K-State: Honours expert on zoonotic diseases

Richt, an expert in emerging zoonotic diseases, is a veterinary
microbiologist who has worked with multiple agents of zoonotic potential.

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted between humans
and animals and are a growing concern for public health.

Richt is currently lead scientist at the USDA’s National Animal Disease Center and has worked primarily in two areas: emerging viral diseases of swine and prion diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

He is being recognised more and morefor his understanding
of avian/swine/human transmission of influenza viruses

“As a Kansas Bioscience Eminent Scholar I will work diligently to find new ways to combat the animal diseases that threaten the nation’s food supply and our national and state economy,” said Richt.

The Kansas Bioscience Eminent Scholars Program is aimed at attracting distinguished bioscience researchers to Kansas research institutions, along with their research and commercialisation activities.

The honour of eminent scholar is quite new. The position comes with around US$2m in research funding for a period of five years.

Related websites:

• Kansas Bioscience Authority

• USDA National Animal Disease Center

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