Zoological species present some of the most complex diagnostic challenges in veterinary medicine. Subtle clinical signs, limited sample availability, and disease processes that span individuals and entire populations often make traditional diagnostic approaches insufficient.
In this webinar, Dr. Mark A. Mitchell, Professor of Epidemiology and Zoological Medicine at Louisiana State University and Director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, explores how next-generation sequencing (NGS) is transforming the way veterinarians and researchers characterize health in zoological species.
Drawing on real-world case examples, including barred owls, amphibians such as lemur frogs, and mammals; this session highlights how comprehensive microbial and genomic analysis can provide deeper insight into complex and multifactorial disease processes.
🔍 Why This Matters in Zoological Medicine
Veterinary professionals working in zoo, wildlife, and exotic animal medicine frequently encounter cases where:
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Clinical presentations are atypical or non-specific
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Traditional diagnostics fail to identify causative agents
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Mixed infections complicate interpretation and treatment
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Health challenges extend beyond individuals to populations
Next-generation sequencing offers a broader, unbiased approach to microbial detection, supporting more informed clinical decisions in these high-complexity environments.
🧬 What You’ll Learn
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How NGS enables broad-spectrum detection of bacteria, fungi, and parasites
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The role of genomic data in understanding health at both individual and population levels
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Approaches to interpreting complex, multifactorial disease processes
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Applications of advanced diagnostics in clinical care, surveillance, and conservation medicine
🌍 Applications Across Species and Settings
This webinar is designed for professionals working across:
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Zoological institutions and aquariums
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Wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs
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Exotic animal clinical practice
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Academic and research settings
By moving beyond targeted diagnostic panels, NGS provides a more complete picture of microbial communities and disease dynamics—supporting better outcomes in both individual patients and broader populations.
🎓 About the Speaker
Dr. Mark A. Mitchell is a Professor of Epidemiology and Zoological Medicine at Louisiana State University and serves as Director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana. His work focuses on advancing diagnostics, epidemiology, and clinical care in wildlife and zoological species.
📅 Webinar Details
Title: Barred Owls, Lemur Frogs, and Rabbits, Oh My!
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM (Pacific Time)
🚀 Explore Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics
MiDOG’s next-generation sequencing platform supports comprehensive microbial detection across bacteria, fungi, parasites, and resistance markers, helping clinicians better understand complex and non-resolving cases.
