It is well-recognized that, due to the broad diversity in the health care of both aquatic and land animals, veterinary medicine plays a central role in the “One Health” global initiative that seeks to leverage the synergies between veterinary medicine, human medicine and public health from a solid, common foundation in biomedical and environmental sciences.
To this end, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine can boast a variety of important research programs. These programs focus on:
- The molecular mechanisms of emerging/re-emerging pathogens ranging from viral, mycoplasmal, rickettsial, and protozoal agents, plus anthrax, brucellosis and botulinum.
- Developing novel disease-control modalities, including vaccines for infectious diseases, immunotherapy for autoimmune conditions, gene therapy for lentiviral diseases, probiotic therapies for inflammatory conditions, and improved diagnostics for pathogenic agents.
- Defining musculoskeletal, metabolic, digestive and infectious diseases focused on food animals, marine mammals and reptiles.
- Advancing ecotoxicology in aquatic animals, including dolphins, manatees, sea lions, fish and sea turtles.
- Performing basic toxicology risk assessments encompassing drug residues primarily in meat-producing animals and aquatic animals
- Assessing the emerging field of nanotoxicology as we try to better understand how nanoscience impacts health and the environment.
More information about specific college programs can be found at these links:
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology
- Marine Mammal Program and Aquatic Animal Health
- Molecular parasitology and vector-borne diseases
- Virology and immunology
- Mycoplasma and mucosal immunology
Virtually all areas mentioned intersect with other colleges on campus, especially IFAS, and multiple off campus entities around the state. In addition, the College of Veterinary Medicine maintains animal models for human diseases, including closed angle glaucoma, osteosarcoma, dilated cardiomyopathy and hyperallergic syndrome, each with strong collaborations with the Colleges of Medicine, Engineering, Dentistry and Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Animal models also span a broad spectrum of human conditions ranging from oncology, autoimmunity, metabolic syndrome, periodontitis, orthopedics, aging and reproductive disorders, to name but a few.
Lastly, the College of Veterinary Medicine provides clinical services via the UF Veterinary Hospitals.
