Welcome Ty Tortella, one of three summer research vet students with Schubot!
Ty’s summer project aims to identify a highly sensitive diagnostic approach for detecting bird infected with avian bornavirus. His summer funding is from the Vet Med Summer Research Training Program, and he is mentored by Drs. Caitlin Mencio and Sarah Hamer. Ty will be comparing PCR-based and serologic approaches for diagnosing ABV, and comparing assay sensitivity using different swab sites on the birds. The end goal will be an optimized, simple diagnostic approach to aid veterinarians, bird owners, and even wildlife managers in diagnosing and managing infections.
