THE
ARK
WESTERN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
VETAVISION 2007
WCVM students showcase
the variety-packed world
of veterinary medicine
WINTER 2007
inside
4
Bench PRESS
A spotlight on WCVM’s recent research
feats.
6
CHINA: From Hand Tools to
High-Tech
Canada’s veterinary and agriculture
deans meet their Chinese counterparts.
8
Inside MOVES
WCVM’s construction crews move inside
as some projects reach the finish line.
10 WCVM & Beyond
Students, employees and alumni make
the regional and national news.
12 Health SOURCE
College experts help to educate the
public.
14 College BEAT
A roundup of WCVM’s news and
achievements.
Front cover: Fourth-year veterinary students
Reagan Wizbicki and Kent Weir will help to
showcase the variety-packed world of veterinary
medicine during Vetavision 2007. Photo: Mike
Raine.
ARK THE
The Ark is produced twice a year by the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine. To learn
more about WCVM, visit www.wcvm.com.
Please send comments to:
The Dean’s Office, WCVM
University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4 CANADA
Tel: 306.966.7451
Fax: 306.966.8747
ralph.hildebrandt@usask.ca
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Class of
2010
On September 29, 72 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2010 (above) took
part in the College’s annual white coat ceremony during its fall awards program. Each first-year student received
two gifts: a personalized white lab coat from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and a stethoscope from
the provincial veterinary medical association in the student’s home province. As the regional veterinary college for
Western Canada, all of WCVM’s undergraduate students are residents of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or
the North.
During the same evening, WCVM presented more than $107,000 in scholarships and awards to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff at its annual fall awards program (please visit www.wcvm.com/
news to view a list of award recipients).
Thanks to donors’ generosity, most undergraduate veterinary students receive some form of scholarship or
bursary during their four years at WCVM. However, financial concerns are still a constant stress for many veterinary
students who live away from the support of their families and communities. In response, WCVM continues to work
at increasing financial support for its students — particularly in the area of increasing the number and value
of bursaries. While most scholarship awards are based on a range of criteria that reflects the views or purposes of
the donor, bursaries are awarded based on students’ financial need. “When we talk to potential donors, we try to
emphasize the importance of bursaries which can potentially benefit a greater number of students,” explains Dr.
Jeremy Bailey, associate dean, academic.
For more information about WCVM’s scholarship and bursary programs, please contact Karen Barrett,
WCVM’s student services co-ordinator, (306-966-7326; karen.barrett@usask.ca).
Dr. Harold C. Struthers Memorial Scholarship
A number of people whose families, businesses or organizations sponsor particular WCVM awards
or scholarships also attended the evening — including members of Dr. Harold Struthers’ family. A 1954
graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, Struthers practised veterinary medicine in Ogema, Sask.,
and the surrounding rural municipalities for 40 years. During his respected career, Struthers was part
of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s council for a number of years and served as SVMA
president in 1960. He also represented SVMA members on a number of committees with the Canadian
Veterinary Medical Association — an organization of which he was a life member. Struthers received the
Confederation Medal as well as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal that recognizes an individual’s outstanding
community volunteer efforts and dedication. Struthers passed away at the age of 75 on September 26,
2004. In his memory, the Struthers family
established the Dr. Harold C. Struthers
Memorial Scholarship in Large Animal Practice
— a $1,000 award that is annually presented to
a senior-year student who has demonstrated
excellence in large animal medicine and
surgery, and whose intentions are to pursue
a career in large animal practice. This fall,
Struthers’ daughter Catherine (at right)
proudly presented the award to Kerri-Rae
Sprott (left), a fourth-year veterinary student
from Miami, Man. Catherine and her husband
David accompanied her mother, Bea, to the
WCVM awards night.
VETERINARY VARIETY SHOW: Spend a few
hours at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s
Vetavision 2007 and Kent Weir promises that you’ll
go home with a new appreciation for the various roles
that veterinarians play in societies around the world.
“One message that we emphasize is that there’s
so much out there in the veterinary profession,” says
Weir, a fourth-year veterinary student and member of
Vetavision’s organizing committee.
“Yes, we take care of companion animals and
livestock on farms, but we also play critical roles
in protecting wildlife and other animal species on
earth. Plus, we work closely with other professions to
protect our environment — and the lives of humans. It’s
different than the traditional view of veterinarians,
but the reality is that we’re the overall caretakers for
ecosystem health.”
Vetavision, which is organized and operated
by WCVM students every three years, allows people
of all ages to learn more about that variety-packed
world of veterinary medicine. The four-day public
exposition will take place from March 22 to 25, 2007,
in and around WCVM’s facilities that are located on
the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon,
Sask.
Student organizers expect nearly 10,000 people
of all ages to tour through the show’s displays,
“Kiddies Korral” (a petting zoo for kids), daily talks,
labs and other animal care facilities. Veterinary
students also offer daily tours for groups from local
schools, and 4-H and Pony Clubs, explains Vetavision
chair Kerri-Rae Sprott, another fourth-year student.
“The tours are geared toward different ages: the
younger ones will spend more time visiting the baby
goats, kittens, dairy calves, llamas, chickens and
piglets, while the older groups will also learn more
about different aspects of veterinary medicine like
pathology, physiology, anatomy and reproduction,”
explains Sprott.
Visitors will also have the chance to sit in on
talks about everything from pet care and working dogs
to a history of WCVM and presentations by students
who are part of Global Vets, a program that enables
veterinary students to explore animal health care in
other countries.
During Vetavision weekend, veterinary students
will also host a special seminar for high school
students and members of pre-veterinary clubs at
western Canadian universities who are interested in
veterinary medicine as a career choice.
Sprott says speakers from WCVM’s faculty and
student ranks will candidly describe the challenges and
thrills of veterinary school and highlight what students
need to do before filling out the WCVM application
forms. With Vetavision’s variety of displays as the
ideal backdrop, they’ll also describe the diverse range
of careers for veterinarians in private practice, public
service, research, industry and academia.
For more information about any of the activities
at Vetavision 2007, email vetavision2007@usask.ca.
A Message from the Dean
By Dr. Charles Rhodes, Dean, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
What’s going on at the College? I’ve answered that question many times over the past months,
and it’s always exciting to know that people — alumni, government representatives, businesspeople,
livestock producers, western Canadians — are interested in what’s happening at the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine.
The challenge is in giving the “quick” answer. It’s not easy to describe all of the College’s
activities and new developments during a conversation and equally as impossible in a short column
— but I’ll try to give you the highlights:
• Of course, the most visible changes at WCVM are happening right outside our windows and
down our hallways. After about two years of construction, the College’s multi-phase expansion has
reached the stage where several subprojects will be completed in the next few months. The Veterinary
Teaching Hospital’s two-storey addition and the new research wing are both scheduled to open in
early 2007. As well, clinicians, students and staff are now using the Small Animal Clinic’s newlyrenovated medical and surgical areas. For more details, make sure to read our construction update
on page 8.
• The University of Saskatchewan now offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree
program, and we welcomed the program’s first students in September 2006. While similar degree
programs can be found at other Canadian universities, no other MPH program in the country
has such close ties to a veterinary college and includes such a strong veterinary public health
component. The two-year program will rely on core courses and a 12-week practicum to prepare
students from all different backgrounds — including veterinary medicine — for challenging new
careers in public health.
• Since 2004, WCVM has been following its four-year U of S Integrated Plan as part of the
university’s campus-wide, strategic planning process. Two major initiatives identified in that Plan
were the College’s infrastructure program and the development of a Master of Public Health degree
program. With both initiatives approved and well underway, WCVM has begun work on its second,
four-year planning cycle that will commence in 2008. It’s a challenging task, but we look forward to
building a blueprint for the future that builds on the College’s established and developing strengths.
