Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine and infectious diseases at North Carolina State University (NCSU), is the recipient of the 2017 Asa Mays DVM Award for Excellence in Canine Health Research. Dr. Mary Smith, CHF Board Member and Chairman of the CHF Scientific Review Committee, presented the award to Dr. Breitschwerdt at the 2017 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Dr. Breitschwerdt’s leading-edge research in the field of infectious disease has advanced our knowledge of deadly pathogens that cross species barriers, contributing to both canine and human health,” said Dr. Smith. “As a clinician, research scientist and educator, he has impacted not only our current understanding, but has prepared many young scientists to continue this work into the future.”
In addition to his position at NCSU, Dr. Breitschwerdt is an adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He has most notably contributed to innovative research in the areas of animal and human bartonellosis, and is internationally regarded as an expert in vector-borne diseases. Dr. Breitschwerdt’s research group has published more than 350 manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In 2013 he received the Holladay Medal, the highest award bestowed on a faculty member at NCSU. He is also the recipient of the 2017 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Excellence in Research Award. CHF has awarded Dr. Breitschwerdt over $215,000 in funding for research in bartonellosis and lymphoma.