This spring has been difficult to contend with in much of our state.  Frequency of rains, flooding, crop losses, properly losses and bad haying weather has been discouraging.  In much of the state, however, the corn crop looks very good.

Fortunately, we have received very reports or diagnostic submissions for problems rought about by the floods.  Considering the extent of the flooding losses, direct detriment to animals and birds was of limited extent.

On July 1, we welcomed four new veterinarians/students to the anatomic pathology graduate program.  These individuals come to us with much enthusiasm and excellent backgrounds of veterinary education accomplishment.  The students are Dr. Abby Durkes, a Purdue SVM graduate, Dr. Tiffany Reed, a graduate from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and Drs. Chad Frank and Ryan Jennings, both graduates of the Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine.  With the nationwide shortage of veterinary pathologists, I am sure these individuals will make valued contributions to some of the need for qualified veterinary pathologists upon completion of their advanced degree programs.

Among the dilemma diagnostic cases we have had of late are a number of young captive, white tail deer with clinical signs of swollen heads; some recover with treatment, some have died.  So far, it appears that this is necrobacillosis.  The means of spread and means by which the clinical expression is so consistent are yet under investigation.  The ADDL continues to       perform necropsy examinations on all horses that die on either of Indiana's two race tracks.  These examinations include checking for administration of unauthorized compounds; to date, all have tested negative.  We will again be running tests on urine from winning animals of the Indiana State Fair to detect unauthorized drug administration also.  Our state fair testing program in Indiana has been copied by several other states in attempt to detect and stop the drugging of show animals.

As this may be my last memo "From the Director", I would like to say that my time as Director of the Purdue/Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories has been an excellent run.  The employees, students, and supporters of these Laboratories are exemplary in their enthusiasm, aim for perfection and dedication to providing the best veterinary diagnostic service available anywhere.  I am eternally grateful to these individuals as well as to the users of the Laboratories for their dedication and commitment.  I look forward to continuing on the faculty of ADDL for at least another year as a working and teaching veterinary pathologist.  It is a great place to work, I appreciate it immensely.