• In the past few years, all WCVM faculty members have been closely involved in revising
the College’s DVM program and curriculum — a process led by Dr. Jeremy Bailey, associate
dean, academic. Now in its final phase, WCVM will seek approval from the U of S for its revised
curriculum, and if approval is granted, our target is to implement the new program for the 2007-08
academic year. Its core-elective structure will provide students with more opportunities to develop
their interests within the increasing diversity of the veterinary profession. More emphasis will
also be given on areas such as veterinary clinical nutrition, public health, food safety and client
communications.
• WCVM continues to add new specialties and expertise to its faculty group. One of the latest
additions was veterinary medical oncologist Dr. Valerie MacDonald who joined the Department of
Small Animal Clinical Sciences in October 2006. Her expertise will help to strengthen the College’s
expertise in oncology education, research and clinical services. Another welcome addition was Dr.
John Giesy who holds the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology at the U of S and is
world-renowned for his extensive research achievements in that field.
• While the majority of WCVM’s research dollars come from federal and provincial
government agencies, we’re proud of our College’s ability to attract financial support from private
sources for research in areas such as equine and companion animal health. In August 2006, WCVM
received an impressive $1.07 million gift from a Saskatoon charitable foundation to support its
equine and companion animal health research and education programs. An additional fund raising
incentive could potentially raise another $1 million for equine health research over the next five
years.
There’s much more to tell, and you can read about some of the College’s additional
achievements and activities in the following pages of The Ark. Plus, you’re always welcome to ask
me for an update in the months ahead — I promise that we’ll have plenty to talk about. A
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$1.07-MILLION GIFT: Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé couldn’t have
come up with a better way to kick off a new academic year and a new
research season at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
On August 27, the Saskatoon couple’s charitable foundation gave $1.07
million to the College’s equine and companion animal health programs. At
the donors’ request, WCVM will direct $750,000 of the gift over the next five
years to support major, collaborative research projects that target critical
issues in horse health. As well, the College’s Equine Health Research Fund
(EHRF) and Companion Animal Health Fund (CAHF) will receive $125,000 each
to boost their annual research grant programs and student awards.
The donors have also directed WCVM to allocate $70,000 of the
donation to establish two new scholarships for undergraduate veterinary
students who have demonstrated an interest in equine or companion animal
health care.
In addition, Ryan and Dubé have pledged to “match” any new money
contributed to the fund that they created for large-scale equine health
research projects at WCVM or any increased amounts in contributions to
the EHRF during the next five years. The donors will annually contribute up
to $100,000 in matching funds — an exciting challenge that provides the
College with the opportunity to potentially raise an additional $1 million for
its equine health research programs by 2011.
“Our horses and pets are a hugely positive part of our lives, and through
them, we’ve met some exceptionally compassionate, dedicated people at
WCVM,” says Dubé, a 1985 alumnus of the U of S. “Our belief is that if we
fund world-class research right here in Western Canada, we will help to retain
and attract some of the most innovative minds in veterinary medicine. Plus,
we want our donations to work as leveraging tools for attracting additional
funds from other organizations and individuals, and for establishing
collaborative relationships with other scientists and research institutions.”
What Dubé and Ryan hope is that their offer to match new funding
dollars will encourage more horse owners, horse sport groups, breed
associations and equine businesses to “double their money” and their
support of vital equine health research at WCVM. “We really want this
donation to ‘light a fire’ in other horse owners and get them excited about
supporting equine health research,” says Ryan.
The new funding will nearly double the College’s annual equine
health research dollars for the next five years and significantly increase
its companion animal health research grants during the same period, says
Rhodes. “Having such a significant commitment in place will allow our
researchers to make real progress in developing better ways to diagnose and
treat diseases in horses and pets.”
BELOW (left to right): L. David Dubé and Heather Ryan receive a limited edition print
from U of S President Peter MacKinnon and WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes after their
Foundation’s gift announcement in Saskatoon on Aug. 27, 2006.
Press
SHRF AWARD: Dr. Lynn Weber, an associate professor in WCVM’s
Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, was among the recipients of the
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation’s Top Researcher Awards for 2006.
Weber received the Top New Investigator Establishment Grant (Biomedical)
for her research proposal that focused on the role of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke-induced vascular function. The twoyear grant is worth $40,000 per year, plus Weber received a $30,000 equipment
grant.
The SHRF awards are based on the top-scoring funded research proposals
as judged by SHRF’s scientific peer review process. This is the second year in a
row that a WCVM researcher has received this honour: Dr. Ali Honoramooz was
the award recipient in 2005.
AQUATIC TOXICITY WORKSHOP: Several graduate students from
WCVM and the U of S Toxicology Centre earned honours at the 33rd annual
Aquatic Toxicity Workshop that was held in Jasper, Alta., from October 1-4:
• PhD student Carrie Rickwood, whose supervisor is Dr. Monique Dubé
of WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, received first place in
the student platform presentation competition.
• Jorgelina Muscatello, a PhD student under Dr. David Janz’s
supervision in WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, received
second place in the student poster competition and an honourable mention for
her platform presentation.
• Naveen Puttaswamy, a PhD student under Dr. Karsten Liber’s
supervision at the U of S Toxicology Centre received an honourable mention for
her poster presentation.
Workshop organizers also announced that Saskatoon will host more than
400 delegates from across Canada during the 35th annual Aquatic Toxicity
Workshop in October 2008. Dubé and Liber will co-chair the 2008 conference
while Janz is part of the organizing committee.
WCVM AWARDS: WCVM researchers were recognized during the
college’s annual fall awards program on September 29:
• Dr. Chandrashekhar Charavaryamath (supervised by Dr. Baljit
Singh) received the Pfizer Animal Health Graduate Student Research Award.
• Associate professor Dr. David Janz received the Pfizer Animal Health
Award for Research Excellence.
• Dr. Edward Bagu (supervised by Dr. Norman Rawlings) received the
Pfizer Fellowship Award.
• Dr. Alisha Janzen (supervised by Dr. Katharina Lohmann) received
the Hope Haanen Memorial Scholarship.
• Dr. Sherry Hannon (supervised by Dr. Hugh Townsend) received the
Vétoquinol Epidemiology/Food Safety Award.
• Dr. Barbara Ambros (supervised by Dr. Tanya Duke) received the
Vétoquinol Anesthesia/Pain Management Award.
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• Dr. Samantha Ekanayake (supervised by Dr. Susantha
Gomis) received the Merial Scholarship.
• Drs. Caroline Millins (supervised by Dr. Ted Leighton),
Madhu Ravi (supervised by Drs. Dorothy Middleton and Elemir
Simko), and Kathi Ellis and Dilini Thilakaratne (both
supervised by Dr. Beverly Kidney) each received a Central Laboratory
for Veterinarians Scholarship in Pathology.
WCVM PRESENCE: Toxicology research at the University of
Saskatchewan was well-represented at the Society of Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry’s (SETAC) annual meeting for its North
American Chapter this fall. Researchers from around the world came
to Montréal in early November for the high-profile event — including
a number of faculty, students and post doctorate fellows from the U of
S Toxicology Centre, WCVM and other colleges on campus.
The volume of U of S-based research at the conference was
higher than any other research centre — including the University of
Montréal, the meeting’s host institution. Of the 1,948 research papers
presented during the meeting, U of S researchers authored 57 (nearly
three per cent) of the conference’s total presentations.
PRION RESEARCH FUNDING: Two U of S research teams
have received nearly $800,000 from PrioNet Canada to help develop
vaccines for prion diseases like bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) and to track the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in
wild deer. The U of S projects were among 10 Canadian initiatives that
received funding from the national organization in July 2006:
• Dr. Trent Bollinger is an associate professor in WCVM’s
Department of Veterinary Pathology and regional director of
the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. His research
team received $500,000 for their work in determining where deer
congregate, how they move within their habitat, and how they come
into contact with one another. Their findings will help to predict the
spread of CWD in the wild, identify risk factors such as population
density, and determine if genetics has a role to play in disease
susceptibility. The WCVM team also received a $760,000 grant from
PrioNet in 2005.
• Dr. Andrew Potter is a vaccinologist and associate director
(research) at the U of S Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
(VIDO). His team will receive $292,000 to develop vaccine technologies
that stimulate antibodies to infectious prions. The research team will
focus on an antibody-binding site that occurs on the surface of prions
in a wide variety of mammal species. This makes it an ideal target
for potential prevention and treatment of BSE, CWD and other prion
diseases. The team will use a patented vaccine system proven effective
when it’s necessary to vaccinate against a naturally occurring protein
produced by the host. That makes it an excellent candidate for use in
a prion vaccine.
SUMMER OF RESEARCH ON DISPLAY: On September
8, a team of judges congratulated Ashley Ziegler, Valerie
Millette and Milly van der Loop for presenting the top three
research posters at WCVM’s undergraduate student research poster day.
Altogether, 20 students displayed their posters in the college’s hallways
and talked about their summer research experiences to students,
faculty and staff. Guided by a faculty mentor, each undergraduate
student developed a research project, conducted experiments, and
summarized results in a research poster and report during their work
experience.
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION STUDY: WCVM scientists — the principal designers
and investigators behind a five-year, $17-million study of the possible effects of
Western Canada’s petroleum industry facilities on animal health — are drawing on the
project’s wealth of data to learn more about beef cattle production in Western Canada.
Governments of the four western provinces initiated the Western Canada Study of
Animal Health Effects Associated with Exposure to Emissions from Oil and Natural
Gas Field Facilities in 1999. The largest on-farm investigation of beef cattle herds
ever undertaken included a two-year field survey of 33,000 cattle in 205 herds located
in Alberta, Saskatchewan and northeast B.C.
Dr. Cheryl Waldner, an epidemiologist in WCVM’s Department of Large Animal
Clinical Sciences, was project co-ordinator and principal investigator for the beef
cattle productivity study. Principal investigator for the immunology and avian studies
was Dr. Mark Wickstrom, a veterinary and wildlife toxicologist in WCVM’s Department
of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.
In May 2006, the Western Interprovincial Scientific Studies Association (a nonprofit organization created to manage the study) reported that researchers found
few associations between exposure to oil and gas emissions and animal health and
productivity in cattle herds. However, scientists discovered an increase of one to two
per cent in the occurrence of calf mortality associated with exposure to sulfur dioxide.
Scientists are still analyzing the study’s data, but the mammoth project has
already produced several research “firsts” in beef cattle health:
• This is the first time anyone has conducted such an extensive field- and
laboratory-based survey of the causes of calf loss. Veterinarians conducted nearly
1,700 gross post-mortem examinations on aborted and stillborn calves, and on calves
that were born alive but died during the spring of 2002. That number represents more
than 94 per cent of the live-born calves that died in the 205 herds during the study
period.
• One of the top five post-mortem findings in aborted and stillborn calves as well
as in newborn calves that died shortly after birth was changes to the thyroid gland — a
lesion that hasn’t been described before in beef calves. Another new finding was that
damage to the heart muscle was one of the major causes of death in all age categories
of calves.
• This is the first, large-scale field study demonstrating that cattle from herds
vaccinated for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis
(IBR) experienced lower abortion rates and shorter calving intervals than cattle from
unvaccinated herds.
• Scientists identified and measured a significant effect of early BVD exposure on
calves’ weaning weights. The study also showed a higher-than-expected prevalence of
lifelong BVD carriers in beef cattle herds.
Visit www.wcvm.com/news (under College News) to read more details about the
study’s beef cattle health findings.
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China
a country of hand tools and high tech
Imagine witnessing more than 600 years of history and advances in the fields of agriculture and
veterinary medicine all in one gigantic, vibrant panorama. For Drs. Charles Rhodes and Ernie Barber
of the University of Saskatchewan, that aptly describes their recent visit to Eastern Asia — a region
full of contrasts in technologies, facilities, education, industries and living standards.
Rhodes and Barber were among a group of Canadian government and university officials
who attended the Canada-China Agri-Science Forum for Government and University Senior Managers in
November 2006. The conference, which was hosted by Northwest A & F University in Yangling, China, was
held more than a year after the first Canada-China forum in Ottawa.
“It’s very hard to comprehend China without being there and seeing the amount of growth and change
that’s taking place. It’s mind-boggling,” says Rhodes, dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine
(WCVM).
“For me, it was amazing to see the rapid change in China’s economy since my last visit five years
ago. There’s this huge investment being made in the university sector, and you see some new labs equipped
with the best of equipment and technologies,” agrees Barber, dean of the U of S College of Agriculture and
Bioresources.
Besides building facilities, China is also building its international reputation in the fields of science
— including agriculture and veterinary medicine. A wave of Chinese scientists are now participating in
international conferences and publishing their findings in English-language science journals. But despite
China’s rapid rate of advancement, age-old diseases like rabies are still prevalent in the country and
thousands of people live in poverty on the streets and in rural areas: “Those kinds of contrasts really strike
you hard,” acknowledges Rhodes.
The Canadian delegation — led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s assistant deputy minister
Dr. Marc Fortin and chief scientist Dr. Yvon Martel — included deans and representatives from the 10
universities in Canada with faculties of agriculture and/or veterinary medicine. Sponsored by Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and China’s Ministry of Education, the forum focused on building co-operative links in
education, science and technology between agricultural and veterinary medicine institutions in the two countries.
“We discussed what kinds of collaborations we want between Chinese and Canadian universities, about
some of the problems experienced with past collaborative programs – and what we need to do differently to make
these relationships work,” says Rhodes, who also attended the meeting as president of the Canadian Faculties of
Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (CFAVM).
On behalf of CFAVM members, Rhodes joined other officials in signing a memorandum of understanding
that outlined the countries’ commitment to work on collaborative projects in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
The U of S College of Agriculture and Bioresources has some experience in working
on Chinese-based educational projects, and Barber acknowledges that there have been some
challenges along the way. Learning English is still a hurdle for many Chinese students, while
Prairie-based universities like the U of S often have difficulty in attracting international students
who typically target better known cities such as Vancouver and Toronto as Canadian destinations.
Barber hopes that these kinds of international partnerships will help to create more cooperative initiatives among Canadian universities and colleges. He and Rhodes also believe that
developing and promoting specialized research groups — like the Sustainable Beef Systems
Research Group or the Crop Development Centre — will help to attract Chinese graduate students
and academics.
In turn, Canadian universities are interested in programs that allow Canadian students and
faculty to experience China through exchanges, research collaborations, or undergraduate and
graduate courses that include international components.
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“For me, the underlying motivation is to provide all of our students with
an opportunity for an international working or learning experience during their
undergraduate years. But we need to make strategic partnerships with a number
of institutions before we reach that point,” says Barber.
The new campus and facilities at Northwest A & F University — the
conference’s host institution — illustrate the Chinese government’s commitment
to improving education and research. Canadian delegates also visited several
other institutions including the Nanjing Agricultural University that operates one
of China’s top veterinary schools.
But not all of China’s 600 universities are undergoing such dramatic
changes — and that’s why Canadians need to be selective as they develop
strategies for educational and research partnerships.
“We need to start at the university level and ask ourselves, ‘What universities
do we want to work with in China? What are we trying to achieve? What are the
obstacles and concerns?’ That process is especially important for our college with
its limited resources: we really need to focus our efforts,” says Rhodes.
