The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center works to advance the health of wildlife in balance with people and the environment. As the largest center within the One Health Institute, our work recognizes that the health of domestic animals, wildlife, people and the environment are inextricably linked. We use science, technology and education as our tools.
As a part of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, our projects and programs focus on the health and conservation of free-ranging and captive terrestrial, aquatic and marine wild animals. Through the service, training and research conducted by the programs and projects listed below, we aim to conserve wildlife in their native habitats, restore ecosystem health, and address complex issues at the wildlife-human-animal interface.
The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center's programs are broad-based, supporting the activities of affiliated faculty in their respective areas of interest. We work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
In its current form, the WHC started 25 years ago (in 1998) under Dean Bennie Osburn’s leadership of the SVM and the center directorship of faculty members Walter Boyce and Jonna Mazet. As veterinary scientists, Boyce and Mazet created a center of excellence in wildlife health research, service and teaching that prioritized solutions-oriented problem-solving and close stakeholder involvement. The programs and projects of the WHC have been nearly wholly extramurally funded through scientific research grants, service contracts and private sector donor support.
To read about the major on-going programs of the WHC:
Marine Ecosystem Health Diagnostic and Surveillance Laboratory
In addition to on-going programs, the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center has a long history of contributing veterinary and scientific expertise to the conservation of threatened and endangered species. Here are some examples of that work:
California Mountain Lion Project
White Abalone Recovery Project