Canine Genome Barks Podcast - Vaccinations with Dr. Christy Petersen

This week on Genome Barks, we welcome back Dr. Christy Petersen, a member of the faculty of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Petersen discusses the different types of vaccines available and what makes up these vaccines, as well as core vaccines and the best way to time the vaccination process.

Dr. Christy Petersen received her BA in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, DVM from Cornell University and PhD in immunology and infectious diseases from Harvard School of Public Health.  Prior to starting her PhD, Dr. Petersen worked in small animal/exotic practice in Beverly, MA and continued to moonlight through her PhD studies.  This work evolved into being the staff veterinarian for the Worcester Animal Rescue League in Worcester, MA.

Through AKC Canine Health Foundation funding, Dr. Petersen has developed highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests to determine Leishmania and Brucella infection in dogs prior to seroconversion and is working on assays to determine the likelihood of a good immune response to these fatal infections of both dogs and humans.  These new technologies may lead to vaccine candidates for chronic diseases including but not limited to canine leishmaniasis and brucellosis.