Why Dr. Kathryn Duncan is obsessed with ticks

If you are a keen follower of the veterinary parasitology field, then you may already be aware of the far-reaching implications it brings to both human and animal health.  Despite many advancements in veterinary medicine, parasites still remain a major hindrance to animal well being.  A number of professionals are offering a helping hand in changing the scope of veterinary parasitology throughout the animal health field.  One such professional is Dr. Kathryn Duncan. 

Many who know Dr. Kathryn will agree she has transformed the veterinary world greatly.  An animal lover, Kathryn Duncan obtained her doctorate in veterinary medicine at The University of Tennessee.  She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. and clinical training towards board certification in parasitology.  This is quite fascinating considering she is getting help from one of the leading veterinary parasitologist, Dr. Susan E. Little.  Aside from being a veterinary parasitologist,  Dr. Susan E. Little is a Diplomat of the ACVM and Co-Director of the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology.  

To make the field of veterinary parasitology better, Dr. Kathryn focuses on ticks and tick-borne infections in North America.  Certain ticks are known to transmit more than one infection making it hard for animals to maintain a healthy life.  Since diagnosing these infections, especially early on can prove to be a daunting task, it is important for veterinarians to distinguish the epidemiology and clinical features.  This is exactly what Dr. Kathryn is doing in her research to find a lasting solution.  

Aside from her clinical training at Oklahoma State, her program is going to touch on parasitology experience at other veterinary colleges in North America.  To make it even better, she plans to collaborate closely with other professionals who are looking forward to helping out with veterinary parasitology throughout the animal health field.  Well, this comes as good news since the world of veterinary parasitology needs like-minded people to work together to achieve the same course. 

Kathryn’s current research will go a long way in improving animal production and wellbeing all around the world.  Actually, the industry needs more of such minds in all sectors in order to deal with the challenges veterinarians have to make do with on a day-to-day basis.  Being a resident in veterinary parasitology through the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology, we definitely expect more from Dr. Kathryn Duncan in the near future.