Student Experiences

One Health in the Arctic

Submitted by Katie Fleming, Tufts University

My experience with the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC) in Alaska proved that veterinarians hold critical roles in non-clinical careers. Climate change and global warming are impacting human, animal, and environmental health in many ways, and understanding the global impacts is important for preservation of populations, health, and culture. 

The Arctic is experiencing faster and more drastic changes due to its geographic location and environmental features. My goal for the summer was to learn about unique problems facing Arctic and Indigenous populations, which are very different than public health issues in the lower 48. I conducted interviews with international and domestic One Health practitioners in the Arctic and asked them questions about their research and communication methods. I learned many things about the physical and social geography of Alaska, such as the importance of subsistence, how climate change is altering water sources and causing changes in animal populations and migration, and how Indigenous and rural Alaskan populations are attempting to combat a decrease in food availability. 

I also learned about traditional Indigenous life and the importance of certain animals to the culture and lifestyle. I pushed myself to broaden my views on hunting of seals and whales, which is difficult because these animals are highlighted by many conservation organizations and anthropomorphized in these capacities. However, I spent time learning about the history of whaling and seal hunting in the Arctic and gained an appreciate for their lifestyle. This appreciation was further developed by learning climate change impacts on the ability to continue these practices, and I spoke with locals about how loss of culture and tradition is impacting the mental health of Arctic populations. 

The goal of my project was to identify strong and weak areas of communication between One Health Arctic organizations. Communication is a difficult thing to improve because it is so reliant on the cooperation of diverse groups of people. However, my discussions enlightened me to communication areas I had not previously considered. It was exciting to speak with internationally recognized researchers because they spoke on the importance of international collaboration and offered advice on improving communication at all levels of research. 

Overall, my time spent in Alaska this past summer allowed solidification of my desire to enter a veterinary policy career and fight for climate change mitigation legislation. The reliance on the natural world in Alaska is beautiful and truly encompasses a One Health way of life. It is difficult to fully understand the plight of Indigenous Arctic populations when one lives in Massachusetts, but my time spent with Alaskan natives provided insight that will be beneficial to my career. I plan on using my experiences in the Arctic as I enter the work field and fight for populations who are disproportionately impacted by climate change. 

Creative Corner

"Splish Splash - A cross-stitched embroidery of four horses enjoying the water in the wild"

Submitted by Lauren Megan Whitelock, University of Florida

Foot in Mouth Disease

Submitted by Laura Oliva, Iowa State University

Photography

"After the Storm"

Submitted by Erin Lamont, University of Minnesota

Student Experiences

Submitted by Anastasiya Missan, Atlantic Veterinary College

Save the Bees

In his book, All Creatures Great and Small, the famous James Herriot writes of his humorous stories of a country vet tackling a variety of farm animals, dogs, cats and even birds. But one very small creature is missing from his exploits, the mighty bee.

 

Apiculture and honeybees are often overlooked as food-producing animals. However as of 2021 Canada had 810,000 beehives, yielding almost 90 million pounds of honey with a total value over $278 million. Like any animal honeybees are can be afflicted by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Historically these health situations have been generally managed by beekeepers. But with the newer regulations regarding antimicrobials, and the veterinary prescriptions now needed for their use in Canada, veterinary care for bees is becoming a new and exciting area of medicine.

Although a newly emerging area, bee medicine is not exactly a required course in vet school. So, to follow my interest I went elsewhere to learn more. I contacted a veterinarian who also owned several beehives. I was able to shadow him for several months and learn more about bees, and veterinary medicine. Every few weeks I would travel to his farm, say hello to the sheep and chickens, put on a bee suit, and do something new with the bees. Over the next few months, I learned how to tell the different types of bees apart and their roles within the hive, the multiple different ways to treat Varro mites in beehives, and what to do when the queen bee dies. I was able to watch the bees slowly produce honey over the summer, and then help with the collection of the honey in the fall. Despite what probably would have been a useful skill, I was also fortunate enough not to learn what to do if a bee stings you. I am thankful to have this opportunity, to have had an absolutely amazing mentor, to have been able to follow my interest, and learn so much more about bees and veterinary medicine.

As veterinarians we are able to be involved in so many different areas within our communities, some of which may not seem obvious at first. I would encourage anyone interested in the different aspects of veterinary medicine to reach out to their communities and to learn more.