The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed veterinary professionals, researchers and industry experts Nov. 5-6 for its annual Fall Conference, held in conjunction with the Boehringer Ingelheim World Rabies Symposium.

The two-day event brought together professionals from across the veterinary and public health fields for continuing education, collaboration and discussions on emerging issues impacting animal and human health. Offered in person at the Roger J. Panciera Education Center and virtually, the conference featured sessions covering companion animal, equine and food animal medicine, along with a dedicated track focused on rabies prevention and management.

A highlight of this year's conference was the Class of 1963 Distinguished Lecture, delivered by Dr. Cheryl Stroud, executive director of the One Health Commission. Her keynote presentation, “Foundations of One Health: The Full Scope of the Concept and a Brief Overview of the Global Movement,” explored the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing health challenges that affect people, animals and the environment.

A veterinarian with a Ph.D. in endocrine physiology, Stroud brings experience in veterinary practice, industry, academic teaching and research, and One Health advocacy. For 13 years, she has led the One Health Commission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting stakeholders, building cross-disciplinary teams and educating communities about One Health issues around the world.

The conference also featured the Boehringer Ingelheim World Rabies Symposium, which brought veterinary, wildlife and public health professionals together to discuss rabies prevention, disease management and the importance of coordinated responses to potential exposures.

A featured speaker was Dr. Rodney Willoughby, professor of pediatrics and infectious disease specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Willoughby presented “Curing Human Rabies,” sharing his expertise in human rabies treatment and the Milwaukee Protocol, an experimental treatment approach he developed in Milwaukee in 2004. His presentation explored the challenges of treating human rabies, current therapeutic approaches and emerging research aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Additional symposium presentations addressed the National Rabies Management Program, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis protocols, animal bites and current rabies vaccination issues. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on rabies wet lab at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, where participants reviewed proper sampling techniques, field necropsy approaches and sample submission procedures.

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, director of Continuing Education at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, said the annual conference provides an important opportunity for veterinary professionals to stay informed and connected throughout their careers.

“Fall Conference is one way we continue to support veterinary professionals throughout their careers. Each year, it gives veterinary professionals a chance to hear what’s changing in the profession, talk through cases with colleagues and bring practical ideas back to their teams,” Biggs said. “Offering the conference here at the CVM and online makes it easier for people to participate around the demands of practice.”

Biggs emphasized that the rabies symposium demonstrated the importance of the One Health approach and the collaboration needed to protect both animal and human health.

“Rabies shows what One Health looks like across veterinary medicine and beyond. When an animal encounters a potentially rabid animal, the veterinary team, diagnostic laboratory and public health officials may all have a role in determining whether people or other animals were exposed,” Biggs said. “The symposium brought veterinary, wildlife and public health professionals together to discuss how they can work together before an exposure occurs and how they can coordinate when one is suspected.”

The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine extends its appreciation to Boehringer Ingelheim for sponsoring the World Rabies Symposium and to the speakers, sponsors, alumni and university colleagues who helped make this year's conference possible.

“I'm grateful to the speakers, sponsors, alumni and OSU colleagues who made this year's conference possible, and to the veterinary professionals who made time to join us,” Biggs said.

Through its annual Fall Conference, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine continues its commitment to providing meaningful continuing education opportunities and supporting the veterinary professionals who serve communities across Oklahoma and beyond.

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