Risco, a board-certified theriogenologist whose primary interest is dairy medicine, succeeds Dr. David Freeman in the position. A professor of large animal surgery who has served as interim department chair since 2009, Freeman has returned to his position on the college faculty.

As chair, Risco will be responsible for faculty recruitment, mentoring and promotion, as well as budget management and instructional activities. He also will provide leadership in the areas of research, veterinary and graduate student education, clinical resident and intern training, and outreach. Risco will work closely with the chief of staff of the UF Veterinary Hospitals to ensure high-quality clinical service, and will liaise with the scientific communities of both the UF Academic Health Center and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

A member of the veterinary college’s first graduating class of 1980, Risco performed an internship at Chino Valley Veterinary Associates, a large dairy practice in Ontario, Calif., immediately following his graduation. He became a partner in that practice after completing his internship in 1981. Risco joined the UF veterinary faculty in 1990 as an assistant professor and was promoted to full professor in 2002.

During his tenure at UF, Risco has received many awards and honors for his teaching and research. In addition to several awards given by UF veterinary students, Risco also received the UF Blue Key Distinguished Faculty Award for teaching research and the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teaching Award from the college. He was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in Argentina in 2004 and was honored by the college’s Alumni Council with its annual Alumni Achievement Award in 2005.

He is an internationally recognized lecturer on dairy cattle production medicine.

“Dr. Risco brings a wealth of experience in large animal and a new vision to the leadership of the department,” said the college’s dean, Glen Hoffsis.

Dr. Mike Walsh

Anyone paying attention to entertainment news these days knows about the new movie, Dolphin Tale, which opened Sept. 23 in theatres and tells the true story about Winter, a dolphin that survived entanglement in a buoy line by subsequently being outfitted with a prosthetic tail. What’s perhaps less commonly known is that the character of Winter’s veterinarian, played by Harry Connick Jr., is loosely based on none other than the University of Florida’s Dr. Mike Walsh.

Walsh, who is associate director of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Aquatic Animal Health program, also performs veterinary services at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is where Winter has resided since being rescued by scientists from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce back in 2005. Aquarium staff contacted Walsh, who was director of veterinary services at Sea World in Orlando at the time, to ask his advice about how to best obtain blood samples from the impaired dolphin.

“I first had contact with Winter when she was a baby, and because she was missing her tail, there was confusion as to how to get blood samples from her on a regular basis to keep track of what was happening with her,” Walsh said. “The probability of infection was high, so we needed to monitor blood on a regular basis.”

Winter, shown at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Winter had lost her tail because the blood supply to it had been cut off when she was tangled in the buoy line, Walsh said. He recommended that samples be taken from the peduncle, the area between the dorsal fin and the tail since it could not be obtained from the tail, which is standard for obtaining blood samples from most dolphins but was impossible in Winter’s case.

A year or so later, Walsh was serving as the park’s veterinarian. Many companies and individuals had approached the park about creating some type of prosthetic tail, but deciding whether this was a feasible option – as an alternative to euthanasia – and what the safest approach was, took some time, Walsh said. Eventually the park wound up working with a company called Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics of Waterville, Maine.

“They had the best idea for achieving the goal without hurting Winter’s skin or causing other problems, and we thought that working with David Yates’ team at Clearwater was going to be a long term benefit for Winter,” Walsh said. He added that Winter’s success from a medical perspective was greatly impacted by Dr. Janine Cianciolo, who took care of her after her injury and nursed the dolphin, along with other members of the aquarium’s team, through infection, wound healing and growth.

Five years later, Winter is doing well, Walsh said. However, he cautions that managing her tail is an ongoing, lifetime issue.

“We still have a great need to continue to make progress and to make things even better over the long run,” he said, adding that as Winter grows, the needs of her tail change also.

Winter’s prosthetic fin is “like a sock made for a certain sized shoe,” Walsh said. “Her tail has been modified many times by the Hanger group team headed by Kevin Carroll and Dan Strzempka, and we have gone through numerous prototypes as a result as the need for change. Each time we introduce a new tail, we have to go through a readaptation process, depending on how well it fits and the degree of propulsion she gets from it.”

