With the appearance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in United States cattle and swine, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), the Pork Checkoff, and the Foundation for Foods & Agriculture Research (FFAR) are funding 10 new projects to improve prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response capabilities for HPAI H5N1. The projects, which are being conducted by various universities across the country, are part of the H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program, a $4 million research program and joint initiative of the 3 organizations.

The 10 projects, totaling $2.1 million in funding, address vaccine development and cross-protection, clinical presentation of swine in different production phases, potential for mammary transmission, diagnostic surveillance, introduction and transmission risks, and biosecurity practices.

“Funding timely research is essential to drive action for emerging disease prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response for the US swine industry,” Megan Niederwerder, DVM, PhD, executive director of SHIC, said in a news release.

 “We were very pleased with the overwhelming response to this research program, which received a record number of applicants.”

The studies focusing on vaccine development and cross-protection include

“Development of a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses for use in pigs” at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Is focusing on developing a vaccine strategy for inducing an immune response in swine

“Evaluation of cross-protective N1 swine antibodies against HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus” at the University of Minnesota: Is evaluating whether natural infection with endemic swine influenza A virus strains or immunization with commercial swine influenza A virus vaccines create immune cross-protection against HPAI H5N1

“Role of Prior Immunity to endemic swine viruses on HPAI H5N1 infection in pigs” at the University of Georgia: Objective is to investigate whether existing influenza A vaccines or prior exposure to endemic swine flu strains affect infection susceptibility and transmission of H5N1 in swine.

Studies on the clinical presentation and mammary transmission of HPAI H5N1 in pigs represent the category with the greatest number of funded projects. These studies include

“Preparing the US swine industry for HPAI H5N1: Quantifying and comparing H5N1 vs H1N1 spreading, shedding, and detection in groups with or without immunity to H1N1” at Iowa State University: Is comparing transmissibility, shedding, and detection of H5N1 vs H1N1 and assessing the impact of prior H1N1 infection on H5N1 infection and spread.

“Pathogenesis and transmission studies in piglets and sows infected with different genotypes of 2.3.4.4b clade H5Nx viruses” at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease: Is assessing H5N1, H5N2, or H5N5 pathogenesis in weaned piglets via different exposure routes and intramammary infection in lactating sows and suckling piglets.

“Evaluating H5N1 risk to swine: Mammary transmission and clinical presentation in lactating sows” at The Ohio State University: Is evaluating the replication potential of H5N1 strains in swine mammary tissue and clinical signs, shedding, and transmission in lactating sows and suckling piglets.

“Investigation of susceptibility of porcine mammary gland to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus infection and transmission risk of virus from sows to nursing piglets” at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada: Is investigating whether H5N1 can replicate and transmit via the mammary route in swine and examining pathogenesis in farrowing sows.

All projects were started this summer and are expected to run 12 to 18 months.

 According to SHIC, study results will be shared with veterinarians and producers “as soon as they become available.”

FFAR, SHIC & Pork Checkoff fund H5N1 Swine Research Projects. News release. July 24, 2025. Foundation for Foods & Agriculture Research. July 24, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-shic-pork-checkoff-fund-h5n1-swine-research-projects/

SHIC, FFAR, and Pork Checkoff fund 10 H5N1 Risk to Swine projects to address emerging disease threat. News release. Swine Health Information Center. July 22, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.swinehealth.org/shic-ffar-and-pork-checkoff-fund-10-h5n1-risk-to-swine-projects-to-address-emerging-disease-threat/

Articles

New research projects funded to combat avian influenza in swine focus on vaccine development, transmission risks, and biosecurity measures.

New H5N1 swine studies underway

Happy Monday dvm360 readers! We are excited to be heading back to Kansas City, Missouri, this weekend for Fetch Kansas City! Join dvm360’s staff, our faculty, and your fellow veterinary professionals to learn from the top of the industry. Take deep dives into equine medicine, surgery, dermatology, and more during lectures. And don't forget to add labs to your registration. You can also stop by our exhibit hall for Consult and Connect where you can get one-on-one time with faculty to ask your lecture questions or get advice on cases. You can check out some of our other offerings 

As we prepare to head to Kansas City, here is what you can find this week on dvm360.com:

The veterinary team at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Small Animal Teaching Hospital recently treated Skittles, a kitten who presented to the hospital with her jaw locked shut.

The latest installment of dvm360’s Clinic center will be available later this week, which will including Terravet Real Estate’s renovated location in Mississippi, vaccination clinics opening in Texas, and more!

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Rhys Giannarelli to the show to chat about the invisible costs of the veterinary team to highlight some of the most overlooked costs when it comes to having a team, and more.

Along with our conference coverage this weekend, dvm360 will be sharing more on the winners of our 2025 Hospital Design Contest. Be sure to check back in throughout the weekend to learn more about our 3 grand prize winners, as well as our merit winners.

The Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association announced that is has secured permanent open access to the first dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion publication in veterinary medicine, thanks to support from Maddie’s Fund.

Check out this week’s headlines on dvm360.com

Sneak peek: dvm360 heads to Fetch Kansas City, and other news 

The opportunity to become a practice manager fell into the lap of Nadine Wolfe. After she had her first son, she began to look for a part-time job close to home and stumbled upon a practice manager position.