To ensure the value of future collaborations, Barber says it’s vital to have
representatives from Canadian colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine
meeting directly with their counterparts in China and asking the important
questions alongside the federal agriculture department.
“What was really fantastic about this trip was the collaborative spirit among
everyone on the Canadian team. While the presidents of Chinese universities
talked about their institutions’ strengths and the challenges of moving their
students, all of us were there at the table — gathering and sharing the same
information,” points out Barber.
“I think AAFC and Canadian universities have realized the benefits of
working as a team in such a huge country like China. Our combined involvement
also sends a powerful message to both countries: we’re serious about making this
partnership work.” A
PRECEDING PAGE, TOP PHOTO (left to right): Dr. Tim Ogilvie, dean of the Atlantic
Veterinary College, University of P.E.I.; Dr. Elizabeth Stone, dean of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; Dr. Charles Rhodes, dean of WCVM, U of S; Dr.
Jean-Paul Laforest, dean of agriculture, Laval University; Dr. Jean Sirois, dean of the
Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, University of Montréal. SECOND PHOTO: The Great
Wall of China. THIRD PHOTO: A street vendor in Yangling, China. BOTTOM PHOTO:
Dr. Charles Rhodes is interviewed by a Chinese television reporter during the 2006
Canada-China Agri-Science Forum in Yangling, China. BACKGROUND PHOTO BELOW:
The landscape of Mongolia’s countryside.
Planting Seeds of Progress in Mongolia
Dr. Ernie Barber was attending a sustainable development
conference at the Mongolian State University of Agriculture in early
November when everything came together for the dean of the University
of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
The moment came while a presenter described a “mini-project”
of the larger sustainable development project between the U of S
college and Mongolia’s national agriculture university. Sponsored by
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the multi-year
initiative is enhancing sustainable rural development in Mongolia by
building the capacity of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture
and the National Extension service for research, teaching and extension.
“The goal of the small project is to teach herder families how to
establish and look after home vegetable gardens. Through a combination
of teaching basic gardening skills, testing of modern vegetable varieties,
and the introduction of selected Canadian small fruits and herbs, families
in two rural communities have been able to feed their own families and
have produce left over to sell,” explains Barber.
“Fruit and vegetable gardening is new to these small rural
communities. What’s especially encouraging is that the community is
learning how to develop and operate a co-operative marketing system
so they can market their excess products to new mining communities in
the region.”
Barber attended the one-day conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia,
along with WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes and Dr. Paul Stevens who
directs the CIDA project for the U of S agriculture college. While Barber
has visited Mongolia three times in the past five years, this was
Rhodes’ first visit.
“Representatives from Mongolia have visited WCVM in the past,
and they were keen for us to return the visit. A couple of our faculty
members have also been involved with projects in the country,” says
Rhodes, who talked about WCVM’s facilities, people and programs
during the conference.
“We’re looking at potential opportunities for developing student
exchanges and other international collaborations, so this was an ideal
opportunity to meet the people and learn more about the challenges and
needs.”
Like Rhodes, Barber hopes to develop new educational and training
opportunities that will benefit students and faculties in both countries.
Opportunities also exist to develop projects collaboratively with
Mongolia, Inner Mongolia in China, and Canada. For example, the U of
S agriculture college is working on a project with the Inner Mongolia
University where a U of S faculty member is teaching an intensive
course on agribusiness to Mongolian students.
“Our goal is to have graduate students from the U of S or from
other universities take the course alongside international students. I
think that would be an incredible learning opportunity,” says Barber.
Rhodes and Barber toured through the agriculture university’s
facilities — including its school of veterinary medicine. Graduates of the
program mainly find jobs in meat inspection, sanitation and in industryrelated research. A few private practitioners focus on the care of horses
and food animals including sheep, goats and cattle.
The Canadian visitors also visited a typical stock farm in Mongolia’s
vast countryside. “The landscape is like the Alberta foothills: it just
goes on and on with no fences or any signs of development. It’s a
very nomadic lifestyle with a typical family farm unit consisting of a
one-room ger (traditional dwelling of Mongolian people) a couple of
outbuildings and a small herd or flock,” describes Rhodes.
Since Mongolia gained its independence from the former U.S.S.R. in
1990, the democratic country has struggled to develop a market-based
economy. The challenges are great: the country has little capital to
invest in new initiatives, and its industries are still developing.
“Mongolia is determined to improve, but it’s a long-term project
— mainly because they just don’t have money to invest in improvements
and in their universities,” acknowledges Barber.
Despite the challenges, Barber is encouraged by little successes
like the community gardening project. “That’s where there’s real
hope: these tiny projects all over the country where we work with
one community, then the success spreads to other communities,” says
Barber.
7
Inside MOVES
“Baby, it’s cold outside.” The words of Dean Martin aptly describe the long,
cold weeks of November 2006 when heavy snows, biting winds and freezing temperatures
descended on the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s construction site.
While some workers had to brave the wicked weather, a number of crews came inside to
work on expansion and renovation projects that are in advanced stages. Here’s a quick progress
report from project manager David Humphreys of UMA Engineering Ltd.:
• Animal Care Unit expansion and renovation: final construction in the 1,800square-metre addition is scheduled for completion in early January 2007. The upgraded facility
includes increased indoor housing for laboratory, livestock and exotic species, a dedicated Level
2 rodent housing area as well as Level 2 containment rooms for livestock.
• Research wing expansion: crews have completed the exterior brickwork and are
working on interior finishes to ceiling tile, flooring, mechanical and electrical services. The
research wing includes large, multi-use laboratories on two floors along with equipment rooms,
offices and space for graduate students. Researchers are expected to move in to the facility by
March 2007.
• Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion: workers have nearly completed
exterior brick work and glazing on the hospital’s two-storey addition that will include small
animal reception, new small animal examination rooms, new field service garage space, a new
laundry facility and supply storage rooms. Expected occupancy: March 2007.
• Veterinary Teaching Hospital renovations: in mid-November, clinicians, staff
and students began using renovated space in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Small Animal
Clinic area. The renovated areas include the small animal surgery suites, anesthesia, intensive
care and treatment rooms, ultrasound room, student surgery area and the refinished animal
wards. Renovation projects in the Large Animal Clinic area will be repackaged and re-tendered
in the spring of 2007.
• Large animal chute complex: workers installed the final chute pieces in December
2006. Clinicians and staff expect to start using the complex in early 2007.
• Diagnostics area: in July 2006, construction workers completed a temporary loading
dock and office for the College’s post mortem room so work could begin on the diagnostics
area’s main expansion in the fall of 2006. The expanded area’s interior is being designed and
is scheduled for tendering in early 2007. Both phases of the diagnostic area expansion are
expected to be finished in the spring of 2008. For more construction updates, please visit
www.wcvm.com. A
ABOVE: WCVM’s new research wing and Veterinary Teaching Hospital (southeast views). Top right:
Faculty, staff and students move into the Small Animal Clinic’s renovated intensive care unit.
Centre: the large animal chute complex will be ready to operate in early 2007. Bottom right:
A construction worker threads hot water heating pipe in the research wing’s lab area. Indoor
photos: Margot Buckley.
Professional Tune Up
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and the Saskatchewan
Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) were the joint hosts of another successful June
Conference on June 8-10, 2006.
With construction in full swing at WCVM, Saskatoon’s Delta Bessborough became
headquarters for more than 125 veterinarians who enjoyed the conference’s scientific
program, exhibit displays and social events. Another popular attraction for participants
was a tour of the Canadian Light Source on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
As usual, the continuing veterinary education conference offered a healthy
mix of large animal- and companion animal-targeted seminars for participants.
