October 28, 2011

In the Spotlight : Wildlife Health Newsmaker Interview with Dr.Thomas (Tom) Yuill

Wildlife Disease News Digest
In the Spotlight



Wildlife Health Newsmaker Interview with
Dr. Thomas (Tom) Yuill





Who are you?
Thomas Yuill
  • Professor Emeritus, Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Professor and Director Emeritus, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
  • Professor Emeritus, Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Map It

What are you working on now?
Training and education of wildlife biologists and veterinary students and graduates on wildlife diseases

How does your work benefit wildlife disease research?
  • Past research has provided information on the roles of wild birds and mammals as reservoirs of human and domestic animals' diseases.
  • Past research has contributed to an understanding of avian botulism as a cause of waterfowl mortality.
What do you see as the most significant challenge for wildlife health professionals today working in the field of wildlife disease?
  • Learning to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Learning to communicate with the public.
What informational resource (e.g. book, journal, website, etc) should any wildlife health professional be familiar with?

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?


Specialize in one area, but acquire some background in other areas to be able to function well in a team.


What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

  • Interacting with grandchildren


  • Hiking, cross country skiing
  • Music