Veterinarians need to make sure not only that Winter is moving properly and building her muscles, but also that she can function well in a multiple animal environment with individuals that have normal tail structure, Walsh said.

“The challenge with Winter is coming up with solutions to a problem that no one has dealt with before,” Walsh said. “This is where the College of Veterinary Medicine excels.”

When filming took place for the movie, Walsh spent a day at the park with Harry Connick, Jr., talking to him about various medical issues experienced by animals there, including showing the star how some stranded sea turtles were being treated.

For his involvement, Walsh was offered two tickets to the movie’s premier in Los Angeles, although he turned them down due to other obligations.

Others from UF  have also played an important role in Winter’s care over the past few years, including Dr. Carolina Medina, chief of the college’s acupuncture and rehabilitation service, and Dr. Nicole Stacy, a clinical pathologist.

Medina said she had gone to see Winter several times in the past two years, adding that she performed acupressure, laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound, and in addition, showed Winter’s trainers how to perform massage and stretching exercises.

Stacy has been involved in processing and interpreting diagnostic samples from Winter since 2009, “two to three times a week and more frequently during the time of filming last year for the purpose of monitoring her health during the process,” Stacy said.

Department of Physiological Sciences
Box 100144
1600 SW Archer RD
Gainesville, FL  32610-0144
stevosian@ufl.edu
352-294-4364
FAX 352-294-8012

 Education

• PhD, Tufts University, 1997

Research Interests

Genetics

Recent Publications

• DMRT1 Owner's Manual: Synchronized Installation Required to Operate.

Additional publications here

Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Large Animal Reproduction
akelleman@ufl.edu
PO Box 100136
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32608-0136
352-392-2229
FAX: 352-392-8289

Education

• Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists, 2000
• Resident, Theriogenology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Fla., 1998-2000
• DVM, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., 1995
• BS, Biology, Cornell University, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, 1990

Honors and Awards

• Society of Phi Zeta

Research Interests

Dr. Kelleman’s professional interests are general clinical reproduction, equine embryo transfer, semen freezing and specialty semen processing.

Recent Publications

Publications listed here.

Education

• Doctorate, Biomedical Sciences/Parasitology – 2008. Auburn University
• Master of Science, Biology – 2004. Appalachian State University
• Bachelor of Science, Biology – 1999. University of Kentucky

Honors and Awards

• 2008 – Intervet/AAVP Outstanding Graduate Student
• 2008 – Byrd Dunn Award for Best Student Presentation
• 2007 – Phi Zeta Best Graduate Student Presentation
• 2007 – Bayer/AAVP Best Graduate Student Presentation

Research Interests

Research in our laboratory is centered on parasites of importance to veterinary medicine. Protozoan parasites are of particular interest, including the relationships between parasite and host and resulting pathogenesis of disease. Our laboratory also diagnosis parasitic infections or infestations and routinely identifies parasitic helminths, protozoa and arthropods.

Recent Publications

Book Chapters

Stockdale HD, Spencer JA, Blagburn BL. 2007. Prophylaxis and Chemotherapy. In: Fayer R and Xiao L, Eds. Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis. 2nd Ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, p. 544.

Peer Reviewed Publications

Rosypal AC, Ripley A, Stockdale-Walden HD, Blagburn BL, Grant DC and Lindsay DS. 2011. Survival of a feline isolate of Tritrichomonas foetus in the environment. Vet Par: Submitted.

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC and Blagburn BL. 2009. Tritrichomonas foetus in surveyed pet cats. Vet Par. 160: 13-17.

Stockdale HD and Blagburn BL. 2008. Consultant on Call: Feline Trichomoniasis. NAVC Clinician’s Brief: 6(4): 9-11.

Stockdale HD and Blagburn BL. 2008. Diagnostic Tree: Feline Chronic Large Bowel Diarrhea. NAVC Clinician’s Brief. 6(4): 14-15.

