Hearts United for Animals (HUA)(hua.org) welcomed Peru State College (PSC) research student Sierrah Vermeer on Saturday, Jan. 17, to conduct blood testing on shelter dogs as part of a regional canine health research initiative. Supported by Dr. Richard Clopton and Deb Clopton of PSC, along with Dr. Jon Kolman of Tecumseh Animal Clinic and Adams Animal Care, Vermeer collected samples from 35 HUA dogs to test for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease.
The samples will contribute to Vermeer’s larger study examining approximately 100 dogs across multiple shelters in Southeast Nebraska. Results are expected to be presented and published beginning later this year and continuing through 2027, helping advance veterinary research and improve disease prevention efforts.
“This partnership allows us to support impactful research while prioritizing the health and well-being of the animals in our care,” said Katie Shuster, Operations Manager at HUA. “We are grateful to Sierrah and the entire research team for including HUA in this important study.”
“As a former science major, it was incredibly rewarding to contribute to work that connects my education with my current role,” said Alissa Reeves, Animal Enrichment Specialist at HUA. “Our animals are our top priority, and this research helps strengthen disease detection and prevention.”
HUA thanks Sierrah Vermeer, Dr. Richard Clopton, Deb Clopton, and Dr. Jon Kolman for their collaboration and commitment to advancing animal health through research and education.
For more information about Hearts United for Animals, visit hua.org or follow HUA on social media.