Category: News & Events
Biodefense Internship Program
Orion Integrated Biosciences Inc. is a Biodefense Company advancing new analytical and visualization tools for the detection, characterization and mitigation of infectious diseases and the interpretation and contextualization of Big Data for Biodefense. Our activities focus on strengthening national security by supporting the Department of Homeland Security through DHS Centers of Excellence (e.g., the Center […]
Ptaschinski to manage Institute programs at nexus of animal health and information technology
Maryn Ptaschinski, DVM, has joined the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD) as program manager. Ptaschinski will be assisting in designing, implementing and managing the research and education portfolios for the Institute and will be providing management oversight of research and training projects – specifically those focused at the nexus of animal health and information […]
Simmons brings wide range of veterinary experience to IIAD associate director position
Heather Simmons, DVM, MSVPH, has recently been named as associate director for the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD). In her previous role at IIAD, Simmons served as Education and Outreach Theme Leader, overseeing a multi-million dollar education and extension portfolio and building a program portfolio which continues to span K-12, graduate and professional training […]
New office aims to strengthen relationships with US agriculture
“Our modern agricultural economy is highly dependent upon two things: freedom from disease and trade,” said Melissa Berquist, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases. “Following the outbreak of an infectious livestock or poultry disease, the ability to efficiently implement science-based standards and demonstrate freedom from disease is imperative to limiting the loss […]
Protecting the Homeland Security working dogs that protect our borders
From protecting our borders to patrolling our airports, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages more than 3,000 working dogs in various capacities. These specialized dogs are highly valuable and an integral part of both search and rescue functions and detection of concealed persons, narcotics or explosives – meaning that keeping them healthy is […]
New Report from Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense finds animal agriculture increasingly threatened – Calls for immediate action
‘Defense of Animal Agriculture’ Provides Specific Recommendations for Protecting One of the Largest Sectors of U.S. Economy The increasing rate of emerging and reemerging animal diseases, along with threats and attempts by those with nefarious intent to attack food and agriculture, point to the need to reduce the biological risk to America’s food and […]
AgConnect® technology showcases potential to protect US cattle industry
In the spring of 2010, John Wenzel, DVM, New Mexico State University Extension Veterinarian, observed an increasing number of bred cows aborting their calves. By the fall of 2011, that number spiked even more. Using early technology that was later developed into the mHealth mobile application, a component of the AgConnect® system, Wenzel was able […]
New student fellow joins IIAD
The Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD) recently added a new student fellow, Keely Dennis, to their team. Originally from Coupland, Texas, Dennis is currently a junior at Texas A&M University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in psychology. Dennis is supporting both Chief of Staff Rachel Whisenant […]
IIAD projects highlighted at International Symposium
Two of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases’ (IIAD) projects were recently highlighted at the 18th International Symposium of the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians held in Sorrento, Italy on June 7-10. The Multi-Laboratory International Collaboration Environment (MICE) project was selected for an oral presentation led by the project’s technical lead, Christopher Kocmoud, Texas […]
OIE to establish a US-based liaison office in College Station, Texas
Following the Executive Order 13759 by which the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been designated as a Public International Organization entitled to enjoy certain privileges, exemptions and immunities, the OIE announced today that it will establish a liaison office in the United States of America later this year. Created in 1924, the OIE’s […]