Stockdale HD, Dillon AR, Newton JC, Bird RC, BonDurant RH, Deinnocentes P, Barney S, Butler J, Land T, Spencer JA, Lindsay DS, Blagburn BL. 2008. Experimental infection of cats (Felis catus) with Tritrichomonas foetus isolated from cattle. Vet Par. 145: 156-161.

Rodning SP, Wolfe DF, Carson RL, Wright JC, Stockdale HD, Pacoli ME, Busby HC, Rowe SE. 2008. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus in several subpopulations of Alabama beef bulls. Theriogenology 69: 212-217.

Stockdale HD, Rodning SP, Givens MD, Carpenter DM, Lenz SD, Spencer JA, Dykstra CC, Lindsay DS, Blagburn BL. 2007. Experimental infection of cattle with a feline isolate of Tritrichomonas foetus. J. Parasitol. 93(6): 1429-1434.

Stockdale HD, West GS, Hankes TH, McMillan KL, Whitley M, Spencer JA, Dykstra CC, Blagburn BL. 2006. Feline Trichomoniasis: An Emerging Disease? Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 28(6): 463-471.

Additional publications here

Department of Physiological Sciences
vickroy@ufl.edu
PO Box 100144
1600 SW Archer Rd
Room B2-10, BSB
Gainesville, FL 32610-0144
352-294-4036
FAX:  352-294-9874

Education

• B.S., Biophysics & Biochemistry, Penn State University, State College, 1977.
• Ph.D., Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 1982.

Honors and Awards

• Clinical Sciences Teacher of the Year Award, UF College of Veterinary Medicine, 2006.
• Teacher of the Year Award (Class of 1996), UF College of Veterinary Medicine, 1998.
• Teaching Improvement Program Award, UF College of Veterinary Medicine, 1994.
• C.E. Cornelius Outstanding Young Investigator Award, UF College of Veterinary Medicine, 1991.

Research Interests

My principal research interests are neuropharmacology, pharmacokinetics and regulation of drugs that are used in major and minor food animal species. At present, I serve as one of the national directors for the Food Animal Residue Avoidance and Detection (FARAD) program, which is designed to prevent or mitigate chemical residues in animal-derived foods (meat, milk, eggs, etc.) by therapeutic treatments (e.g., extra-label drug use) or accidental exposures to pesticides, toxins or other environmental contaminants. Detailed information on the FARAD program can be found at www.farad.org. In addition, I serve as Southern Region Drug Coordinator for the Minor-Use Animal Drug program (MUADP). This program works with industrial partners and stakeholder groups to identify drug needs for minor food-animal species (sheep, goats, gamebirds, aquaculture, etc.) or minor use drugs in major species. MUADP coordinators conduct or oversee suitable trials to generate and disseminate data that demonstrate safety and efficacy in target animal species as well as human food safety and work with groups within the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA/CVM) to gain regulatory approvals for drugs. More information about MUADP can be obtained at www.nrsp7.org.

Recent Publications

• Improved nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis for tetracyclines at subparts per billion level.

Additional publications here

Small Animal Internal Medicine
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
spechta@ufl.edu
PO Box 100126
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32610-0126
352-392-2235
FAX: 352-392-6125

Education

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine), 2005
• Resident, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 2001-2004
• Intern, Small Animal Medicine, Foster Hospital for Small Animals, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 2000-2001
• DVM, Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 2000
• BA, Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, 1996

Honors and Awards

• UF Division Five Health Science Center Superior Accomplishment Award, 2008
• Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2000
• American College of Veterinary Radiology Senior Student Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2000
• Sime Family Scholarship, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota,1999
• Student Leadership Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota,1998

Research Interests

Comparative Urology and Nephrology, Idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Canine Chronic Kidney Disease, Interventional endourologic techniques,Comparative Hematology and Immunology, Immunologic considerations in transfusion medicine, Causes and mechanisms of prothrombotic tendencies in small animal disease, Relationship between systemic inflammatory responses and hemostatic mechanisms, Myeloproliferative disorders/myelodysplasia, Immune-mediated cytopenias, Genetic/Metabolic liver disease, Collaborative research involving a canine model of GSDIa, Comparative information about disease manifestation and long-term complications in dogs/humans, Comparative information about therapeutic nutritional support strategies, Evaluating safety and efficacy of AAV vector-mediated gene therapies

Recent Publications

• MRI Findings in a Dog with Kernicterus.

