OSU’s National Center for Veterinary Parasitology receives $225,000 grant
from animal health industry partner

The Oklahoma State University Foundation today announced the receipt of $225,000 from Novartis Animal Health to become the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology’s (NCVP) first industry partner.

This partnership will help accomplish the NCVP’s mission to further the many advances made in controlling parasitic diseases of animals through integrated programs of applied graduate and residency training, targeted research initiatives, and a diagnostic and consulting service that serves the veterinary profession worldwide.

“Novartis shares the Oklahoma State University vision for the Center and will be an active sponsor in support of its mission,” said Fabian Kausche, M.S., Dr. med vet., global head of research and development at Novartis Animal Health. “We look forward to improving the way we serve the veterinary profession through our involvement in the NCVP.”

OSU’s NCVP will be a national resource for diagnostic testing and will help fill a great need for clinically oriented veterinary parasitologists who can meet current and future demands of the industry.

“In the last several years there has been a decline of veterinary parasitology training in the U.S.,” said Dr. Michael Lorenz, dean of the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. “The NCVP is an opportunity for us to continue training in the discipline of veterinary parasitology and to provide a source for national diagnostic testing.”

As a founding partner, Novartis will offer the program financial support, help guide and develop the NCVP as a member of its advisory board, and interact with graduate students and residents in training.

The Switzerland based Novartis researches, develops and commercializes leading animal treatments that meet the needs of pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. The global company operates in more than 40 countries and employs about 2,700 people worldwide. Through donations and grants, the company has given more than $500,000 to OSU.

Novartis’ $225,000 commitment will help make the center operational by providing support for laboratory renovations and related start-up costs. Renovations for the Center are scheduled to begin in 2009 with graduate studies starting in 2010.

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, Oklahoma State University is a five-campus, public land-grant educational system that improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach.  OSU has more than 32,000 students across its system and nearly 21,000 on its Stillwater campus; with students from all 50 states and around 110 nations.  Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 200,000 students who have made a lasting impact on Oklahoma and the world. 

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