“What began as something small has since grown into a full-time position that I truly enjoy. Early on, I discovered that my strengths lie in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. I found purpose in supporting the team—making it easier for our veterinarians and tech- nicians to focus on patient care by ensuring efficient workflows, happy teams, and satisfied clients,” Wolfe told dvm360.

Wolfe began to grow into her role and learn that when it comes to managing a practice, the success of her job was not just about efficiency or profit but about the people within its 4 walls. As a practice manager, she had to learn how to manage a wide range of personalities, emotions, and challenges when it came to staff. Wolfe also learned through her time that it is as crucial to be a good listener and have good communication and empathy as it is to manage team schedules and budgets. When the team she is managing feels seen and supported, every other aspect of their duties and careers naturally improves.

“Veterinary medicine can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding, so it’s essential to support your team, communicate clearly, and create a culture where people feel valued. Don’t be afraid to get involved in every part of the practice—whether it’s understanding the front desk workflow, helping with inventory, or learning more about medical procedures. The more you know, the better decisions you can make,” she concluded.

The 2025 class of dvm360 Veterinary Heroes will be honored at a celebratory luncheon in the dvm360 Fetch Kansas City Conference. 

Click here learn more or register for the event.

Nadine Wolfe wins the 2025 dvm360 Veterinary Hero award in the practice management category

2025 Veterinary Heroes: Nadine Wolfe (Practice Manager)

An equine hospital in Tennessee is expanding its leadership team with the addition of 2 co-owners for its center in Thompson Station. These individuals have unique interests in neonatology, lameness evaluation, performance horse care, and more. Meanwhile, a dog nutrition brand under Mars, Incorporated, has named a new global vice president with decades of experience.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Jason Taylor, global vice president, Eukanuba

Jason Taylor, global vice president, Eukanuba. (Image courtesy of Eukanuba)

The dog nutrition company Eukanuba, which is part of Mars, Incorporated, has appointed Jason Taylor as the vice president for the global Eukanaba brand. According to Eukanaba, Taylor first started working with the brand in 1998 after being hired as a financial analyst for The Iams Company. Today, Taylor has experience in research and development, corporate affairs, strategy development, sales, and marketing. His most recent position was interim general manager for the US Pet Specialty Retail and Omnichannel (PSRO) Business Unit for Royal Canin North America.

“For more than 50 years, Eukanuba has been committed to providing extraordinary nutrition for these extraordinary beings,” Taylor said in a company news release.

 “I’m proud to take over the leadership of this amazing brand where we’ll strive to find new ways to continue that legacy, and reach a whole new generation of dogs and their owners.”

Jason will play a critical role in shaping brand perception across markets,” Stanley Browning, general manager of the US PSRO Business Unit for Royal Canin North America, said.

 “His passion stems from the true awe and respect he has for the dogs we serve and the impact nutrition has on their lives.”

Christine Cocquyt Montgomery, DVM, DACVIM, co-owner, Tennessee Equine Hospital. (Image courtesy of Tennessee Equine Hospital).

Colton McInturff, DVM, co-owner, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Thompson Station. (Image courtesy of Tennessee Equine Hospital).

Christine Cocquyt Montgomery, DVM, DACVIM, and Colton McInturff, DVM: Co-owners, Tennessee Equine Hospital Thompson Station

Tennessee Equine Hospital (TEH) announced that Christine Cocquyt Montgomery, DVM, DACVIM and Colton McInturff, DVM, are now the co-owners of its location in Thompson Station, Tennessee. Cocquyt Montgomery and McInturff join Mounty McInturff, DVM, AAEP, founding veterinarian, and Matthew DeLisle, DVM, in TEH’s leadership group.

Currently the hospital director of TEH, Cocquyt Montgomery is interested in neonatology, gastrointestinal and respiratory disease and the use of advanced diagnostic imaging in complex medical cases. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University and fulfilled a rotating internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Virginia, thereafter completing a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Tennessee.

McInturff’s specialty is equine sports medicine and performance horse care. He is especially interested in lameness evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation with a focus on orthobiologic therapies, intra-articular treatments, and a multimodal approach to treating athletic injuries.

In 2017, McInturff obtained his DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed a yearlong internship in advanced musculoskeletal imaging and received residency training in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Colorado State University

“The strength of any hospital lies in the people who lead it,” Monty McInturff, said in a news release.

 “Both Dr Christine and Dr Colton lead by example and care deeply about horses and people. Bringing them into ownership is a natural next step.”

Eukanuba names Jason Taylor global vice president. News release. Eukanuba. July 15, 2025.

Tennesse Equine Hospital expands ownership team amidst continued growth. News release. Tennessee Equine Hospital. July 14, 2025.

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: Equine hospital names new co-owners, and more

A professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St Paul, Julie Churchill, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), teaches veterinary students at all stages, from first year to final rotations. “I have the luckiest job in the world,” she said. “I have the perfect mix of about 50% of my time is in the classroom and approximately 50% of my time is in the clinic. So I get to see patients, I get to work with clients, and I get to work with house officers in the clinical settings, so residents and interns as well as colleagues.”

