The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has actually called Gary Johnson, DVM, PhD, assistant teacher in the department of veterinary pathobiology at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, a recipient of the 2023 Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award.1
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This biennial award is called after Asa Mays, DVM, a member of CHF’s very first board of directors in 1995. It is talented to a research study detective showing “meritorious achievements in furthering the mission of identifying, characterizing, and treating canine disease and ailments.”2
“Asa’s dedication to canine health and the sport of purebred dogs has inspired us all,” said Wayne Ferguson, the president of CHF in 2005 when the Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award was developed. “I can think of no better way to honor that spirit than through the annual presentation of this award. The pioneering effort of these researchers is a wonderful testament to Asa’s vision for conquering disease in all dogs.”2
Johnson has actually been studying to discover hereditary anomalies accountable for heritable illness in domestic animals considering that the early 1990’s. In 2013, Johnson and his associates were a few of the very first to utilize entire genome sequencing to find anomalies accountable for heritable canine illness. They have actually leveraged this innovation to recognize the hereditary causes for heritable canine illness such as degenerative myelopathy, neuronal storage illness, glaucoma, and more.1
“Dr Johnson’s pioneering research study in canine genes brought a brand-new age to canine health,” revealed CHF ceo Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP. “His groundbreaking profession not just deciphered genes, it likewise deepened the connections we have with our canine buddies.”
With Johnson getting near to retirement, a contribution from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will develop the Dr. E. A. (Al) Corley OFA Endowed Program in his acknowledgment to make sure an intense future for canine molecular-genetic research study at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. A program director, who has actually not been called yet, will spearhead the program into an age of synthetic intelligence-assisted research study to discover the hereditary systems underlying complex canine illness and habits.1
“Dr Johnson has actually ended up being a household name on the planet of canine health research study,” specified Eddie Dziuk, OFA Chief Operating Officer.1 “He is unquestionably among the most respected scientists making hereditary discoveries causing DNA tests for numerous canine illness. At completion of the day, nobody can question the reality that Dr Johnson’s work and commitment have actually definitely made our dogs much healthier.”
The award will exist by Laura Liscum, PhD, CHF clinical evaluation committee chair, and Carolyn Henry, DVM, MS, ACVIM (Oncology), from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, throughout the 2023 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
References
- AKC Canine Health Foundation honors Dr Gary Johnson with 2023 Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award. News release. AKC Canine Health Foundation. August 9, 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akc-canine-health-foundation-honors-dr-gary-johnson-with-2023-asa-mays-dvm-excellence-in-canine-health-research-award-301896897.html
- Asa Mays Excellence in Canine Health Research Award. AKC Canine Health Foundation. https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/awards-and-scholarships/asa-mays-excellence-in-canine.html
