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UC Davis names director of One Health Institute
Dr Michael Ziccardi.

Dr Michael Ziccardi to lead the OHI into its next phase. 

Wildlife vet and epidemiologist Dr Michael Ziccardi has been appointed executive director of the One Health Institute (OHI) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr Ziccardi will serve a five-year-term through to July 2025, leading the OHI in its mission to solve complex problems impacting health and conservation such as zoonotic disease emergence, food insecurity and biodiversity loss.

The largest research centre in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the OHI has been at the forefront of the global response to COVID-19, providing legislative guidance in the U.S. as well as laboratory support and workforce training in some of the least resourced regions of the world.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Ziccardi said: “This new leadership opportunity is truly an honour. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, society has experienced first-hand the key importance of pursuing large-scale issues with a One Health focus, as well as the amazing expertise and cutting-edge science that OHI staff and faculty continues to bring to the problem.

“I look forward to helping keep the OHI at the forefront of critical global health issues, and also exploring how we can better use our skills to address other societal problems.”

Dr Ziccardi holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine, a master’s degree in preventive veterinary medicine and a PhD in epidemiology. As a Professor of Clinical Wildlife Health in the Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, Ziccardi also teaches globally on wildlife health and conservation.

Dr Ziccardi maintains an active research program investigating emergency response involving animals in crisis and the One Health effects of petroleum in the environment. He currently serves as Chair of the NOAA Working Group for Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events as well as the industry-funded Global Oiled Wildlife Response System.

Jonna Mazet, founding executive director of the One Health Institute, commented: “I enthusiastically welcome Dr Michael Ziccardi as the OHI’s new leader. I anticipate great success as he leads the OHI into its next phase, pursuing a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable future for humanity and the planet.” 

Image (C) UC Davis.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

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With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

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Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.