Hundreds of thousands of individuals cross via the CHS Miracle of Bith Heart (MOBC) on the Minnesota State Truthful annually, possible unaware of the colossal effort it takes to make sure the well being and security of the tons of of animals born within the exhibit.

Amongst these caring for animals and supporting greater than 100 veterinary college students and dozens of volunteer veterinarians readily available to assist is Dr. Maria Pieters, an affiliate professor on the School of Veterinary Drugs. For her devoted involvement with the exhibit and her ardour for its mission, Pieters acquired the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Affiliation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

The award, offered to Pieters on the 2024 MVMA Annual Assembly in February 2024, acknowledges people who’ve carried out excellent service to the veterinary career and have contributed to the well-being of animals.

“Dr. Pieters has been invaluable to the MOBC exhibit via her coordination, encouragement, and help of the rotation veterinary college students who take part, and likewise her dedication to the idea and day-to-day working of the exhibit itself,” Dr. Holly Neaton, one of many occasion’s co-chairs, writes in her nomination letter for Pieters.

Pieters brings an expansive data of swine care to her work with the exhibit. Her analysis facilities on infectious ailments in pigs—significantly the analysis, epidemiology, and management of mycoplasma infections—and pig neonatal immunity. She is the principal investigator of the UMN Mycoplasma Analysis Laboratory and an lively member of the Worldwide Group for Mycoplasmology.

“Her data of swine well being is extraordinarily useful in making certain the exhibit’s pigs are cared for correctly,” Neaton writes. “The Miracle of Delivery exhibit has been very lucky that Dr. Pieters is on their staff and college students are fortunate to have her as a mentor and a professor.”

February 13, 2024 – College of Minnesota