Jessie Ziegler, D.V.M., M.S., DACVIM

I am a clinical instructor and veterinary scientist working at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. I obtained my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. I completed an internship and residency in the Large Animal Internal Medicine with an emphasis in livestock medicine at Washington State University, becoming a diplomate with the American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine. I have extensive experience in livestock medicine and surgery, working with numerous small ruminant species including sheep and goats as well as camelids. I have an interest in enhancing the quality of care in veterinary medicine through innovative science and education.

As a farm animal veterinarian practicing in Maricopa County, I have treated many patients for Valley Fever. Camelids seem to be very susceptible to Coccidioides immitus and typically require aggressive treatment with anti-fungal drugs. Conversely, goats do not appear to show clinical signs when exposed to C. immitus, but when I tested some of them for Valley Fever Titers, I found that many of my caprine patients are positive. I am interested to obtain more epidemiologic data on the prevalence of Valley Fever in alpacas and goats, and eventually figure out what it is about these species that make them respond so differentially to infection.

With the increasing shortage of livestock practitioners, my goal as an educator is to inspire as many veterinary students as I can and show them that they are more than capable of caring for all animals, including ruminants and pigs. I am honored to serve my future colleagues here at Midwestern University in helping students reach their full potential and grow into this profession.