The University of Illinois had a notable presence at a joint meeting of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians in Toronto, Canada, in September 2024. Students and a professor from the College of Veterinary Medicine received awards, and many more gave presentations at the event.
Illinois honorees included:
- Dr. Jennifer Langan received the Emil Dolensek Award, presented by the AAZV. Dr. Langan, a clinical professor, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the conservation, care, and understanding of zoo and free-ranging wildlife. For more than 20 years, Dr. Langan has been a college faculty member working full-time on location at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
- Dr. Danielle Lang, a third-year Illinois and Aquatic Animal Resident (IZAAR), received first place in the AAZV Graduate Student Manuscript Competition. Her presentation was titled: Development of a validated quantitative PCR assay and fungal culture for advanced diagnosis of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).
- Dr. Ellen Haynes and Dr. Mike McEntire were both recognized in the American College of Zoological Medicine Resident Manuscript Competition for their manuscripts in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. Dr. Haynes’ manuscript was titled: Controlled clinical trial using terbinafine nebulization to treat wild Lake Erie watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum) with ophidiomycosis. Dr. McEntire’s manuscript covered: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral ponazuril in the treatment of systemic isosporosis in passerine birds.
A total of 157 abstracts were presented at the meeting. Current or former Illinois students, faculty, and residents accounted for one-fourth of all presentations.
Current Illinois students, house officers, and faculty gave 26 presentations at the event. University of Illinois alumni gave 14 presentations. A variety of topics were covered, from the general health of zoological animals to assessments of specific species ranging from African-painted dogs to sea turtles.
By Haley Maser
Pictured in the featured photo, from left to right:
- Dr. Matt Allender, Illinois Clinical Associate Professor, Director of the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab
- Dr. Tom Meehan, Vice President of Veterinary Services, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
- Dr. Jennifer Langan, Illinois Clinical Professor & honoree
- Dr. Mike Adkesson, President & CEO, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Illinois Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
- Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai, Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Welfare & Science, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