Additional publications here

Avian Diseases Extension Specialist
Large Animal Clinical Sciences
butcher@ufl.edu
PO Box 100136
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32608
352-294-4390
FAX: 352-392-3029

Education

• Diplomate, American College of Poultry Veterinarians, 1992
• PhD, Avian Virology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 1987
• MS, Avian Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 1984
• DVM, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 1981
• BS, Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 1980

Honors and Awards

• Person of the Year, Florida Poultry Federation, Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Florida Poultry Industry, 2003

Research Interests

The primary focus of Dr. Butcher’s extension program involves providing technical support to the Florida Poultry Industry and related avian industries. Activities include on-farm visitations, poultry necropsies and sample evaluations (histopathology & serology), and consultations. The program at the University of Florida is primarily to provide direct support to the industry in Florida; however, international work in support of IFAS’ International Programs Mission and the University’s Mission toward globalization is undertaken. A statewide Salmonella monitoring program has been developed in association with the Florida Poultry Federation. This proactive program permits identification of Salmonella-infected farms and provides recommendations on eradication procedures. Research efforts have been directed toward recombinant vaccines to combat poultry diseases including Newcastle disease, Gumboro disease, Marek’s disease, and infectious laryngotracheitis. Vectors have included virus and plants. Work is also being conducted on transgenic chickens.

Recent Publications

Publications listed here.

Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Large Animal Surgery
brownmu@ufl.edu
PO Box 100136
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32608-0136
352-392-2229
FAX: 352-392-8289

Education

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 1980
• Resident, Large Animal Surgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, Calif., 1975
• MSc, Comparative Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1975
• DVM, University of Saskatchewan College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1972

Honors and Awards

• Large Animal Clinician of the Year, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 1984, 1993, 1999, 2001
• SCAVMA Teacher of the Year, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 1993, 1998
• Teacher of the Year, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. Class of 1999

Research Interests

For approximately the last 10 years, Dr. Brown’s research has focused on osteoarthritis, primarily osteoarthritis in horses. However, it has become apparent that the horse is also a good translational model for osteoarthritis in other species, particularly humans. In collaboration with Dr. Troy Trumble, Dr. Brown has concentrated on developing, validating, and using biomarkers (biochemical markers) of joint metabolism to help diagnose, monitor progression, and treatment effects related to joint disease and injury. Dr. Brown also has an interest in identifying new targets for the development of osteoarthritic drugs. He has focused on the inter-relationships of articular metabolic by-products of synthesis and degradation of bone and cartilage in the synovial fluid, serum, and urine. By using biomarker concentrations and ratios in these fluids to predict the presence or absence of joint injury, we have found that some of these tests have an accuracy greater than 90%. Although many of the biomarkers used are commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays, Dr. Brown has also developed a number of original assays in his laboratory that may be useful in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis and the monitoring of treatment effects. His research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Recent Publications

Publications listed here.

Education

• MS, Quantitative Genetics, Louisiana State University, 1980
• PhD, Genetics, University of Arizona, 1987

Honors and Awards

• Who’s Who in Veterinary Medicine Higher Education, 2008
• Phi Zeta National Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine, 2007
• International Organization for Mycoplasmology Derrick Edward Award for Outstanding Research in Mycoplasmology, 2004
• University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine C.E. Cornelius Young Investigator Award, 1994

Research Interests

Cellular microbiology focuses on the host cell responses elicited by interactions with microorganisms. Recent and ongoing research in my laboratory includes culture- and non-culture-based discovery of new bacterial pathogens and commensals from clinical specimens; experimental infection studies and epidemiology; bacterial genome sequencing and annotation; molecular analysis of bacterial virulence mechanisms; comparative immunology; CD44, CD95, and TLR signaling in pro-apoptotic and inflammatory responses to bacterial infection; and genome-based predictive modeling of pathogen evolution.

Recent Publications

• Genome annotation of five Mycoplasma canis strains.
  

Additional publications here