Veterinarian honored for work against dangerous pathogens

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Lt. Cmdr. Schafer
Lt. Cmdr. Ilana Schafer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention honored a veterinary medical officer for her work on disease prevention and control of disease agents including the Ebola virus.

Lt. Cmdr. Ilana Schafer received the 2017 James H. Steele Veterinary Public Health Award in April at the 66th annual Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference. The award was given to recognize her domestic and international contributions toward Ebola prevention and control of Ebola virus and other hemorrhagic fever–causing viruses, such as those responsible for lymphocytic choriomeningitis and leptospirosis.

Dr. Schafer is a veterinary medical officer in the Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch of the CDC Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology.

Dr. Steele was the first chief of the CDC Veterinary Public Health Division, and the award bearing his name is given to EIS officers for contributions to veterinary public health and one health, or the concept of interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health.

Related JAVMA content:

37 honored for Ebola response, two given individual awards (March 1, 2016)