VERO Researcher Recognized For Contributions To Food Animal Medicine

Story by Megan Bennett

January 27, 2026

An internationally renowned epidemiologist and veterinary internal medicine specialist, Dr. Paul Morley has made numerous contributions to veterinary medicine through his research, mentorship, and service.

As a professor and the Sally Rau McIntosh Endowed Chair in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Morley plays a key role in increasing society’s understanding of antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and biosecurity as they impact animal and human health.

He also leads a team of dedicated scientists and trainees as the director of research at the VMBS’ Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach (VERO) campus in Canyon, Texas — the heart of one of the most productive animal agricultural regions in the world.

Morley’s commitment and expertise have been recognized with numerous awards over the years, most recently through his induction as the sole 2026 fellow of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD). This lifetime honor recognizes Morley’s distinguished research career, strong dedication to mentorship, and many years of service to the organization.

The Path To VERO

Morley developed a love for cattle and food animal medicine while growing up in rural Nevada and during his training at Washington State University (WSU). 

After earning bachelor’s degrees in animal sciences and veterinary science, Morley remained at WSU for his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. He then completed an internship and residency in veterinary internal medicine at the University of Saskatchewan concurrently with his Ph.D. program.

Morley first became interested in research during his undergraduate and veterinary training at WSU, but it was during his graduate training at the University of Saskatchewan that his interests in livestock health, infectious disease epidemiology, and cattle production aligned to shape the focus of his career as a scientist and veterinary specialist. 

He went on to hold faculty positions at The Ohio State University, Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Public Health before joining the VMBS’ newly established VERO program in 2019 at its home in Canyon. The VERO program was implemented to expand the VMBS’ impact in West Texas.

“VERO’s location in Canyon provides an ideal opportunity for collaborations between stakeholders and researchers from The Texas A&M University System, including VERO, West Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M AgriLife,” Morley said. “The cattle industries are tremendously important to the economies of West Texas and the state as a whole. To have research faculty located in the heart of this production center addressing critically important problems is a win-win situation for everyone.”

A Multifaceted Approach To Protecting Animal Health

As the leader of the VERO research team, Morley focuses on preventing and controlling diseases in animals, studying the interactions between microorganisms and their environments, and promoting responsible use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine — all with the overall goal of improving the sustainability of animal agriculture and ensuring a plentiful and healthy food supply.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing health threats around the globe, according to the World Health Organization, and is one of the VERO research team’s top priorities.

“The impressive body of research that our team is conducting related to antimicrobial resistance is greatly needed by veterinarians, producers, and society,” Morley said. “Our research is helping to identify ways that we can prevent development of AMR while continuing to safeguard the health of animals and people.”

Another VERO priority is studying how certain dangerous microbes affect food safety. For example, for over two decades, Morley and his team have been working to reduce the threat of Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in both people and animals.

At VERO, the impact of his work has extended from cattle production and meat processing facilities to consumers’ dinner tables and even to the Texas A&M Large Animal Teaching Hospital, where his collaborations with clinicians are aimed at reducing the threat of infections among hospitalized patients.

“Infection control is important because it’s a vital part of delivering the very best patient care possible,” Morley said. “It’s all about preventing animals from getting sicker after they enter a hospital as well as protecting the people who work with them.”

The third focus of Morley’s, and VERO’s, research addresses critical animal health challenges, such as bovine respiratory disease and liver abscesses, that are major problems affecting the health and welfare of cattle, in addition to creating important financial losses for producers.

Throughout his career and across all his research interests, Morley has secured more than $22 million in research funding and published more than 250 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also trained dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, ensuring that the next generation of food animal researchers will be equipped with the same skills and dedication that have driven his own career.

A Heart For Selfless Service

Morley’s impactextends beyond the lab, as reflected in his extensive service to professional organizations such as the CRWAD, an international organization that promotes interaction among scientists and the dissemination of cutting-edge research on animal health and disease, population health, and translational medicine.

Morley first presented at the conference in 1992 and has been an active member for more than three decades. During that time, he has served as executive council member, vice president, president, past president, inaugural program committee chair, and executive director.

“Nearly 35 years of involvement with CRWAD has provided invaluable interactions with leading scientists from around the world, inspiring excellence in my work and fostering lifelong friendships and collaborations that have enhanced my contributions as both a scientist and a mentor,” he said.

Morley’s recognition this month as a CRWAD Fellow at the 2026 conference reflects the outstanding impact and importance of his research as well as his ability to communicate and interpret science to stakeholders and the public. It also recognizes his dedication to advancing the careers of young scientists and his continual contributions to the CRWAD organization. 

Previously, Morley’s work has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Research and Teaching from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the VMBS’ Outstanding Research Leader Award, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Research Award.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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