PULLMAN, Wash.– Dorothy M. French, a veterinarian and a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University, has been awarded a J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship for the 1998-99 academic year.
French will spend March through November in Costa Rica studying outbreaks and transmission of anaplasmosis in cattle.
Anaplasmosis is a very costly disease of cattle that produces anemia, jaundice, fever, and in many cases, death. A microorganism carried by ticks causes the disease. Anaplasmosis occurs most often in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is prevalent in the U.S. in the southeast, intermountain west and California.
French’s investigations will address whether certain genetic variants of the microorganism, which cause anaplasmosis, appear during outbreaks and are associated with enhanced tick transmission.
In contrast to cattle herds in the U.S., Costa Rican herds have a higher overall infection rate and occurrence in young animals.
“Comparison of these disease dynamics during outbreaks in the U.S. and Costa Rica may lead to a better understanding and eventual control of anaplasmosis,” explained French.
“It is an honor for WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine to have a person of Dr. French’s caliber selected for a prestigious J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship,” said Terry McElwain, interim dean of the college. “This rewards and reflects upon the dedicated and productive group of investigators that we’re fortunate to have here.”
An outstanding scholar, Dr. French was previously awarded a Mentored Clinical Scientist Award from the National Institutes of Health, the Harold W. Casey Scholarship from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, and the Student Scholarship Award for the Advancement of Veterinary and Comparative Pathology from the C. L. Davis Foundation.
“I appreciate the strong support and enthusiasm I have received from the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology and WSU,” said French. “Their philosophy of supporting opportunities for international exchange enhances the student’s scientific and educational experience.”
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946, after the end of World War II, to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Since its inception, the program has granted more than 225,000 scholarships to educational, political, economic, societal and cultural leaders.
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