$85M to Develop a One Health Workforce for the Next Generation

USAID Award Supports New Project Led by UC Davis One Health Institute

The U.S. Agency for International Development will award up to $85 million over the next five years to the University of California, Davis’ One Health Institute and consortium partners to implement the One Health Workforce—Next Generation project.

What’s Killing Sea Otters? Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain

Genetic Link Found Between Deadly Pathogen and Wild and Feral Cats on Land

Many wild southern sea otters in California are infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, yet the infection is fatal for only a fraction of sea otters, which has long puzzled the scientific community. A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the parasite’s specific strains that are killing southern sea otters, tracing them back to a bobcat and feral domestic cats from nearby watersheds.

Hotter Temps Bring More Bugs: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself

Whether it’s relaxing lakeside, exploring vast forests or hiking through the mountains, the warm weather draws major crowds to some of our favorite outdoor locations. But we’re not the only ones flocking to these locations this summer.

As climate change warms the landscape, it opens a door for some disease-carrying bugs, like ticks and mosquitoes (arthropods, collectively), to march into unchartered territories. Just a few degrees can mean the difference between the presence or absence of some insects in your neighborhood, and can increase how often they reproduce.

Visit the California Raptor Center Open House, May 4

Members of the community are invited to visit the California Raptor Center Spring Open House for a free, fun educational experience. Educational raptors will be on “the fist" -- ask our handlers a question! Lectures on raptor rehabilitation, identification, conservation and adaptations are offered during the day. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of our permanent resident birds and visit the Museum for a hands-on experience. There is no charge for this event and parking is free.

UCGHI Board of Directors Welcomes New Co-Vice Chairs

In April 2019, the UC Global Health Institute (UCGHI) welcomes co-vice chairs, Jonna Mazet and Lara Stemple to its Board of Directors.

Jonna Mazet, DVM, MPVM, PhD (UC Davis) and Lara Stemple, JD (UCLA) will serve alongside Anil Deolalikar (UC Riverside), chair of the Board. “We are lucky to welcome co-vice chairs from such different disciplinary and work backgrounds. They will both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to UCGHI,” said Deolalikar.

Local Extinction of Southern California Mountain Lions Possible Within 50 Years

Two isolated mountain lion populations in Southern California’s Santa Ana and Santa Monica Mountains are at risk of local extinction, perhaps as soon as within 50 years, according to a study published in the journal Ecological Applications.

The study showed the extinction risk is due to low genetic diversity and mortality that affects the stability of the population. Mountain lion mortality is often caused by humans, but can also result from changes in the environment, such as wildfire and fluctuations in prey density.