News

Lance Yohe, CJF, is the new farrier for the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Large Animal Clinic. Yohe has been a farrier for more than 30 years. He completed his farrier education at the Eastern School of Farriery in 1993 and became a Certified Farrier (2014) and a Certified Journeyman Farrier (2015) through the American Farrier’s Association (AFA).

An active member of AFA since 2008, Yohe served as the regional director from 2017-23 and on the executive board from 2017-22. He also served as director and vice president of the Western States Farrier Association from 2008-16.

Bats are widely recognized as the primary hosts of filoviruses, such as Ebola, yet the specific host species of ebolaviruses are not definitively known. In a study led by the University of California, Davis, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), scientists have developed a new tool to narrow down potential host species of filoviruses and better prioritize wildlife surveillance. The research is part of global efforts to prevent viral spillover between animals and humans.

Last week, the first human death as a result of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, or bird flu was reported. According to the Louisiana state health agency, “The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.”

From growing up a 3-block walk to the San Francisco Zoo and going on “stroller safaris” with her family, to becoming a Board-Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine™, Dr. Daniela Yuschenkoff’s career has recently come full circle. It was a proud moment for Dr. Yuschenkoff finding out she had passed the rigorous, 2-day exam. After over 3 years of preparation and 6 weeks of serious studying, she claimed that those two days were the “smartest I’ll ever be!”

Dr. Nicola Pusterla recently won the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Advancement in Equine Research Award, given at the American Association of Equine Practitioners annual meeting.

The Boehringer Advancement in Equine Research Award was launched in 2011 to support veterinary research that results in practical applications for insights into important equine infectious and noninfectious diseases.

Dr. Joan Dean Rowe recently won the George McConnell Award, given at the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) annual meeting.

The award recognizes a small ruminant practitioner who has given extraordinary service to both AASRP and small ruminant practice.

Dr. Rowe is a professor emeritus of population health and reproduction and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She is a past president of the AASRP and has held several leadership positions within the dairy goat industry.

Matsi the mare is safe and sound after an incredible rescue effort involving UC Davis veterinary experts, emergency responders, and animal rescue organizations from Northern California.

On December 9, 2024, Matsi, an 8-year-old American Quarter Horse-Quarter Draft cross, found herself stuck in an underground space beneath an empty rice silo.

Across California, shelters and communities are faced with unprecedented challenges to accessing essential veterinary care that helps ensure pets spend fewer nights waiting in shelters and more time happy at home. Since its launch in February 2022, California for All Animals has awarded $16.5 million in funding for spay/neuter services and $20 million for programs and services that keep pets and people together.

“Case of the Month” – December 2024

Otis, a 6-year-old pug, has not had the easiest road in life, but thanks to a devoted owner and a dedicated care team, his future seems brighter. Otis was rescued as a very young puppy by Jennifer Newman, an experienced pug owner.

As another year draws to a close, we reflect with pride on the incredible achievements and impactful work of our school. This culminating year of our 75th-anniversary celebrations has been marked by groundbreaking discoveries, significant expansions, and unwavering dedication to animal, human and planetary health.

Every winter, millions of migratory birds fly south to warmer locales, passing over California Central Valley dairies and poultry farms. Many of these wild waterfowl are carrying the virus that causes avian influenza, based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's wild-bird surveillance, says Maurice Pitesky, University of California Cooperative Extension poultry specialist in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis.

This year, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine hosted Buddy the Elf—or at least the Fair Use tribute version of him. Buddy brought the reindeer in for health checks before their big night, visiting the various areas of the school and meeting with Dean Mark Stetter along the way.

Among the herd were some unexpected members, including reindeer that looked suspiciously like cows, horses and dogs. In addition, Buddy was joined by a band of elves, who also might look familiar to people connected to the school and its students, staff and faculty.

The Ophthalmology Service recently upgraded its surgical microscope, allowing the opportunity for a never-before-performed surgical procedure at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. This cutting-edge ophthalmic technology also opens more appointment opportunities, increased specialty training opportunities for residents, and an advanced approach to compassionate care.

Whale researchers dropped a mic into the seas off southeast Alaska and recorded a humpback making a “whup”-like noise, translated roughly as a humpback hello. The next day, they lowered a speaker into the water and played the recorded “whup” back as a pod of whales passed by. One whale, a middle-aged female named Twain, responded in kind. For 20 minutes, Twain and the scientists “whupped” back and forth, 36 times in a row. Researchers even varied the timing of their calls and Twain matched their tempo.

Veterinarians play a critical role in the health and well-being of our pets. To help support the next generation of veterinarians and in honor of International Day of Veterinary Medicine, Purina has announced its donation of $4.5 million to three top veterinary schools in the U.S. to drive innovation and excellence in pet health and veterinary education over the next five years and beyond.