Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, David J. Ellis Chair in Antimicrobial Resistance in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, has won the National Mastitis Council (NMC) Award of Excellence. The award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is presented annually to an individual with evidence of a sustained contribution to mastitis prevention and control through research, extension or education, clinical practice, or service to producers.

Ruegg’s work focuses on some of the dairy industry’s most pressing challenges, with a particular interest in treating bacterial infections (such as mastitis) without worsening the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Her research areas include:

• Benchmarking antimicrobial usage on dairy farms to find connections to the dissemination of resistant pathogens and their genetic elements
• Conducting clinical trials to determine when antimicrobials are appropriate to treat mastitis
• Exploring methods to boost cows’ immune response to infection
• Understanding how endemic disease influences response to bacterial infections

“The NMC is an international organization that is unique because it includes veterinarians, researchers, regulators, animal scientists, farmers, and industry professionals who work with milk quality, so there are lots of deserving individuals. I am very honored to receive this award but want to stress that my work is the result of contributions by many people other than myself,” says Ruegg. “Research is a team activity, and the greatest impact of the research that I have done is through the efforts of graduate students, research interns, veterinarians, and producers who have worked with me over the years. I hope that this award signifies the cumulative success of a team effort.”

Dr. Adam Lock, interim chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, says, “Dr. Ruegg’s leadership in mastitis prevention and antimicrobial stewardship has influenced dairy operations around the world. This honor from the NMC reflects both the depth of her research and her lasting impact on the industry, and we’re proud to see her recognized with this award.”

In addition to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Ruegg also has appointments at MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension. As the inaugural David J. Ellis Endowed Chair, she leads research programs that strengthen MSU’s interdisciplinary efforts and foster sustainable One Health and animal health practices across the livestock industry.