A snowstorm that closed highways led English literature student Kate Huyvaert to an unexpected path—becoming one of North America's leading experts on wild sheep disease. From discovering that 25% of albatross chicks aren't raised by their biological fathers to unraveling the devastating cycle of respiratory disease threatening bighorn sheep across the American West, Kate's journey spans fleas on prairie dogs, boobies with complete sexual agency, and the deadly mycoplasma bacteria creating chronic carriers in wild sheep populations.

Kate introduces her innovative "kaleidoscope" approach to disease ecology, moving beyond simple models to embrace the beautiful complexity of host-pathogen interactions. This episode showcases how choosing your own adventure in science can lead to transformative wildlife health research, offering hope for cracking the code on chronic disease carriers while highlighting the interconnected world of domestic animals, wildlife, and human health.

Links

https://vetmed.wsu.edu/our-team/wsu-profile/kate.huyvaert/

https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/about/praboard

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Join host Dr. Cat Vendl as she meets Dr. Nick Doidge, zoo veterinarian and researcher, working to save the world's rarest insect – the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, nicknamed the "tree lobster."

Thought extinct for 80 years, these living fossils were dramatically rediscovered on a volcanic rock stack in the Pacific Ocean. But after bringing them back from just two individuals, a new threat emerged: deadly bacterial infections threatening the entire captive population.

Discover how Nick has developed cutting-edge diagnostic tools to detect the pathogenic bacterial strains ahead of the insects' planned reintroduction to Lord Howe Island next year.

This episode reveals the intricate science behind saving a species that survived impossible odds on a cliff face in the middle of the ocean.

Links

Nick's profile on the One Health Research Group at Melbourne Uni

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In honor of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug 9, join host Dr. Cat Vendl for a special episode featuring two powerful Indigenous voices in health and healing. Meet Dr. Nicole Redvers, a member of the Deninu K'ue First Nation and Western Research Chair in Indigenous Planetary Health, who reveals how Indigenous healers have always treated humans and animals as interconnected beings. Then hear from Angaangaq, a traditional healer from Greenland whose spiritual mission is to "melt the ice in the heart of men."

From Arctic seal hunting rituals that honor life to the simple power of saying "good morning," discover how Indigenous wisdom about balance, respect, and gratitude offers essential guidance for wildlife health professionals. A transformative conversation about breaking down silos, building bridges between knowledge systems, and remembering that healing begins with recognizing our interconnectedness with all life.

Links

Learn more about Nicole's and Angaangaq's wisdom and work.

We'd love to hear from you ... share your thoughts, feedback and ideas.