Presenters included several WCVM faculty: Drs. Hugh Townsend, Katharina Lohmann,
Elisabeth Snead, Anthony Carr, Kathleen Linn and Charles Rhodes. Most of Thursday’s
sessions were also dedicated to the business aspects of veterinary practice — valuable
information for the large number of private practitioners who attended the conference.
Plans are already underway for another joint WCVM-SVMA June Conference in
2008, and both organizations will have plenty to celebrate: SVMA
turns 100 and WCVM is looking forward to the grand opening of
its major expansion and renovation projects. A
M I D W E S T I NVE S T S I N CO L L E G E
Richard Koster (right), general manager of Midwest Veterinary Distribution
Cooperative Limited, took time away from the June Conference to drop off a very
special cheque at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
The Winnipeg-based veterinary distribution facility donated $25,000 to the
College’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital Expansion Campaign. Koster presented the
cheque to WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes (left), with the help of Midwest board
member Dr. Rex Leach (WCVM ’70) of Swan River, Man.
The College’s VTH Expansion Campaign, which has a fund raising target of $5
million, has been very successful with solid support from WCVM alumni, veterinary
organizations and businesses involved in animal health. With your support, WCVM
will be able to upgrade its facilities and technologies so that it can continue offering
quality veterinary education, research and expertise to western Canadians.
Make a donation to the Veterinary Teaching
Hospital Expansion Campaign by:
• using the enclosed tear out card
• visiting www.wcvm.com/supportus
• contacting WCVM development officer Joanne Wurmlinger
at 306-966-7450 (joanne.wurmlinger@usask.ca).
CONSERVING LIVESTOCK DIVERSITY: One of the first occupants
of WCVM’s new research wing is the Canadian Animal and Poultry Genetic
Resources Initiative — a new program that will help to conserve Canada’s
valuable livestock breeds.
Developed by the University of Saskatchewan and Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the program will be a combination of research
and gene bank for cattle, pigs, poultry and other livestock. It will acquire,
maintain and distribute genetic resources and information about breeds and
genetic material for researchers across Canada. Scientists will characterize,
evaluate and analyze existing genetic diversity and monitor it for change.
They will also work to develop new techniques to collect and preserve
genetic material.
“By conserving our animal genetic resources, we protect our capacity
to respond to both animal health and market challenges,” says Dr. Charles
Rhodes, dean of WCVM. “This new program will also provide a resource for
Canadian breeders to develop animals tailored for niche opportunities both
here and abroad.”
While the College of Agriculture and WCVM will serve as the initiative’s
“hub,” the federal government is providing the program with more than $1
million for equipment and other start-up costs. Other participants include
Bova-Can Laboratories (a joint venture between the Saskatchewan Research
Council and Bova-Can Parentage Testing Inc.), AAFC’s Plant Gene Resources
Canada, and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).
Besides its research and conservation activities, the initiative will
allow U of S colleges to jointly develop a new graduate program in
conservation of animal genetic resources — the first of its kind in North
America, says Dr. Graham Scoles, associate dean of agriculture at the U of S
College of Agriculture.
Since the program was announced in May 2006, AAFC has placed
three scientists at the U of S. Dr. Yves Plante will focus on genetics and
be based at the College of Agriculture. The other two scientists — Dr. Carl
Lessard, a researcher in gamete and embryo biology, and cryobiologist
Dr. Muhammed Anzar — will work in WCVM’s new research wing. All three
researchers will serve as valuable links between the federal government and
scientists involved in animal genetics conservation at other Canadian and
international research institutions.
In response to the loss of animal genetic diversity, the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has developed a Global
Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. Canada is
among a growing number of countries that are increasing their efforts to
conserve genetic diversity in traditional breeds.
WCVM&
beyond
HONOURARY DIPLOMATE: Dr. Reuben Mapletoft, professor
in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal
Clinical Sciences, was made an Honourary Diplomate in the American
College of Theriogenologists (ACT). Mapletoft, who has been part of WCVM’s
faculty for more than three decades, received the honour in August during the
American Society for Theriogenology’s annual meeting in St. Paul, Minn.
NATONAL EXAMINING BOARD MEMBER: Dr. Baljit
Singh, professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department
of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, has been appointed to represent Western
Canada on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s National
Examining Board. Members of the Board make recommendations to CVMA
Council on issues involving the assessment and enhancement of Canadian
veterinarians.
WCVM SPECIALIST ORGANIZES EVENT: Veterinary medical
imaging specialist Dr. John Pharr of WCVM was the principal organizer
and program chair for the 14th triennial meeting of the International
Veterinary Radiology Association (IVRA) from August 7 to 11, 2006. This was
Canada’s first opportunity to host the IVRA meeting that has been held every
three years since the organization’s creation in 1967.
More than 250 delegates from 26 countries gathered in Vancouver,
B.C., to attend the joint meeting of the IVRA and the American College of
Veterinary Radiology. The European College of Veterinary
Medical Imaging and the European Association of
Veterinary Medical Imaging also held annual meetings in
conjunction with the international conference.
CVMA HONOURS: Dr. Cindy Shmon, a small
animal surgical specialist in WCVM’s Department of
Small Animal Clinical Sciences, is the recipient of the
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Small Animal
Practitioner Award for 2006. The award was presented in
July during CVMA’s annual conference in St. John’s, Nfld.
CVMA’s list of awards recipients also included
several other veterinarians with WCVM links. Dr. Otto
Radostits received the President’s Award, while Dr.
Peter Fretz was honoured with a Life Membership in
CVMA. Both men are professors emeriti at WCVM. As well,
Dr. Neil Shantz (WCVM ’82) of the Warman Veterinary
Clinic in Warman, Sask., received the Schering Plough
Award for Large Animal Practice.
CHAMPION OF PAIN CONTROL: Dr.
Alex Livingston, a professor in WCVM’s Department
of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and former dean
of the College, received the Lifetime Achievement
Award from the European Association for Veterinary
Pharmacology and Toxicology (EAVPT). The award
recognized Livingston’s contributions to the field of
analgesia in veterinary medicine. He received the
honour during the EAVPT Congress that took place in
Turin, Italy, from Sept. 17-22, 2006.
CANADA TO HOST SWINE EVENT: In July 2010, more than 2,000 delegates involved in
swine academia, research, public and private practice,
and industry will gather in Vancouver, B.C., for the
21st International Pig Veterinary Congress. This will
be Canada’s first chance to host the event — an
opportunity that was won by the Canadian Association
of Swine Veterinarians (CASV) in July 2006.
The Canadian team’s bid won handily on the
first ballot over other bids from New Zealand and
Spain during the IPVS Congress in Copenhagen,
Amsterdam. The organizing committee consists of CASV
members from across Canada including Dr. John Harding, vice
president and secretary. Harding is an assistant professor in WCVM’s
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.
BOVINE PRACTITIONER AWARD: Dr. Calvin Booker
was the recipient of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Merial Award for Excellence in Preventative Veterinary Medicine
(Beef). Booker accepted the award during the AABP conference that
was held in Saint Paul, Minn., from Sept 21-23, 2006.
The award recognizes Booker’s achievements as a veterinary
epidemiologist, his contribution to research in beef cattle preventive
medicine, and his work in the development of innovative concepts
in the delivery of feedlot veterinary services. Booker is a partner of
Feedlot Health Management Services in Okotoks, Alta.
Sponsored by Merial, the award consists of a $1,500 general
scholarship contribution to a veterinary college that’s chosen by
the recipient. Booker, a 1989 graduate of WCVM, asked that the
scholarship contribution be used to benefit students at his alma
mater.
SASKATCHEWAN AWARDS: Several WCVM alumni were
honoured during the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s
awards banquet in Saskatoon, Sask., on September 16. Dr. Bob
Bellamy (WCVM ’76) received the Public Relations Award, while
Dr. Greg Harasen (WCVM ’83) took home the Meritorious Service
Award. The SVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award was presented to Dr.
