecology are most dynamic.
COVID-19: The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Emergency Veterinary Network served as a resource site for the more than 180 member countries on COIID-19 issues. More than ten LMU-CVM students with faculty advisors researched peer reviewed and grey literature and evaluated over 1200 One Health articles writing 64 summary papers for use by WOAH member countries for their COVID-19 response. The narratives were grouped into thematic areas: equine, production and working animals, companion and shelter animals, laboratory animals, zoo and wildlife, public health, and policy and legislation.
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