Tag Archives: UF College of Veterinary Medicine

UF veterinary researchers discover deadly new snake virus

Aired on WUFT July 19th, 2012

Research on a disease outbreak in a private collection of pythons in Australia has led to the discovery of a deadly new snake virus.  Assistant Professor in Zoological Medicine at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, Jim Wellehan has been working with colleagues in Australia and Germany on the discovery.  Wellehan’s research will be published in the October journal, “Infection, Genetics and Evolution.” Wellehan says understanding the ecology and diversity of infectious diseases of wildlife is critical.  He talked with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend about his latest research on the snake virus and why it has an important tie to human health.

Pt. 1 

Wildlife Rehabilitation

When domestic animals such as dogs and cats get sick, there’s usually a pet owner around to foot the bill for the medical expenses and care for the pet once it goes home.  But when wild species get sick or injured, who handles their medical care?  Donna Green-Townsend reports on a unique cooperative effort between the University of Florida’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo that helps repair and rehabilitate Florida’s wild creatures.

Longer Version: