OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences Collaboration Bring Students and Professionals to Tygh Valley
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University and Western University of Health Sciences brought a team of 9 students and 3 faculty to Tygh Valley in July. This one-health research program is designed to promote collaboration between medical, veterinary and environmental professionals, exposing students to a wide variety of careers. The members of this program collaborate to assess river health in central and western Oregon, working along the White River, Tygh Creek and Three Mile Creek in the local area.
The interdisciplinary team of undergraduate students, medical students, veterinary students and faculty assessed basic water quality and pathogens at multiple sites along the rivers and streams. The team evaluated for pathogens such as leptospirosis, giardhia and cryptosporidium, that are known to infect humans, domestic animals and wildlife.
The team also assessed E. coli (bacteria) contamination at the same sites, looking for the presence of both E Coli and assessing what antibiotics will still work against these bacteria. Additionally, at each site the group collected ticks to assess for tick-borne pathogens such as lyme disease, ehrlichia and anaplasma. This work will continue back in Corvallis, utilizing laboratories at both institutions, and will take several months to complete. Results will be communicated once they are available.
Many local community members were essential to the team’s success and students and faculty hope to work with a supportive community again next year continuing this work.