Grant Royan (WCVM ’76) of Regina, Sask.
CORRECTION: The recipient of an award from the Alberta
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was incorrectly reported
in The Ark (Summer 2006). In January 2006, Dr. Danny Joffe
presented the Honourable Shirley McClellan with the AVMA
Honourary Life Membership in recognition of the leadership role she
has taken in animal health. Joffe (WCVM ’85) was the recipient of
the AVMA President’s Recognition Award in 2006.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Otto M. Radostits, C.M., died on December 15, 2006, at the age of 72
years. The eldest son of Austrian immigrants, Radostits grew up on his parents’ mixed
farm on the outskirts of Edmonton, Alta. His passion for the veterinary profession began
early in his life, and in 1959, he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).
After teaching in OVC’s farm service clinic for two years, Radostits moved to West
Lafayette, Ind., in 1961 to set up an ambulatory clinic service at the new veterinary college.
He rejoined OVC’s faculty for an additional two years, then on September 1, 1964, Radostits
became the first clinician hired at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout
the next four decades, he played an integral, pioneer role in establishing and developing
the new veterinary college on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
During his 43-year teaching career, Radostits taught nearly 2,500 veterinary students
in Ontario, Indiana and Western Canada. He always encouraged his students to be
“intrinsically motivated”: to be curious, to think critically, to ask questions, and to always
challenge accepted ideas — even his own.
Radostits’ zest for teaching earned him multiple awards including the U of S Master
Teaching Award in 1986, and after his retirement in 2002, he was appointed professor
emeritus at WCVM. In recognition of his many contributions to the profession, the Western
Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners established the O.M. Radostits Legacy Fund
to support an annual lecture series on bovine medicine.
Among his many honours, one of the most prestigious awards given to Radostits
was his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2003. The national award
recognized his outstanding achievements and service in veterinary medicine. In 2006,
Radostits also received the President’s Award from the Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association to recognize his dedication and contributions to the national organization.
As a veterinary educator, clinician and author, Radostits had a profound influence on
his students, on the growth of WCVM, and on his beloved profession. In particular, he was a
strong advocate of using health and production management of the herd to control disease
— particularly infectious diseases – in food-producing animals.
Veterinarians worldwide have learned about Radostits’ philosophy of veterinary
medicine through his popular textbooks. He co-authored and edited six editions of
Veterinary Medicine, a Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats and
Horses, three editions of Herd Health: Food Animal Production Medicine, and one edition
of Veterinary Clinical Examination and Diagnosis.
Radostits leaves his wife Ruth, their six children (Anna, Eileen, Julia, Stephen, Anita
and Jennifer) and their families — including 14 grandchildren.
TRAINING PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS: Four years after
helping with the initial proposal for a Master of Public Health
(MPH) degree program at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. John
Campbell was one of the first to welcome the program’s first class
of nine graduate students in September 2006.
The two-year program, which received approval in March
2006, was developed by an interdisciplinary team of U of S faculty
members that included Campbell and other veterinarians from
the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). While other
Canadian institutions offer MPH degrees, the U of S initiative is the
first in the country with established links to a veterinary college.
“Public health was identified as one of WCVM’s main priorities
in its Integrated Plan for the U of S four years ago. It was an ideal
fit since many of our faculty members are involved in public health
and education. When the Colleges of Medicine and Nursing also
identified the development of a public health graduate program in
their own integrated plans, it became obvious that we needed to
work together and develop the concept,” explains Campbell, who
now directs the MPH program.
He’s also chair of the MPH program’s executive committee
whose members represent veterinary medicine, medicine, nursing,
pharmacy and nutrition, commerce and economics.
The program’s core courses include biostatistics,
epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services
administration, and social and behavioural sciences. As well,
students can take elective courses in areas such as applied
population and public health, rural public health and veterinary
public health.
Students also participate in a 12-week field practicum and
develop a project at their practicum site: “The goal is to have
students apply their skills in the field, so they may end up working
in a government agency or for a department in a regional health
district — the opportunities are wide-ranging,” says Campbell.
In the program’s final stage, all students will participate in
the “Capstone Course”: “It’s where we bring it all together. Students
will present their practicum projects. We’ll bring in guest speakers
from different health agencies and faculty members from across
the university who are engaged in public health issues and research.
Plus, we’ll have weekly discussions that focus on current issues and
topics,” says Campbell. “We’re also planning a mini-conference
so our students can learn from ‘front line’ members of the public
health community.”
The program’s first students reflect the program’s
interdisciplinary nature: their backgrounds include public health
nursing, medicine, kinesiology, environmental health and
microbiology. Campbell says veterinarians and veterinary students
have shown interest in the new graduate program, and he’s looking
forward to seeing veterinary practitioners join the program’s
student ranks.
He points out that the DVM-MPH degree combination has
proven to be one that immediately attracts the interest of potential
employers in the public service as well as in industry, academia and
research.
“Veterinary graduates already have a broad-based background
in infectious disease, population-based medicine and zoonotic
diseases — key strengths in meeting challenges associated with
public health crises. West Nile virus, BSE, SARS, avian influenza and
other emerging diseases have helped public health agencies realize
the vital skills that veterinarians can contribute in dealing with
these global health issues.”
12
Health
SOURCE
Back to “dairy school” for Hutterite managers: Early
mornings are nothing new for a busy dairy manager on a Hutterite colony. But for six
mornings this fall, a dozen dairy bosses from colonies across Saskatchewan set their
alarms even earlier than usual so they could drive to Saskatoon and arrive on time for
their 8:30 a.m. class.
Their motivation: a 40-hour dairy management training course that ran once a
week at the University of Saskatchewan from October 12 to November 16, 2006.
Through lectures and hands-on exercises, the dairy managers honed their skills
on everything from genetics and breeding, herd health, housing and hoof care to
animal welfare and behaviour, nutrition, dairy regulatory policies and human resource
management.
Initiated by the chartered accounting firm Meyers Norris Penny (MNP),
the course is based on a partnership between MNP, the College of Agriculture and
Bioresources, and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food funded the project through
the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program.
“As far as we know, it’s unique to have industry work together with two university
colleges and provide a customized course,” says Dr. David Christensen, one of the
course’s instructors.
Nearly a year ago, Christensen met with several Hutterite dairy managers to
collect their “wish list” of topics and issues. Based on that meeting, the U of S professor
of dairy nutrition and production developed the course’s initial outline. Eventually, 22
resource people helped to implement the course.
Training included time in the university’s barns where several WCVM professors
conducted hands-on labs for skills such as dehorning calves, evaluating colostrum
quality and milk replacers, lameness and hoof trimming. Participants also toured a
well-managed dairy farm near Saskatoon.
“We had very positive feedback on the hands-on labs and the tour. They’re
definitely ‘show me, let me do it’ type of people because they’re already used to doing
these kinds of jobs in the barns,” says Dr. Terry Carruthers, a dairy specialist at the
veterinary college. Drs. Colin Palmer, Chris Clark and Steve Hendrick of WCVM also
participated as program instructors.
Other presenters were Sheila Schmutz, Marlene Fehr, Colin Peterson, Vern Racz,
Bernard Laarveld, Bart Lardner and Tim Mutsvangwa of the College of Agriculture;
Paul Schroeder, Rachelle Peterson, Travis Peardon, Alex McIssac, Vaughn Smith
and Jason Pawluk of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Gerry Gartner of
Saskatchewan’s Milk Control Board; and MNP’s Randy Goudy, Myron Teneycke and
Con Borsheim.