Julie Churchill, DVM, PhD, DAVIM, is the 2025 Veterinary Heroes honoree in the nutrition category, sponsored by Blue Buffalo Company.

As a specialist in nutrition, Churchill does work that extends well beyond healthy food and preparing diet plans. It includes comorbidities and complex cases that do not always have a clearly identifiable dietary plan to help manage conditions. Her patients range from puppies and kittens to older animals. “I see such a variety [of patient cases], so it is never a dull moment,” Churchill said. “We do a nutrition assessment for every patient in [the] ICU [intensive care unit], so I have a great passion for critical care and our hospitalized patients. And I get to work with our primary care [team], so I get to see healthy [pets] too.”

Churchill is a volunteer for the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and works with the organization to find ways to help health care teams prevent and treat obesity and educate pet owners about weight management. She was also invited by the American Animal Hospital Association to participate in a task force addressing the organization’s weight management guidelines.

“The goal was how can we develop tools to make weight management easier for the health care team….Nutrition is a team sport,” Churchill said.

She urged veterinary professionals to not shy away from conversations about obesity. “Pet parents are craving these conversations. Veterinarians and veterinary teams are still the most trusted source,” she said. “We not only care for the pets throughout life, but we build this lovely, loyal clientele. We build clients for life by having those conversations and being there for their pet at every stage of life.”

The 2025 class of dvm360 Veterinary Heroes will be honored at a celebratory luncheon at the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Click here to learn more or register for the event.

The award winner is a mentor and professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St Paul.

2025 Veterinary Heroes: Julie Churchill, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)

Dottie Cimino Brown, DVM, DACVS, MS, is a visionary in veterinary medicine whose leadership has helped shaped how clinical care and research integrate into one seamless continuum. As vice president of Science and Healthcare Innovation at Mars Veterinary Health (MVH), she brings together nearly 3 decades of surgical, academic, and epidemiological expertise to drive system-level advancements that benefit pets, practitioners, and the profession at large.

Her journey began in veterinary surgery. After earning her DVM, Brown completed an internship and surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she served on faculty for 25 years. There, she built and led the Veterinary Clinical Investigation Center, a translational research program that strengthened the infrastructure for efficient, high-quality trials across the university’s academic teaching hospitals. Recognizing that rigorous clinical research required more specialized skills, she pursued a master’s in clinical epidemiology from Penn’s medical school, an investment that paid dividends in her ability to design studies, analyze outcomes, and mentor others in evidence generation.

In 2017, Brown made a bold shift into industry. She joined Eli Lilly’s animal health division, helping bridge human and veterinary science in translational and therapeutic development. With Elanco, she contributed to global teams in early research and development across species. Then, in 2023, she took the leading role in establishing MVH’s science function. In this capacity, she shapes strategy and execution for science and innovation across the world’s largest network of veterinary hospitals.

Under her leadership, MVH has launched 2 important initiatives. The Clinical Studies Site Network (CSSN) enables coordinated, multisite clinical trials across 60 hospitals nationwide. It dramatically increased enrollment—in 1 case, boosting monthly recruitment fourfold to roughly 200 animals—for the PetCare Biobank study, which will ultimately collect clinical, genetic, and lifestyle data from 20,000 dogs and cats. Meanwhile, her Outcomes-Based Healthcare (OBH) initiative reimagines care through the lens of pet owners. By developing and validating owner-reported outcome measures and integrating them into electronic medical records with intuitive data visualizations, her team is spearheading a shift toward care that’s measurable, individualized, and outcomes-driven.

In reflecting on the honor of a lifetime achievement award, Brown shared how it prompted deep reflection on her career path. “Having something that says lifetime achievement…makes you go, ‘Wow, I’ve been around for a really long time.’ It made me think about all the different touchpoints along the way…and how appreciative I am,” she said. That appreciation fuels her mentorship. Having received guidance throughout her own journey, she’s committed to ensuring she a coach and ally for younger veterinary professionals who may not yet see the full scope of opportunity in the field.

Her advocacy extends to boosting diversity in science and veterinary leadership. Brown actively promotes opportunities for women and girls in STEM and works to foster environments where associates can grow their clinical skills, engage in research, and contribute to meaningful real-world evidence. Within 1 year of creating MVH’s Medical Affairs Science Team, she guided the development and publication of the inaugural Science Impact Report. This was a compendium of hundreds of peer-reviewed studies conducted by MVH associates in 2024, covering topics from dental disease and obesity to dermatologic conditions.

Brown’s unique blend of surgical acumen, epidemiological training, academic career-building, and industry leadership gives her the rare ability to design and implement infrastructure that elevates veterinary science as a whole. Her work exemplifies how a strategic, human-centered approach to innovation can reshape care delivery, research, and professional development, impacting patients and practitioners now and in the future.

The 2025 class of dvm360 Veterinary Heroes will be honored at a celebratory luncheon in the dvm360 Fetch Kansas City Conference. 

Dottie Cimino Brown, DVM, DACVS, MS, wins the 2025 dvm360 Veterinary Hero Lifetime Achievement Award.