Small Animal Epidemiology
The Small Animal Epidemiology Unit has grown from the original Epidemiology Unit that was originally established at the Animal Health Trust with Dr James Wood as the Head. As a result of the ever-expanding work of those concentrating on small animal epidemiology and the small animal clinical research programme, a separate Small Animal Epidemiology Unit was formed in 2007. In addition to carrying out independent research, the Small Animal Epidemiology Unit provides epidemiological and statistical support to the small animal clinical research programme.
Epidemiology staff
Vicki J Adams BSc DVM MSc PhD MRCVS
Head, Small Animal Epidemiology
Vicki graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon in 1990 and went on to complete a one-year internship at the University of Minnesota. After six years in general and emergency practice, Vicki returned to the University of Saskatchewan to do research. Having obtained an MSc in the epidemiology of rabies in wildlife, Vicki completed a PhD in small animal epidemiology investigating owner compliance with veterinary recommendations and prescribed medications. Vicki started working at the Animal Health Trust in 2003 and she is currently Head of the Small Animal Epidemiology Unit. Vicki undertakes studies of feline disease in collaboration with the Feline Advisory Bureau (who part-fund her position) as well as working on studies of canine diseases in collaboration with the Kennel Club.
Rachel Dean BVMS DSAM(feline) MRCVS
Epidemiology PhD student
Rachel is an RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine and is currently undertaking an epidemiology PhD at the Animal Health Trust. Rachel qualified in 1996 from Glasgow University and after 7 years in practice, she took up a clinical and research post in the Feline Centre at the University of Bristol. Rachel gained her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2003 and her RCVS diploma in Small Animal Medicine (Feline) in 2006. Her particular interests are infectious diseases, vaccination, shelter medicine and feline geriatrics. She is currently not doing clinical work at the AHT but maintains strong links with the clinic and practicing veterinary surgeons through her PhD.