“This course will help to make the Hutterite dairy operations more profitable by
upgrading the dairy managers’ skills and providing them with ideas on how to improve
cow health and productivity, how to manage costs and how to pass on those skills to
others who work in the barns,” explains Christensen, who has worked on several other
Hutterite-focused projects for MNP.
MNP is a western Canadian-based firm that
provides accounting and financial management services
to many Hutterite colonies.
“Part of my work for MNP is to visit colonies and
to analyze their operations,” says Christensen, who
identified the need for further training in dairy barns.
“Most managers have some experience, but they don’t
have much practice in passing those skills on to younger
labourers.”
While the course allowed dairy managers to
improve their skills and knowledge, Carruthers says
it also gave them a chance to swap ideas among their
peers and establish networks between dairy operations.
Another plus is that graduates of the course are now
more aware of herd health management and the
benefits of maintaining animal health to prevent
disease.
Dr. Charles Rhodes, dean of WCVM, and Dr.
Ernie Barber, dean of the U of S College of Agriculture
and Bioresources, presented certificates to all of the
course’s participants on November 16, 2006. Carol
Skelton, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue and
Western Economic Diversification, and Mark Wartman,
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, also
attended the afternoon presentation. Even before the
course ended, Christensen says several participants asked
if the training could be offered again.
PUBLIC ANTHRAX SESSIONS: An unusually
wet spring followed by nearly four weeks of hot weather
created ideal conditions for a record outbreak of anthrax
in Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the summer of
2006. By September 13, 922 animals in Saskatchewan
and Manitoba had died from the disease and CFIA had
declared 174 premises in the two provinces as positive
for anthrax.
Most cases occurred in north central and northeast
Saskatchewan where CFIA reported 785 dead animals
and 153 positive premises in 45 rural municipalities by
mid-September. In late August, Alberta reported its first
cases of anthrax after eight dead bison near Bonnyville,
Alta., tested positive for the disease.
As cases of the disease became more widespread
in Saskatchewan, the Farm Animal Council of
Saskatchewan Inc. (FACS) collaborated with CFIA, the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan
Health, and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food to
organize a series of public information sessions across
the province. Hundreds of concerned producers attended
free sessions in Nipawin, Saskatoon, Naicam, Regina,
Prince Albert, Foam Lake, Spiritwood and Melfort.
Veterinary and public health representatives
provided background information about anthrax,
news about the outbreak and more details about CFIA’s
regulatory policies. Several WCVM faculty members
— including Drs. Chris Clark, Joe Stookey and Murray
Woodbury — were involved in organizing the public
seminars. Clark also played a valuable role in providing
accurate information to the media. A
MOCK OUTBREAK PREPARES PRACTITIONERS: More than 30 of the top swine
veterinarians from across Canada got more than they were expecting from an educational event in
June 2006.
Rather than just learning about the theory of a foreign animal disease outbreak, the
practitioners were thrust into what they thought was a genuine outbreak of classical swine fever.
This viral disease of swine is highly contagious with clinical signs that vary depending on whether
affected animals are suffering from the acute, chronic or mild forms of infection.
While touring the Prairie Swine Centre’s Pork Interpretative Gallery located east of Saskatoon
near Elstow, Sask., the veterinarians were quarantined at the facility due to a simulated outbreak
of the serious disease. The event was organized by Schering-Plough Animal Health with the full
co-operation of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Prairie Swine Centre, the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and Sask Pork.
“We hinted at some disease symptoms during the tour, and then the CFIA arrived to deliver the
dramatic news,” explains Gordon Roger of Schering-Plough Animal Health. “The veterinarians were
told that the animals at the centre had a suspected case of classical swine fever, something that
would have serious ramifications for the entire Canadian pork industry.”
CFIA staff cordoned off the centre and Dr. Sandra Stephens began reviewing the epidemiology
of the disease with the veterinarians. Stephens is a CFIA specialist in foreign animal disease
emergency response. “We’re always looking for opportunities to increase Canada’s preparedness
for an event of this nature,” says Stephens. “We hold many training sessions, but this event
organized by Schering provided a unique opportunity for an educational event with a lot of impact.”
Afterwards, the swine practitioners gathered at WCVM where Stephens outlined CFIA’s
protocols during a foreign animal disease outbreak. Classical swine fever is a reportable disease in
Canada because of its significant importance to animal health and to the Canadian economy. After
confirmation of the disease, CFIA would immediately apply control and eradication measures.
Dr. John Harding, an associate professor at WCVM and specialist in swine production medicine,
also gave participants a diagnostic review of classical swine fever. Although the disease has never
occurred in Canada, it’s present in other parts of the world. Several common and much less serious
swine diseases have similar symptoms so it’s important for swine veterinarians to be extra alert.
“Local veterinarians are the first line of defense against disease outbreaks,” notes Dr. Mike
Sheridan, a swine veterinarian from Manitoba who helped organize the event. “We need to increase
the connection between the CFIA, local veterinarians and the entire industry. This event served as a
reality check and a bit of a wake-up call.”
Communication by the veterinarians to the outside world by cell phones and other electronic
devices had to be banned so that a false alert of the disease was not raised.
“We hope there’s never a real outbreak of this kind in Canada, but it’s critically important to
be ready just in case,” says Roger. “We appreciate the veterinarians being good sports about the
process we took them through.”
13
AWARD-WINNING DUO: WCVM’s Distinguished Employee Award turned into
a double honour when Al Rung (bottom right) and Tom Beatty (bottom left) were
selected as the 2006 recipients. “We all provide technological support throughout
WCVM and pitch in on whatever needs to be done so it’s natural that people think
of us as a pair or as a group,” acknowledges Rung, manager of WCVM’s Information
Technology (IT) Services Division. The four-person department includes Rung and
Beatty along with Wes Epp and Brian Buydens.
Twenty years ago, Rung and Beatty were hired within six weeks of each other
during the fall of 1986. For Rung, it was a homecoming of sorts: the computer
programmer worked for more than six years at the University of Saskatchewan
before gaining more experience with Sask Comp and the Saskatchewan Potash
Corporation. “I still remember how excited I was to see that career ad — I thought
WCVM would be the ideal place to get back in with the U of S, and I was right. It’s
been a great place to work for the last 20 years.”
Beatty had a year’s worth of experience at SED Systems when he came to
College — but it wasn’t the first time he had worked at WCVM. “When I graduated
from the U of S, my first job was in the Department of Veterinary Pathology,” explains
Beatty. “One of my fourth-year classes was doing a study on computerizing the pathology
department, and the College hired me for four months to develop that system.”
Sharing a tiny office, Rung and Beatty tackled their first big project: developing and
installing a computer system in the College’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital for appointments,
admissions and discharges. Since then, virtually every aspect of the College has become
computerized and under the IT Services Division’s care. Rung and his staff also oversee the
computer software system that they developed for Prairie Diagnostic Services in Saskatoon
and Regina.
While it took a lot of effort to build such a large computer network, Rung says it’s
even more challenging to keep the entire system up to date. Eight years after converting
to the Windows environment, the College’s computer specialists are rewriting the system
to incorporate new software upgrades and to include new features that faculty, staff and
students have requested.
What Rung and Beatty like best about their jobs is the constant variety: “Computer people
often have jobs that focus on one particular area or group of people. But in our jobs, there’s
such a variety of people that we deal with who all have different needs — that’s what makes it
really interesting,” says Beatty.
For example, WCVM’s computer specialists used their expertise a few years ago to develop
a software program that allows fourth-year students to select their own clinical rotations
— much like a hockey draft system. “The process is accomplished in three to four hours
compared to before when it took the hospital director a whole summer to organize,” says
Rung.
These kinds of unique, problem-solving ideas have helped Rung and Beatty build lasting
relationships with students, faculty and staff throughout WCVM — and it’s clear that their
extraordinary efforts have been appreciated by their peers. “We know what this award means
to everybody — and that’s why it’s really an honour to receive it,” says Beatty.
