Emeritus professor honored for achievements in wildlife disease

Donald Forrester, Ph.D., a professor emeritus in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of pathobiology, has received the Wildlife Disease Association’s Emeritus Award. The award was presented at the group’s most recent annual meeting, held Sept. 2 in San Diego.

Founded in 1951, the WDA is an international, nonprofit organization with more than 1300 members from 45 countries. WDA members are actively engaged in research, teaching, and service activities related to wildlife. The group acquires, disseminates, and applies knowledge of the health and diseases of wild animals in relation to their biology, conservation, and interactions with human and domestic animals.

The WDA has two major awards, the Distinguished Service Award, which is the highest award the organization gives, and the Emeritus Award.

“Don received the DSA in 1986 and most recently the Emeritus Award,” said Ed Addison, the group’s executive manager, adding that the award was established in 1969 and grants an honorary category of membership in the association.

“The story of why he was chosen is a long one of an exceptional scientist who has contributed enormously in all aspects of his area of science and to many societies, including the WDA,” Addison said.