Externship Experience

Submitted by SAVMA Externship Grant Recipient Anna Schultz, Cornell University

During a rewarding 4-week externship with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), I had the opportunity to work closely with state wildlife veterinarians and gain firsthand experience in the diverse field of wildlife conservation. My time included learning about the capture and collaring of aoudad and mule deer in West Texas, part of a long-term effort to protect native bighorn sheep from habitat competition and disease transmission. I participated in alligator population management in East Texas, contributing to public safety efforts and veterinary research on surgical tracking techniques and thermoregulation. Throughout the externship, I deepened my understanding of wildlife disease surveillance and control, with a focus on diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease and Epizootic Bighorn Sheep Pneumonia. Additionally, I explored the important role regulated hunting plays in conservation through population management and funding from the Pittman-Robertson Act. This experience also highlighted the critical involvement of veterinarians in legislative advocacy and environmental policy. Overall, the externship provided a comprehensive and eye-opening view into the essential, multifaceted work of state wildlife veterinarians and their vital role in preserving ecosystem health and biodiversity. I am very thankful for this experience and the time I spent with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Dr. J Hunter Reed and Dr. Sarah Wyckoff.