Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Whether for students or for the public, service lies at the center of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department. The interaction of service, discovery and education that takes place within the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department results in new knowledge, timely information, and students prepared for careers that make a difference for animals and people alike.
The pre-veterinary medicine program (Pre-Vet) is dedicated to assisting students who have a desire to attend veterinary school to become a veterinarian.
A PPVM provides students with knowledge and competencies in the fundamental and clinical veterinary sciences with a rural, regional focus.
The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences has an extensive research program focused on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases of domestic animals and humans. Currently, our research program encompasses approximately 12 faculty and adjunct faculty and 20–30 graduate students.
The Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) at SDState primarily identifies and researches infectious diseases within livestock and other animal species. However, within the Food Safety Lab, microbiologists test meats, seafood and fish for bacteria that can make humans sick. Staff in these two departments work together to ensure that South Dakota is producing safe food sources and identify various infectious diseases.
Our research groups largely focus on basic questions of immunology, molecular vaccines, viral and bacterial pathogenesis. Our researchers collaborate regionally, nationally and internationally with both academic and industry-based researchers to isolate mechanisms of pathogenesis, develop novel vaccine strategies against infectious agents of animals and humans and develop new diagnostics for emerging diseases.
New Class of PPVM Students Welcomed
The Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine which is a program within the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department welcomed its 4th class of veterinary students during a three day orientation for the new students. During these three days students participated in JOALE activities, learned about resources offered by the Department and the University, met faculty and staff within the department, and had a breakfast at the President's house with President Barry Dunn.
Renovation Work Complete
The final stages of the ADRDL construction projects have been completed with the renovation of the "1967" and "1993" portions of the ADRDL. With the move of primary diagnostic laboratory functions to the new addition to the north, the former lab space has been remodeled to serve the research, teaching and diagnostic development functions of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department.
Some of the major changes include:
• Conversion of a storeroom and file room to classroom space for the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM), set to welcome its first students one year from now.
• Replacement of the hoist in the necropsy area and addition of downdraft tables to handle formalin fumes - preparing for the PPVM's anatomy courses and research necropsies.
• Modification and renovation of several old diagnostic lab areas to provide additional, highly functional and flexible space for growing research programs.
• Significant mechanical upgrades including new air handlers, exhaust fans and environmental control systems; refacing and insulation for improved energy efficiency and moisture control moisture penetration; and a new roof and sewer lines.
• New LED lighting throughout the area to provide improved lighting and energy efficiency.
• New flooring, paint and ceiling grid/tile in much of the building.
(Below) Photos of renovated spaces: Renovated classroom (top L) and teaching laboratory space (top R) for the PPVM program; new hoist and downdraft tables in old necropsy room for PPVM anatomy courses (bottom L); renovated research lab space being put to use (bottom R).
SHIC Funding Supports SDSU Work
A project funded by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) will develop understanding of the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of porcine parvovirus (PPV) infections in swine farms.
In addition, researchers at South Dakota State University, led by Drs. Jimmy Lin and Ben Hause will explore the role PPV2 infection plays in important diseases such as pneumonia, immune deficiency, reproductive failure and lameness, all causes of concern and lost productivity for pork producers. Other specific project objectives include development of research and diagnostic assays, including in situ hybridization and real-time PCR, for the detection, identification and differentiation of PPV1 and PPV2. SHIC's mission to protect the health of the US swine herd includes funding of this project, enabling work no one else is doing in the industry, then sharing the insights gained to benefit all.
Meet the administrators, faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.
