AKC Canine Well being Foundation Honors Johnson with Prestigious Award
Dr. Gary S. Johnson, an associate professor in the Division of Veterinary Pathobiology and director of the Canine Molecular Genetics Laboratory at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the 2023 Asa Mays DVM Excellence in Canine Well being Investigation Award by the AKC Canine Well being Foundation (CHF). He has been a faculty member at Mizzou given that 1980 and has been studying genetic mutations in domestic animals given that the 1990s.
Dr. Johnson and his colleagues have been pioneers in applying complete genome sequencing to recognize genetic mutations accountable for heritable canine ailments in 2013. This technologies has been instrumental in locating the genetic causes for ailments like degenerative myelopathy, neuronal storage ailments, glaucoma, and extra.
Dr. Johnson expressed his appreciation for the Asa Mays Award, thinking of it a terrific honor and recognition of the good influence that DNA testing has had in enhancing the general well being of the canine pet population. He believes that avoiding the production of puppies with heritable ailments by means of DNA testing has considerably contributed to the effectively-getting of these animals.
In November, the university received a $1.five million present from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to help the Canine Molecular Genetics Laboratory. This generous donation will assistance establish the Dr. E. A. Corley OFA Endowed Plan in honor of Dr. Johnson upon his retirement, making sure that molecular genetic analysis in canines continues at Mizzou.

