Oklahoma State establishes parasitology center

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A recently established veterinary parasitology center at Oklahoma State University will conduct research, train students, and provide specialized diagnostic services and consultation.

The National Center for Veterinary Parasitology, launched in late February, will be based in the university's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences in Stillwater.

Dr. Susan E. Little, a professor and endowed chair in OSU's veterinary parasitology program, said the parasitology center's work will be split among parasites in small and large animals, with specific research areas to be determined by an advisory board of parasitologists and veterinarians across the U.S. Areas of interest include emerging threats, novel diagnostic strategies, zoonotic parasites, and parasiticide resistance.

Two applied graduate and residency training positions are expected to be added each year for the program's first four years. New trainees will join the program as others graduate.

Three organizations have together donated $600,000 for the center. Novartis Animal Health and Bayer Animal Health each pledged $250,000, and the Kirkpatrick Foundation pledged $100,000.