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Remembering John C. Harris, Visionary Leader and UC Davis Alumnus

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is deeply saddened by the passing of John C. Harris, a distinguished UC Davis alumnus, agricultural innovator, and devoted supporter of animal health and education. Harris, who passed away at the age of 81, earned his degree in agricultural production from UC Davis and went on to become a transformative figure in California’s agricultural and equine industries. As chairman and CEO of Harris Farms, Inc., his leadership helped build one of the most respected names in farming, ranching, and Thoroughbred breeding on the West Coast.

What Cats May Teach Us About Long COVID

Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, is a serious and historically fatal disease in cats caused by a coronavirus. It behaves in many ways like severe coronavirus infections in humans, causing widespread inflammation, T cell exhaustion and chronic immune dysfunction. Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have found that mesenchymal stromal cells, or MSC therapy, in combination with antiviral drugs, helped cats’ immune systems recover and reduced systemic inflammation.

From Reactive to Predictive Care: A Conversation on AI and Animal Health

In a remote region of California, a wildlife rehabilitation center uploads routine clinical notes about an injured eagle showing signs of neurological symptoms. Within hours, an AI system flags this case alongside similar reports from across the State, detecting an unusual pattern that might signal an emerging disease outbreak—weeks before traditional surveillance methods would notice.

Alumni Spotlight - Dr. Sean Gadson

This summer we sat down with 2021 grad, Dr. Sean Gadson, this year’s White Coat Ceremony Alumni Speaker, to chat about his experience attending UC Davis and what he’s been up to post-graduation.

 

From Rats to Hippos with Dr. Lynette Hart

Dr. Lynette Hart has studied everything from rodent songs to elephant tool use to giraffe courtship. Now, after more than four decades at UC Davis, the pioneering professor has officially retired—though it’s clear her influence will continue to ripple through the field of human-animal interactions.

Impact of Childhood Adversity on Health Professions Students

Graduate health professions students from socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to have had encountered adversity in their childhood. And according to a new study, that reality also could lead to personal struggles during their education and careers.

The longitudinal research examined the wellbeing of UC Davis students in three of its professional schools: medical, veterinary and nursing.

Raising Awareness of Brain Tumor Research and Treatment

Dr. Sanam (Sunny) Thukral was close to graduating from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine when she passed away in November of last year after a 30-month battle with glioblastoma. She was awarded a posthumous DVM during commencement ceremonies this May with her family accepting it on her behalf.

Community Comes Together to Help Dog in Need

“Case of the Month” – June 2025

 

Woodie, a 1-year-old pit bull mix, is now pain free and seeing better thanks to community-based veterinary programs that came together to care for him. Born with a dermoid mass in the corner of his left eye, Woodie recently underwent surgery at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) to have the benign growth removed.

UC Davis Equine Surgeons Save Mare Injured in Trailer Accident

Long-time equestrian Deborah Steele was trailering her 18-year-old Paint mare Daisy Mae to a chiropractor appointment. When she opened the trailer upon arrival, Steele saw Daisy Mae—whom she has owned since birth after breeding her dam—hung up on the metal bar divider of the trailer stalls.

Residents Win Research Abstract Awards

Resident researchers were recognized and applauded at the American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine (ACVIM) Forum in Louisville, Kentucky, during an awards luncheon on June 20, 2025. The special event was sponsored by Purina Institute with many of the winners in attendance. The winning abstracts were among the research presented to ACVIM Forum attendees throughout the conference.

Among those selected from UC Davis are:

How Stories Can Save Our Planet and Ourselves: A Q&A with the Authors of Belonging to Earth

Dr. Michael Lairmore and Dr. Michael Wilkes—two UC Davis-affiliated thought leaders in veterinary medicine and global health—have just released a new book, Belonging to Earth: One Health Stories to Save Our Planet and Ourselves (Cambridge Scholars Publishing). Lairmore is dean emeritus of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Wilkes is director of global health and professor of medicine at the School of Medicine, and senior medical correspondent for KCRW/NPR.