Source: Michael Dryden, 785-532-4613, dryden@vet.k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/drydenbio.html
Photos available. Download at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/feb11/Dryden1.jpg and http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/feb11/Dryden2.jpg
News release prepared by: Joe Montgomery, 785-532-4193, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu

Friday, Feb. 11, 2011

THE PET'S CHOICE: ONE OF THE FOREMOST EXPERTS ON FLEAS, TICKS IS VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR

MANHATTAN -- The 2010 Veterinarian of the Year is a Kansas State University veterinarian who may be considered dog's best friend for his work in flea and tick control.

Michael Dryden is a professor of veterinary parasitology in the College of Veterinary Medicine's department of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. He earned the honor from Ceva Animal Health and was recognized Feb. 12 at the Purina Pro Plan 57th annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards, presented by Dogs in Review magazine in New York City.

Also known as "Dr. Flea," Dryden is considered one of the world's foremost experts on fleas and ticks. He was once the subject of a French documentary about his work with fleas, and he's been an expert source on fleas for The Wall Street Journal and ABC's "Good Morning America."

His current research efforts are in flea and tick biology and control, investigating urban wildlife as vectors of parasitic diseases, and diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal parasites. Dryden is the author or co-author of more than 100 journal articles and book chapters, has lectured in 21 countries and has presented more than 750 invited seminars at national and international meetings.

He is active in several professional associations, including the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association, and he was a founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dryden has been recognized for his work with numerous honors, including the Excellence in Teaching Award from the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2010; the Recognition Award in Urban Entomology from the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America in 2007; the Teaching Excellence Award from second-year veterinary students at K-State in 2006; the K-State Distinguished Service Award in 2005; and the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence in 1995.

Dryden earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from K-State in 1984. He also has a master's degree and doctorate from Purdue University. He joined K-State in 1990.