14
BEAT
SCHOFIELD LECTURER: Dr. F.A. (Ted)
Leighton, a professor of veterinary pathology at WCVM
and executive director of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife
Health Centre, presented the 2006 Schofield Memorial
Lecture at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary
College on October 12, 2006. The prestigious lecture series
commemorates Dr. Francis Schofield, a renowned veterinary
pathologist and former OVC faculty member.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST JOINS WCVM:
Originally from Pictou, N.S., Dr. Valerie MacDonald
graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island’s
Atlantic Veterinary College in 2000. She completed a medical
oncology residency at the University of Wisconsin and
became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary
Internal Medicine (medical oncology) in 2006.
Over the next few years, MacDonald will establish a
clinical practice in medical oncology at WCVM, along with
undergraduate teaching and research programs in the
specialized area. WCVM also plans to eventually develop a
clinical residency program for veterinary medical oncology.
DENTISTRY RESIDENCY APPROVAL: WCVM
has received approval from the American Veterinary Dental
College (AVDC) to offer Canada’s first accredited residency
program in veterinary dentistry. WCVM is one of 10 sites
accredited by AVDC, the certifying organization for North
American veterinary dentists.
WCVM plans to offer a three-year residency program
in veterinary dentistry that graduate students will complete
along with a Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc) degree,
says Dr. James Anthony, the college’s board-certified
veterinary dentist. WCVM’s first dentistry resident could
potentially start as early as July 2007.
Although all veterinarians are trained in basic
veterinary dentistry and dental techniques, this new initiative
will provide advanced, specialized training for graduate
students. The new program will have clinical, research and
academic components, plus rotations in radiology, surgery
and anesthesiology. Anthony adds that it will also include
activities that are “above and beyond” AVDC’s requirements
such as more in-depth exposure to oral pathology and
histology.
“Dr. John Giesy” may not be
a household name in North
America, but the new Canada
Research Chair in Environmental
Toxicology at the University
of Saskatchewan has certainly
made research discoveries
that have affected households
around the world.
One example developed about seven
years ago when Giesy and his research team at
Michigan State University (MSU) began working
with the American manufacturing giant 3M
to investigate the movement and potential
effects of perfluorinated organic chemicals.
At that time, these chemicals were part of the
production of everything from carpet protectants
and microwave popcorn bags to microchips in
computers.
What Giesy and his team discovered was that over time,
perfluorinated organic chemicals can break down into a compound
called perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). By developing an analysis method
with researchers from 3M, Giesy and his team showed that measurable amounts
of PFOS had accumulated in the blood and tissues of animals and people around
the world.
As Giesy and other researchers conducted further testing, they found that
PFOS can be toxic to rats. That discovery — combined with the knowledge of
where the compound ends up after its release into the environment — prompted
3M to voluntarily phase out the PFOS-based product line. Subsequently, other
companies followed 3M’s lead and stopped production of some perfluorinated
organic chemicals.
“Within a few weeks of the time that the first data became available, the
decision was made,” says Giesy, whose research team helped in the development
of an alternative chemical that doesn’t have the same adverse characteristics of
perfluorinated organic chemicals.
“Through ‘green chemistry,’ we made it possible so people could still buy
a computer or eat microwaved popcorn without the release of potentially toxic
chemicals out in the environment.”
As Giesy points out, the entire experience highlights the positive outcomes
of university researchers working closely with industry scientists to solve potential
problems — a model that he is developing at the U of S.
Giesy’s 35-year career as a professor and researcher — 25 of which he spent
at MSU — includes countless other stories of discovery, change, and development
in the field of ecotoxicology. With such a wide range of research interests, it comes
as no surprise that Giesy is the second-most cited author in the world in the
combined fields of ecology and environment.
Among his team’s “firsts” is the discovery of the phenomenon of
photo-enhanced toxicity of organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). As well, Giesy was the first person to determine the causes
of embryo-lethality and deformities in Great Lakes birds — research work for
which he received Environment Canada’s prestigious Vollenweider Environmental
Science Award in 1994.
Giesy’s research group has also created a single, in vitro assay that will soon
be used by scientists around the world to screen for specific hormone-affecting
chemicals without the use of live animals.
Dr. John Giesy
Now based in WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Giesy
looks forward to using his experience and connections to help advance the U of
S environmental toxicology research and teaching program. A reflection of his
influence is his impact on the largest international meeting of environmental
toxicologists: every Society of Environmental and Toxicology Conference (SETAC)
now includes nine research areas that were developed by or greatly influenced by
his research team.
For these contributions, Giesy became the youngest person to receive
SETAC’s highest international honour — the Founder’s Award — as well as the
SETAC Environmental Education Award. Until 2006, he was the only person to
receive both awards: he now shares that distinction with Dr. Keith Solomon at the
University of Guelph.
As well, Giesy advises on environmental toxicology issues for the World
Health Organization and Environment Canada, plus he’s a member of scientific
boards for the U.S. EPA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Giesy
continues to have a research program at MSU as an emeritus professor and also
holds academic appointments at several institutions including the City University
of Hong Kong and Nanjing University in Nanjing, China.
Despite all of his commitments, the work-driven Giesy finds time for his top
priority: training tomorrow’s “problem solvers” through student-based research
that will be conducted by multi-disciplinary teams of post doctorate fellows,
graduate students and visiting scientists in his new lab at the U of S Toxicology
Centre.
“My vision is to make the U of S toxicology program the best in the world,
and there’s no reason we can’t achieve that goal,” says Giesy. “Anything less than
that and I wouldn’t have come here.” A
ABOVE: Dr. John Giesy holds a great blue heron on the banks of the Tittabawassee
River in Michigan. Giesy’s research team is working with the State of Michigan and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to study the exposure to and potential effects of
polychlorinated dibenzofurans on wildlife. Dow Chemical Company is supporting the
research. Photo: Rita Seston.
15
Vetavision 2007
MARCH 22-25
Saskatoon, Sask.
www.wcvm.com
C anwest C onference
Alumni had a chance to mingle and visit
at the WCVM reception during the CanWest
Conference in Whistler, B.C. (see photos at
left).
The continuing education event, which
is jointly organized by the B.C. Veterinary
Medical Association and the Alberta
Veterinary Medical Association, was held
from Oct. 14-17, 2006.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WCVM RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEES’ GIFTS:
On October 18, WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes hosted
a donor recognition celebration for faculty and staff
members who have made financial donations to the U
of S in the past year. Employees attended an afternoon
reception that included a personal message of thanks
from U of S President Peter MacKinnon. In the past year,
more than 50 members of WCVM’s faculty and
staff have given financial gifts to the U of S
in support of facility improvements, research
and student awards. Top (left to right): WCVM
professors Drs. Barry Blakley, Anthony Carr
and Klaas Post visit during the reception. At
left (left to right): Dr. John Pharr of WCVM
speaks with President MacKinnon.
WCVM ALUMNI RECEPTION,
FEB. 19, 2007
WESTERN VETERINARY
CONFERENCE, LAS VEGAS, NEV.
WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes invites the
College’s alumni to a reception in Las Vegas
during the Western Veterinary Conference:
• Location: Mandalay Bay and Four Seasons
•Room: Mandalay Bay, Mariners B — Level O
•Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
No RSVP required. Your spouse or partner is
welcome.
For more information, please contact:
Joanne Wurmlinger, Development and
Alumni Office, WCVM
Tel: 306-966-7450
joanne.wurmlinger@usask.ca
Check out The Ark on line at www.wcvm.com
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RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
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University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 5B4
E-mail: wcvm.ark@usask.ca
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