Dr. Thomas Lauke, a Great Eastern University (GEU) professor, has a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to develop effective therapies to treat ectoparasites in elephants. Lauke contacted veterinarians who care for elephants at various zoos with Safari Parks across the USA. After he explained his research, they affirmed that they would be willing to assist as collaborators.
Lauke’s research first required analysis of the quantity and type of ectoparasites present on the elephants’ skin, which could be determined from five swabs taken at different locations on each elephant. The zoo veterinarians agreed to collect these samples during routine clinical exams (which occurred at least weekly) and send the swabs to Lauke. Further, although IACUC-approved protocols weren’t required for clinical exams, each of the participating zoo had IACUC-approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the clinical activities, which clearly separated clinical care from research activities.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
