Population Medicine
We work to understand and improve the health of animal populations within their broader ecological, economic, and social systems. From disease mapping and outbreak response to reproductive health, nutrition, metabolism, welfare, and food system efficiency, we translate science into solutions that promote resilient, secure, and sustainable animal and human communities.
Services
The Section of Population Medicine offers deep expertise in biostatistical and biomathematical modeling to support research, clinical programs, and industry partners. Core specialties include advanced statistical methodology, mechanistic and stochastic mathematical modeling, systems‑level analyses, and quantitative approaches for understanding complex biological processes. The section also provides bioinformatics and computational support for genomic, transcriptomic, and high‑dimensional datasets, integrating modern data‑science pipelines with domain‑specific expertise. In addition, molecular‑dynamics modeling capabilities enable mechanistic insight into protein–ligand interactions, structural biology questions, and molecular‑scale processes relevant to disease, therapeutics, and population‑level health outcomes. Together, these specialties provide a comprehensive analytical foundation for projects ranging from food‑animal health and reproduction to regulatory science, surveillance, and translational research.
Our Animal Welfare service supports swine operations through applied research, on-farm outreach, and practical guidance focused on improving animal care, behavior, and overall herd well-being. We provide expertise in welfare-centered practices, swine behavior, reproduction, and production medicine to help producers strengthen animal health and optimize farm performance. Through this service, we work with operations to develop practical solutions that promote both animal welfare and the long-term viability of their businesses.
Epidemiology uses data from animal populations to understand health problems, identify risk factors, and evaluate interventions. By studying patterns of disease over time, across locations, and among species, epidemiologists generate evidence to improve animal health and protect public health. Our mission is to support evidence-based decision-making in veterinary and population medicine by providing the tools needed to assess risks, evaluate interventions, and inform policies affecting animal populations.
Our Biosecurity team specializes in infection control and in reducing the risk of infectious disease introduction and transmission, both within our facilities and for client operations. We work with livestock producers and veterinary teams to develop, review, and audit practical biosecurity plans, while also helping identify and address infection-related challenges. In addition, we provide consultation for veterinarians and producers on infectious disease prevention and biosecurity practices, as well as educational presentations for a wide range of audiences, including youth groups, producers, and veterinary professionals.
We proactive and reactive field investigation support to Pennsylvania’s swine and dairy industries in collaboration with PADLS. We help address on-farm challenges through clinical workups, field-based investigations, and applied research tailored to herd health and production concerns. In addition, we maintain an active disease surveillance and state mapping platform to support early detection, monitor trends, and help mitigate industry-wide risks.
Our Nutrition and Metabolism team provides expertise in dairy nutrition, nutrient utilization, and metabolic health to support animal performance, health, and welfare. We work to better understand how nutrients are absorbed and used by dairy cattle, with particular focus on improving metabolic resilience during critical stages of production. Our services and expertise include nutritional strategies, ration evaluation, rumen fermentation, feed additives and supplements, and applied approaches to addressing metabolic and health challenges that affect both cow well-being and milk quality.
Specialties
Research at the ASMG lab focuses primarily on the gut microbial composition of ruminants utilizing advanced molecular methodologies. The alimentary tract of a ruminant is colonized by millions of microbes living in a symbiotic relationship with the host. Therefore, knowledge of the microbial composition of the entire gut can provide insights into improving the overall health and productivity of the animal.
Our biosecurity mission is to protect animal and human health both here at NBC and beyond by:
- Managing our PennVet NBC infectious disease control and prevention programs and surveillance activities to prevent disease transmission.
- Working with state and federal regulatory entities to manage reportable diseases and regulated animal movements.
- Educating students, personnel, and stakeholders about infectious diseases and their prevention and management.
- Providing on-site and remote consultation for clients with infectious animal disease challenges.
Faculty: Aliza Simeone, VMD, DACVPM
The Biomathematics/Biostatistics Laboratory within the Section of Population Medicine provides quantitative support for veterinary, translational, and biomedical research. Its work integrates biostatistics, epidemiology, mathematical modeling, and computational methods to support study design, data analysis, interpretation of complex biological and clinical datasets, and the development of evidence-based conclusions. The laboratory serves as a collaborative resource for investigators seeking to apply rigorous statistical and mathematical approaches to questions involving animal health, disease processes, population-level patterns, and comparative medicine.
Our research on food system resilience and sustainability addresses food loss and waste, a critical challenge with significant implications for food security, climate mitigation, and resource efficiency. We examine the environmental impacts of food-waste management pathways, track nutrient flows across food systems, and develop innovative reduction and recycling strategies that enhance circularity and support the transition to more resilient and sustainable food systems.
The Marshak Dairy provides an easily accessible working dairy farm for research trials. In addition, the Dairy serves as a laboratory for teaching students on topics related to cow healthcare, preventive medicine, nutrition and food safety.
The Reference Andrology Laboratory provides complete testing of neat, cooled and frozen-thawed semen from mammalian and avian species. The primary purpose of these services is to aid practitioners in their differential diagnosis of individual/herd/flock reproductive problems.
The specialty introduces veterinary students to honeybee biology, health, and colony-level disease dynamics within a population medicine framework. Through a small teaching apiary, students gain practical experience with hive management, health assessment, and common stressors affecting colonies. Our growing research efforts aim to support evidence-based approaches to honeybee health and sustainability.
Faculty: Laurel E. Redding, VMD, PhD, DACVPM, Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, DABVP
Research: Honeybee foraging patterns | Education: Principles of Herd Health
The Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism actively investigates nutritional management strategies that can help optimize animal performance while promoting and enhancing overall health and welfare.
Faculty: Eduardo Rico, PhD
Meet the Faculty
Our faculty contribute a tremendous amount to the study of population medicine through their active projects and research.
