A Year of Extraordinary Impact

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.

Here are our top 10 highlights from 2024:

Avian Influenza Response

We continue to play a crucial role in addressing and informing the public about the spread of avian influenza, providing vital public services, expertise and guidance to California during this critical time.

Bird Flu Is Infecting More Mammals. What Does That Mean for Us?

Read this New York Times article about how the school is tracking the virus internationally.

Expanding Our Facilities for Advanced Care

We significantly expanded our Veterinary Medical Complex with the opening of the state-of-the-art Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center, focused on orthopedics, and the innovative Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.

Discovering New Endangered Primates

The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the school’s One Health Institute made an exciting discovery in Myanmar: a new population of endangered Skywalker Gibbons. The find will contribute to vital conservation efforts.

Championing Diversity in Veterinary Medicine

The Class of 2028 is the school’s most diverse class to date, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity within the veterinary profession. In addition, the school was recognized with the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

Responding to the Park Fire

The school’s California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) mobilized to provide crucial veterinary care for animals caught in the Park Fire.

Southern California Expansion

Thanks to the generous support of Janice K. Hobbs, the school began construction on a building to expand UC Davis’ services in Southern California.

First Human-to-Whale Conversation

In a story that was covered extensively in the media, scientists believe they’ve had the first documented human-whale communication, conducted in the waters of Southeast Alaska.

Construction Begins on Bird Flight Research Center

The new center, funded through a $3 million federal grant, is a collaboration between the school and the College of Engineering. Located at the California Raptor Center, the center will use motion capture and photogrammetry technologies to image birds in flight and create 3D models of the wing shapes to inform the design and capabilities of the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems.

FIP Vaccine Progress

Our researchers achieved a major milestone with the development of a vaccine for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), offering hope for countless cats worldwide.

Saying Goodbye to 75

The school’s 75th anniversary wrapped up with a gala in June that featured celebrity champion figure skater Brian Boitano and raised nearly $850,000 for scholarships. The school also announced that it raised almost $470 million as a part of the university’s Expect Greater campaign, which wrapped up in September.

We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and supporters who make this important work possible. Donations have helped propel many advancements in the school, including the development of novel treatments, the construction of facilities, diversifying our classes and keeping debt low for all students, and many others. You can learn more about how philanthropy supports the school in our giving pages.

Thank you for being a part of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine community. Here’s wishing you a paw-some 2025!