The VEPE Lab is focused on developing strategies and novel tools to manage, control, and prevent pest infestations and the spread of disease in animals- including wildlife, livestock, and domestic animals. By employing a One Health approach to disease management, we seek to reduce the burden of disease affecting humans as well, we are just bi-pedal animals after all!

As the primary contact for entomology and pest questions related to animals in Kentucky, we love to hear from our stakeholders! Please reach out with questions and concerns on any “critters on critters” issues. Our Extension goals include:

• Mitigating pest and disease risk for animals, particularly livestock, the equine industry and wildlife

• Assessing stakeholder needs for veterinary entomology education, prevention, and risk reduction

• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop new tools and management plans for veterinary entomology, pest, and parasite concerns

• Parasite-host relationships

  • Ecology

  • Behavior

  • Co-parasitism

• Integrated vector/pest management (IVM, IPM)

• Wildlife health management

• Re(emerging), vector-borne, and zoonotic diseases

• Disease surveillance

• Disease mitigation and control