MSU researcher combines computers, biology to track flu

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University researcher has found that biology and computer science make the perfect combination for tracking animal flu viruses.
Henry Wan is an assistant professor in systems biology at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has years of experience studying flu viruses. While doing graduate work in China, Wan became the first scientist to isolate the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Soon after this discovery, highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreaks occurred in poultry in Asia, Europe and Africa. More than 440 confirmed human cases across 15 countries were also caused by this virus. About 60 percent of them were fatal.
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Minority mentoring program to encourage scientific pursuits

Patti Drapala MSU
Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University is working to reach underserved communities through a new mentoring program that encourages minority students to pursue veterinary medicine and graduate degrees in the biological sciences. 
MSU received a grant from the National Science Foundation to collaborate with three of the state’s historically black institutions of higher learning: Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and Tougaloo College. The enrollment, location and historical background of these institutions present an opportunity to recruit minority students for graduate programs.

“These institutions have outstanding undergraduate students who are highly motivated and the type of students we want to see in our veterinary and graduate programs,” said Dr. Stephen Pruett, head of the Department of Basic Sciences at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.  

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Columbus family learns to handle pet’s diabetes

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Diabetes can be difficult to manage in animals, but one Columbus family learned to master the task with help from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
When their pet dog Abby developed the disease four years ago, Terry and Dale Brewer were willing to do whatever possible to keep her happy and healthy. They knew their 12-year-old daughter, Sara, wanted that, too. That is why the family set out on a four-year journey with the staff of the college’s Animal Health Center to manage Abby’s Type 1 diabetes.  Read More...

Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our new employee of the month. Ms. Terri Snead  - Population Medicine Technician - CVM PPM who has been chosen as CVM "Employee of the Month" for February 2010.  Congratulations Terri!!!!

More than 400 Animals Rescued from Mississippi Shelter

In Clarksdale, MS, over 400 animals were found living in space designed for 60. A team from MSU-CVM led by Dr. Phil Bushby provided essential medical aid and worked with several organizatons offering critical support in the rescue and temporary housing of the animals.

 Article on the ASPCA web site... Read More

MSU adds well-bred stallion to paddock

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Horse owners can look to Mississippi State University for their mares’ reproductive services from quality studs including a new, top-pedigree thoroughbred stallion.

West Coast businessman Neal Jones donated Big Train A’ Comin, a 3-year-old bay stallion. He is the son of Giant’s Causeway, the 1997 European Horse of the Year, and Snowfire, also a past winner in European races. His arrival comes more than a year after MSU lost its top stallion, Minister Slew, to a catastrophic leg injury during a severe thunderstorm. Read More...